Outsourcing

What do we do when we don't know how to do something?

What do we do when we don' t have the time to do everything?

What if there was someone that could do what we needed?

What if someone else could do it better?

Whether we realize it or not, we outsource all of the time. 

It is a quintessential skill. The world runs on outsourcing.

Did you know that the gig workforce is adding $715 billion dollars annually to the economy?

In fact, more and more people are choosing to join the gig workforce over traditional jobs.

The largest demographic joining the gig workforce are Millennials.

It is estimated that some 7.6 million Americans will be working on-demand jobs by 2020.

So here's the question: How are we preparing students to enter the gig economy?

Sure, students come into school and do "work" all day long.

But, who are they doing the work for?

Are they doing it for themselves or for their boss (the teacher)?

Because, more and more, people are choosing to be their own boss.

How can we encourage this in the classroom?

Our classroom uses a monetary token reward system.

They earn points throughout the week and exchange those points for cash on Fridays.

Last week, one student suggested we get wallets.

I thought it was an awesome idea, but I thought we should make them ourselves... out of Duck Tape!

Now, I have never made a Duck Tape wallet, but I am sure that there is a kid in the school who has.

What if I can find a student to come into the classroom and teach us how to make them?

Is there a student who specializes in making slime?

Is there a student who can teach us how to make stop-motion films?

What about outsourcing to different schools?

I think the idea has potential. 

Students are introduced to the gig economy that is almost certain to be a part of their future.

Students are deeply invested in teaching and learning.

Students are learning from students, developing a close-knit community.

Just spitballing, hoping something sticks. Thoughts?