Affinity spaces: How young people live and learn on line and out of school

Abstract

In the digital age, young people’s most powerful learning opportunities often occur online, in experiences and environments created by people working outside of the K-12 school system. In a sense, the internet has given new life to an older, less formal approach to education, in which individuals seek out and learn from others who share their interests. While schools remain critically important, teachers need to understand that more and more of their students are looking elsewhere to develop their knowledge and skills.