Better Together by Lydia Dobyns and Tom Vander Ark Summary
Overview of Better Together
"Better Together" reveals how school networks revolutionize education through personalized, project-based learning. From the New Tech Network's expansion to 200+ schools across 28 states, this guide shows why educators are abandoning isolation for collaboration. Could networked schools be education's most overlooked innovation?
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Key takeaways
Reimagining Education Through Connected Learning
Imagine walking into a classroom in El Paso where students once trapped in test-prep drills are now designing solutions to community water shortages. Or picture a rural Arkansas high school achieving 92% graduation rates despite limited resources. What's their secret? Not flashy technology or expensive programs, but something far more powerful: networks. School networks have quietly become the most significant innovation in American education, creating systems where teachers collaborate across buildings and states, sharing effective practices while receiving structured support. This approach has transformed isolated classrooms into vibrant learning communities where both students and teachers thrive. As education faces unprecedented challenges, networks provide the structure, support, and innovation engine needed to prepare students for an uncertain future - one where collaboration and adaptability matter more than memorization. We live in a platform-driven world. The six largest companies by market capitalization - Apple, Alibaba, Alphabet, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft - all operate platform businesses that connect producers and consumers. These platforms create extraordinary value through network effects. Yet education has largely missed this revolution. While we book accommodations through Airbnb and transportation through Uber, most educational technology merely digitizes traditional practices. The transformation education needs isn't just technological - it's structural. Networks like New Tech Network demonstrate how this can work, providing shared goals, powerful tools, and professional learning opportunities that make implementation of complex innovations possible.
Student-Centered Learning: Projects and Personalization
Design Thinking: The School Reimagined
Connected Teaching and Learning Organizations
Leadership for Network-Based Education
Future of Educational Innovation
A Nation Proud of Its Public Schools
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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