A lot of people are talking about 21st century skills in the classroom. What does a 21st century skills classroom look like? Does it look like every surface has technology embedded in it like this... www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ73ZsBkcus Here technology is embedded everywhere, you can't get away from it. This could be the wave of the future. I think in reality it looks more like this: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n7f9FYCdqY In the Valandia-Butler City Schools technology is integrated in a variety of ways that allows for communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking--all the markers of 21st century skills. Here we see everything from a basic projector and a smart board in action (realistically this is where my school is with technology) as well as students reacting to a question using clickers to record their responses. I think many classrooms are ready for this kind of technology and that it will be widespread in the not too distant future. We see the basics of students on laptops, desktops, and iPads and see the incorporation of communication and collaboration. Another factor to consider in the midst of all this technology is the idea of "blended learning." Michael Horn at the Clayton Christensen Institute talks about students getting a personalized learningexperience. www.edutopia.org/practice/blended-learning-making-it-work-your-classroom In this environment students have access to adaptive technology as well as face to face time with the teacher. This way students get much of their academics online and have teachers as mentors. Students also have access to their friends and can collaborate on projects. So much of the 21st century skills seem to be centered around technology, but in reality I think of it more as the blended learning that Horn describes. A good mix of personal as well as technological interaction. As one educator said, "If it works without technology, great, if it works with technology even better." | |
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AuthorAbigail is an Academic Specialist is Napa, Ca. She lives with her husband, 3 children and cat. Archives
May 2015
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