To fully understand Christensen's argument in Disrupting Class, it is important to know that the context for a disruptive innovation in any system is an untapped or underutilized market. Basically, the organization implementing a disruptive innovation has no competition. Christensen gives several examples of a disruptive innovation from the business world. One such innovation was the introduction of the transition radio. Although these radios were not very good, they filled a gap in the market because there were no other portable radios. Consumers were willing to "put up" with inferior quality because the product filled a gap or void in the market. Of course, these transistor radios improved greatly within a short period of time.
In education, Christensen argues, a huge void exists for students. Education has been monolithic. For the most part, all students are taught in the same way from the same materials using similar pedagogy. Not much has changed since formal education began in the United States. Computer education has not dramatically changed how students learn. Many teachers use computers like electronic worksheets. The only difference between using a computer and using a pencil and paper is the tool that students are using. Christensen sees this as an under utilization of a technology that can truly revolutionize education.
Christensen paints an optomistic picture of what education could look like if technology were used to its fullest potential. Students would have a very wide variety of courses from which to choose. The courses would be fully integrated with other subjects. Most importantly, the curriculum would be individualized for each student. Based on the student's responses, the projectory of the course would change. (Some of this technology will be used in the Next Generation Assessments that are part of Common Core Standards.) Most importantly, the coursework would even allow students to participate in science labs and to simulate activities like building a brick wall. These innovations will not take place overnight, but improvements will happen quickly based on market demands.
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