For the second module, we were asked to answer the following questions:
What are 21st Century Skills?
Who are 21st Century Learners?
Why do we need to be concerned?
How does it apply to your classroom?
What are the challenges?
What are some solutions?
1) 21st century skills, in my opinion would be considered skills that involve the effective use of new technologies. New technologies in the classroom encourage students to think more creatively, and help foster an innovative environment for learners.
2) I enjoyed this article from "Education Week Teacher" where they had people from different backgrounds define 21st century learning and what it means to be a 21st century learner. Education Week Post
One quote simply stated that it is "learning, but with better tools". The quote was followed up with "the technology should be seen as an opportunity to aquire more knowledge, not an excuse to know less". I find this to be very key. So often students substitute google for knowledge. It's so convienent to google the answer to that science problem, and this is part of being a 21st century learner.
Here is a good video from Iowa Public Television on how technology is impacting the way students learn.
3/5) I can pick up where I just left off, on why we need to be concerned/what challenges we face. Teachers are slowly taking on more of a facilitator role in which they are suggesting resources to find information opposed to a role in which they are they key dispenser of the information. There is also the issue of cheating- with cutting edge technologies, students have a quick resource to any answers that they may need at the touch of a finger. Another issue is the use of technology by faculty- not every faculty member is literate when it comes to using it!
4) This class defines being a 21st century learner. For example, I am completing this assignment by creating a blog through google. Long gone are the days of writing a pen and paper assignment on lined paper and turning it in. I am also utilizing all of the technologies available to me- knightcite for my citations, youtube for a video reference and google to find some images to use. Who would've thought you would ever be able to take a whole course through google?
For "my classroom" I will use my work setting- as an advisor and admissions counselor, I am able to constantly keep in contact with recruits through twitter/facebook/blogging. I am a key contributor to the social networking team at VCU, mainly posting blogs towards prospective students. We also utilize programs that allow us to track the students we meet on the road- and send them everything from VCU campus guides to college application links at the click of a button.
5) See above
6) I found this blog entry that lists a bunch of neat ways to use technology in the classroom.
Some of these can be considered solutions. As a teacher, I would always recommend that while technology is certainly a tool we cannot ignore, it is also one that we need to be careful to not over use. It should most definetely be used in facilitating research or completing assignments (like this one) but I still belive the best learning comes from the old-school chalk board method. Students can easily become complacent learners, and could have a hard time learning when technology is limited in the classroom. Therefore, I think it is very important to find a "happy medium" between the two.
References:
Kuroneko, . Classroom Technology Wishlist. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2012. http://blog.classroomteacher.ca/26/101-ways-classroom-technology/.
Education Week Teacher. Teacher pd Sourcebook, 10 Oct. 2010. Web. 11 Sept. 2012. http://www.edweek.org/tsb/articles/2010/10/12/01panel.h04.html.
Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students. U.S. Dept of Education, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2012. http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html.
Empowering 21st Century Learners. Pearson, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2012. <http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PSZjZc>.
I'm curious about your statement that you believe that the "old-school chalkboard method" produces the best learning. What exactly do you mean by that? Do you not feel that everything that can be done on a chalkboard can't be done using technology?
ReplyDeleteI should clarify that statement by saying that the old school chalkboard method can be more beneficial to a certain learners in certain classes.
ReplyDeleteFor example, back in my undergraduate days, I struggled with calculus based math. I tried to take a pre-calculus class online where lessons were basically recorded youtube videos and assignments in an online math lab. I struggled big time, and ended up withdrawing. The next semester, I decided to take the class on campus, in person, and had much better results.
I think the results came from the combination of having a teacher that was able to respond on the spot and in person. Being able to stop her during the explanation of how a problem was solved and having her give extra instruction on the spot was very helpful- something I could not have done in the online class.
Thanks for the reply Lauren!
-Jason
I see your point in that example but I guess my point is that the experience that you had in your face-to-face class could also be achieved using technology. The online course that you took was (as way too many are) poorly designed. It wasn't the fault of the technology but rather of the absent and neglectful designer/facilitator.
ReplyDeleteI love your point that this class is a prime example of the definition of "21st century learner." I have never had a class so technologically involved before this one, and am really enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteWhat interesting comments about 21st Century Skills! However - if you think about the "skills" as stated by many resource sites - they are not tagged using the word "technology". The skills are people/person skills in any physical situation - with technology being a choice/option/alternative/tool to match the situation. For instance, collaboration on a project, for me, is best done face-to-face so the team can brainstorm, build ideas, share with immediate feedback, etc. BUT - using technology to collaborate (video conference) opens and expands the possibilities to experts in other countries, members who can't travel, and on and on - while still getting immediate feed-back. Technology is really the vehicle/tool that enhances the skills and adds to the output. I enjoyed the Iowa video (2008) - and laughed as I am from Iowa. Interesting thoughts by the moderator. Great job giving us another viewpoint of skills and their place in our learning.
ReplyDelete