The document discusses the concept of "next practice" in education, which focuses on developing genuinely new approaches to teaching and learning through disciplined imagination. It proposes a "next practice" innovation model that supports practitioners in developing creative solutions to problems while maintaining relevance. The model encourages small groups of empowered teachers to push boundaries and share innovations so they can be implemented more widely. Two examples are provided: digital learning labs where teachers develop skills and new pedagogies, and a blended learning initiative where students work in cross-class teams using social networking and digital tools.

1. innovation in digital age education
from incremental to breakthrough change
ACT Education and Training Directorate Leadership Conference 2012

2. embedding innovation as part of
strategic processes

3. ‘next practice’ innovation model
http://www.innovationunit.org/resources/next-practice-education-disciplined-approach-innovation

4. what is next practice?
“In one sense ‘next’ practice is like tomorrow: it is never here. The
term is meant, though, to convey the notion of genuinely new
approaches rooted in practical understanding.” (Innovation Unit)
“There is a lot of research focused on best practice, but I focus on
next practice. Next practice [is]: future-oriented .... about
connecting the dots. Next practice is disciplined imagination.” (CK
Prahalad, Professor of Business Administration at the University of
Michigan)
“Next practices open up new ways of working – are much more likely
to come from thoughtful, experienced, self-confident practitioners
trying to find new and more effective solutions to intractable
problems.” (Improvement and Development Agency UK)

5. what is next practice?
A way forward for purposeful, disciplined interventions, which
nevertheless optimise the scope for professional creativity.
The Next Practice model:
• Supports practitioners and gives them the creative space and
incentives they need to be innovative.
• Develops interventions that both release professional imagination,
whilst encouraging work that is disciplined and system relevant.
• Assists schools to learn from the resultant innovation and its
process characteristics so that these can be taken to scale.

6. what next practice looks like
The combination of a methodology derived from the available
evidence base, with a mobilised group of empowered practitioners
motivated by a compelling purpose, supported by a variety of
individuals and networks to develop.

7. what next practice looks like
practitioners already pushing at the boundaries
skilled and self-confident visionary and energetic
The Right
take risks Group can lead others
their ideas spring from
have a lively interest in the
immersion in practice: not in
overall direction of education
theory or in ideology

8. ‘next practice’ innovation model
http://www.innovationunit.org/resources/next-practice-education-disciplined-approach-innovation

9. digital learning labs
defining projects that drive innovation
iPad Field Trial
Small groups of staff are invited Yr 8 Online Project
participate in DLL groups. Based Learning Group
Virtual Learning Group
DLL meet regularly throughout
2011.
DLL group members are
supported to develop skills,
pedagogy and to innovate.
DLL share their work at the
beginning of Term 4 staff day.

10. rethinking institutional structures
to support innovation

11. blended learning initiative students grouped in cross-class learning teams
team members support each other
core features teams participate in p2p assessment
teams collaborate online and f2f once a fortnight
Participation Learning Teams
more than collaborating
actively participating towards
learning outcomes
Independent Learning P2P
students central to problem
time management teacher as
solving / helping each other, rather
guide and mentor when online
than only relying on teacher
Digital Media Authentic Online
web-based applications no f2f teaching
real-time online communication
flexible work time / assessment times / who
participates in learning / where learning happens

12. learning network initiative
Learning based on sharing, Participatory Utilise social networking &
creation, interaction, Amply Youth Voicesdigital tools to amplify youth
conversation, communication. Learning voices & participation.
Support learning beyond
classroom & school
structures. Promote Virtual Core Choices &
inquiry through virtual
connections.
Learning Features Differentiation
Respond to the needs
of learners: present
choices in the way
content is presented,
created, assessed.
Use social networking features
to develop new learning
Social 21st Century
experiences & place learners at Networking Learning
centre of knowledge creation & Develop digital literacy,
exchange. critical thinking & 21stC
skills.

13. Sylvia Guidara
www.digimuve.com
twitter.com/digimuve
sguidara@me.com