The 21st century classroom is one where technology must be used as a learning tool. After taking a course designed to teach the use of blogs, wikis and podcasts, I now feel comfortable using these tools in my own classroom. I now understand that, “Teachers must be skilled in technology application and knowledgeable about using technology to support instruction and to enhance and extend student learning. The mere ability to operate various hardware and software does not constitute an acceptable level of proficiency.” (Otero, Peressini, Meymaris, Ford, Carvin, Harlow, et al, 2005, p. 9). After designing multiple lessons, having conversations with professionals in my field, and using various technologies firsthand, my 21st century skills are ready to be fully utilized in my classroom.
Understanding how students today learn has truly been an eye-opening experience because “today’s students think and process information fundamentally differently from their predecessors” (Prensky, 2001, p. 3). Because today’s learners are different from a generation ago, teachers must continue to evolve to meet the needs of their students. As students are exposed to technology at earlier ages, lessons need to be changed to incorporate the use of technology to engage those students. Students today, “…thrive on instant gratification and frequent rewards. They prefer games to ‘serious’ work” (Prensky, 2001, p. 4). The learning style of today’s student requires teachers to try to copy these types of learning styles, and that means using technology. Teachers must combine the old content with new digital and technological systems.
As schools change, so does the role of the teacher. In the past, teachers were supposed to impart their knowledge on the students. Many students were not exposed to information until they heard it from their parents, the radio, or their teachers. However, today’s students can find a world of information on any topic at the mere click of a mouse. The teacher no longer needs to impart wisdom on the children; the role of the educators has become very much the facilitator as students essentially foster independent learning opportunities (Laureate, 2008). With a learner centered style of education, the possibilities in the classroom are endless.
After understanding the possibilities with the use of technology, I have two new goals to achieve. My first goal is to try to modify my district’s current teaching standards so that they reflect 21st century learning skills. I will introduce the concepts presented through The Partnership for 21st Century Skills as well as practices I have implemented within my classroom to the district technology committee. I will also continue to transform my classroom to model these practices on a daily basis. Through this committee I also have the means to pilot new curriculum models that implement 21st century concepts. My second goal is to bring more technology into my classroom in the form of computers, LabQuest probeware, and the use of cellular phones.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008) Transforming the classroom with technology : Part 3 [Motion picture] Baltimore: Author.
Otero, V. , Perssini, D. , Meymaris, K. A., Ford, P. , Garvin, T., Harlow, D., et al. (2005, February). Integrating technology into teacher education: A critical framework for implementing reform. Journal of Teacher Education. Retrieved August 18, 2009, from http://jte.sagepub.com
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the horizon, 9(5).
Understanding how students today learn has truly been an eye-opening experience because “today’s students think and process information fundamentally differently from their predecessors” (Prensky, 2001, p. 3). Because today’s learners are different from a generation ago, teachers must continue to evolve to meet the needs of their students. As students are exposed to technology at earlier ages, lessons need to be changed to incorporate the use of technology to engage those students. Students today, “…thrive on instant gratification and frequent rewards. They prefer games to ‘serious’ work” (Prensky, 2001, p. 4). The learning style of today’s student requires teachers to try to copy these types of learning styles, and that means using technology. Teachers must combine the old content with new digital and technological systems.
As schools change, so does the role of the teacher. In the past, teachers were supposed to impart their knowledge on the students. Many students were not exposed to information until they heard it from their parents, the radio, or their teachers. However, today’s students can find a world of information on any topic at the mere click of a mouse. The teacher no longer needs to impart wisdom on the children; the role of the educators has become very much the facilitator as students essentially foster independent learning opportunities (Laureate, 2008). With a learner centered style of education, the possibilities in the classroom are endless.
After understanding the possibilities with the use of technology, I have two new goals to achieve. My first goal is to try to modify my district’s current teaching standards so that they reflect 21st century learning skills. I will introduce the concepts presented through The Partnership for 21st Century Skills as well as practices I have implemented within my classroom to the district technology committee. I will also continue to transform my classroom to model these practices on a daily basis. Through this committee I also have the means to pilot new curriculum models that implement 21st century concepts. My second goal is to bring more technology into my classroom in the form of computers, LabQuest probeware, and the use of cellular phones.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008) Transforming the classroom with technology : Part 3 [Motion picture] Baltimore: Author.
Otero, V. , Perssini, D. , Meymaris, K. A., Ford, P. , Garvin, T., Harlow, D., et al. (2005, February). Integrating technology into teacher education: A critical framework for implementing reform. Journal of Teacher Education. Retrieved August 18, 2009, from http://jte.sagepub.com
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the horizon, 9(5).
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