Woolworths, Comet, Jessops and now HMV. The list of retailers disappearing from out High Streets is rising as a result of the recent economic difficulties and the failure of these companies to adjust to modern, online spending habits. Are there any lessons for education?
It has been widely reported that the failure of HMV to develop an online operation in the late 1990s and early 2000s has significantly contributed to its demise. A strong brand name is no longer enough in an industry that is dominated by giants such as Amazon and iTunes. We may all feel quite nostalgic towards brands like HMV but we tend to choose price and convenience over nostalgia when it comes to shopping. Reports last week show that the food chain Morrisons is under similar pressure without an online option and that it is perhaps too late to enter this market now.
Schools, like retailers cannot afford to persist with 20th century models in the 21st century. Schools, unlike retailers will not live and die by market forces as our customers cannot so easily swap brands. The cost might not be financial but the opportunity costs could be very high if we don't embrace modern technologies. Universities now have lots of online content, children, as digital natives, have access to mobile devices and broadband-enabled computers and social media offers largely untapped opportunities for meaningful and collaborative learning.
We might not get closed down but can we afford to think that we can hold back the tide?
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