In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, personalized learning is changing how we nurture student potential. The Taipei Digital Experimental High School (T-School) is a shining example of this transformation, offering students an unprecedented level of freedom in designing their education. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Yi-Hsuan Huang, Secretary of T-School, to understand how this innovative institution is shaping the future of learning.
Revolutionizing Education: T-School’s Philosophy
Q: What sets T-School apart from traditional high schools in Taiwan?
A: At T-School, we believe education should be as unique as the individual. Instead of limiting students to predefined tracks like science or social sciences in typical Taiwanese high schools, we allow them to create their own learning paths. We do this by lowering the number of required courses while increasing the number of elective courses, mirroring the flexibility of university education which is rare in traditional Asian high schools.
Students can select elective courses from both our curriculum and external sources, such as online platforms like Coursera or even private tutors. For instance, one student wants to pursue content creation, so she is taking courses like music composition and videography as her elective courses. Another student focuses on horseback riding, preparing for competitions while earning academic credits. Our approach empowers students to align their education with their passions, fostering a genuine love for learning.
Q: How does T-School ensure students thrive in this flexible environment?
A: Many students find this freedom to be liberating, as it allows them to manage their time more effectively and tailor their schedules to suit their personal learning styles. This flexibility not only fosters independence but also helps students develop crucial time management skills. To ensure accountability, we utilize apps that allow students to check in when attending classes, whether they are learning remotely or on campus. These tools help maintain a structured yet adaptable environment, striking the perfect balance between freedom and responsibility.
We do recognize that this level of freedom can be overwhelming, especially for students accustomed to typical "teaching to the test" methods. To support them, we’ve established mechanisms like mid-semester check-ins. If a student appears to be struggling, we meet with them to identify challenges and create an improvement plan. It’s all about guiding students toward self-directed learning while ensuring no one is left behind.
Innovative Learning Environments
Q: How does T-School use technology to enhance education?
A: Approximately two-thirds of our classes are conducted online. Teachers often use pre-recorded lessons, which allow students to learn at their own pace and practice time management. Meanwhile, tools like Notion, Padlet, and Miro facilitate collaboration and creativity during live sessions. For group projects, these tools help students brainstorm, organize ideas, and present their work effectively.
This hybrid model provides the best of both worlds: flexibility for independent learning and opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
Q: What kind of spaces and tools does T-School provide for its students?
A: Flexibility isn’t just a philosophy — it’s reflected in our campus. Students and teachers can participate in online classes remotely, but we also offer a variety of spaces on campus. These include private study rooms, collaborative group areas, and even a café-style lounge. For hands-on courses like industrial arts or maker projects, we provide cutting-edge facilities equipped with 3D printers and other industrial machines to facilitate class.
Empowering Students for the Future
Q: How does T-School prepare students for life beyond school?
A: Our mission is to cultivate skills that go beyond academic achievement. We emphasize critical thinking, adaptability, and self-motivation — qualities that are essential in today’s rapidly changing world. By giving students control over their education, we encourage them to become lifelong learners who can tackle complex challenges with confidence.
In just 2.5 years, our students have achieved remarkable success, winning awards in sports, science, technology, social studies, and literature. These accomplishments show that our approach not only works but also inspires students to excel in their chosen fields.
Balancing Freedom and Structure
Q: With so much freedom, how do you ensure students receive a well-rounded education?
A: While students have significant autonomy, we maintain academic rigor by requiring essential courses like Chinese, English, and math. However, these subjects are offered as electives, allowing students to choose them based on their interests or future goals.
We also have a unique system for “Individual Needs” courses. Students submit proposals outlining their goals and evaluation methods, which must be approved before they can earn credits. This process ensures students are intentional about their learning while maintaining high academic standards.
Looking Ahead
Q: What is T-School’s vision for the future?
A: Our goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of what education can be. We want to inspire students not just to excel academically but to develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a global society. By leveraging technology, fostering creativity, and prioritizing student autonomy, we aim to prepare our students for whatever the future holds.
T-School is leading the charge in reimagining education, creating an environment where students are empowered to take control of their learning journeys. Through a combination of flexibility, technology, and personalized support, T-School is preparing its students not just for exams but for life in a rapidly changing world.