Evaluating 21st-Century Skills

Technology is all around us.  We live in a world where new technology is being developed at record pace.  As soon as you purchase the least and greatest, you look up and see a brand new commercial advertising the next latest and greatest, and two days later your newly purchased technology is now obsolete. 

I also have a godson who not even two years old yet, he is still in a diaper and has a very limited vocabulary.  When you hand him his brand new mini-iPad, he can show you how to draw pictures and play games.

The website Partnership for 21^st Century Skills is an organization that is leading and supporting the advancement of technology into the world of education.   I guess I did not realize how much of an impact educator’s Skills have in supporting 21st Century.  I was also surprised to see the support of big companies such as Apple and Crayola.  

The question I have is:  Is there room or a place for students will special needs?  What about students who do not speak English?   In order to successfully implement 21^st Century Skills into my classroom, all initiatives will have to modified, and/or adapted.

Blogs in the Classroom

Utilizing Blogs in the Classroom

When technology is used appropriately, it can be a powerful tool that is engaging and can make any lesson or concept much more meaningful and a student’s learning can be much more in-depth.  Dr. Thornburg (2008) discusses how technology breaks down barriers to communication with people all over the world.  Moving forward I would love to have a classroom blog, and be able to participate in what Thornburg (2008) calls the Communication Age.

Having the classroom blog is a new open door policy as well as being transparent all year long.  Students can share what they are learning and then return to comment.  This also gives parents regular opportunities to participate in the learning through commenting. 

Blogging also provides other educational opportunities.  Students will have an authentic audience for their writing and that has an impact on the quality and motivation of their writing (posts). Students can continue to revisit and reflect upon lessons through the posts on the blog. The learning doesn't stop; commenting on the classroom blog keeps the learning alive and ongoing. Students will learn how to safely navigate around the Internet and how to present digital information that is appropriate for the classroom. Our classroom blog will give students opportunities to participate and contribute to an online community that is worldwide breaking down the four walls of the classroom.

References:

  

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Technology and Society. Baltimore, MD: Dr. David Thornburg

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Technology's Influence. Baltimore, MD: Dr. David Thronburg, Hall Davidson.

DIGITAL WORLD

No one says it better than Mr. Robert Frost; as quoted by Nieto (2003) in her book What Keeps Teachers Going, “I am not a teacher, I am an awakener.”  Each morning as I prepare for another day I am reminded of why I became a teacher and the passion I have for teaching.  I’m also reminded me of the legacy of learning I plan to implement and leave ingrained in students.

A great teacher will inspire students and take them on a journey.  My mission is to take my students on a journey that begins with them falling in love with learning; where their imagination and creativity are ignited, fueled, and perfected; a journey that ends with life long learners inspired to make a global impact.

My strategy to support my students diverse interests, needs, and backgrounds are to read, discuss, research, model, and teach using books, illustrations, activities, websites, and multi-media presentations.  Preposition #1(Five Core Propositions): Teachers are committed to their students and their learning.  I believe all students are different with varing learning styles.  NBCTs are dedicated to making knowledge accessible to all students.  They believe all students can learn.  I will teach my visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic learners through different processes, activities, and mediums that will fit their unique learning style.  I will strategically differentiate my instruction to make sure there was enough variety to keep all learners interested and engaged.  I will provide numerous opportunities for every student to feel successful and be successful.

Kottler, Zehm, and Kottler wrote about Attributes Of A Great Teacher in their book On Being a Teacher: The Human Dimension.  I would like to change the complexion of my classroom from a teacher-centered classroom to one that is more student-centered.  I want to be a facilitator, who is aiding students' understanding.  I want to witness my students gaining new knowledge by making associations with prior knowledge.  I want to give students the opportunity to make connections.

In conclusion, I will use my own inspiration and use it to transform my students.  I want to motivate my students in all subjects; reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.  Ultimately, improving my teaching will improve my students learning.  I will provide enrichment to engage students with interactive experiences.  I honestly believe that our students are now growing up in a digital world and it is our responsibility as educators to adapt our teaching to a digital language they will understand.

Dr. Bob Steinberg in the video segment High Expectations says “Expect more and you get more.” As I raise my expectations, I will also raise the expectations of my students.  As I challenge myself, I will challenge my students.  As I set goals for me, I will set goals for my students.  As I achieve those goals; so will my students. 

References

Kottler, J. A., Zehm, S. J., & Kottler, E. (2005). On being a teacher: The human dimension (3rd Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Nieto, S. (2003). What keeps teachers going? New York: Teachers College Press.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The Five Core Propositions. (2012) Retrieved November 11, 2012. http://www.nbpts.org/.