The 21st Century Learning Competencies are new to me. I have always been tech savvy, in fact, 50% of my original master's degree was in technology, but it has changed so much in the last 15 years and changes every day in education. I know that collaboration in student learning is not only important to learn how to work with other students, but it is an important life-long skill and most adults use it every day in the workplace. Knowledge construction is new to me, but from what understand it goes back to when we used to teach thematically and incorporates many different academic areas into the lesson. Real world problem solving and innovation is my favorite of the six dimensions of the 21st Century Learning Competencies because I think students learn so much more when the lessons are real to them and they feel like they are learning something they will actually use in everyday life. The use of technology in the classroom grows more important every day. As our society becomes more reliant on different forms of technology, we must allow our students the opportunity to not only learn to properly use technology but also to become experts in the field of technology. Self regulation is also becoming more prevalent in our schools as CCSS require students to become more involved in their own education. Students are not only making decisions about how lessons are presented, but they are also helping to create assessments and portfolios. The final dimension, skilled communication, has always been important in our society. Students need to learn to have productive discussions and debates and also how to listen to their peers suggestions and ideas without judging them or acting negatively toward them.
I teach EC Strategies and it is challenging to use the 21st Century Learning Competencies with my students. We typically spend our day learning social skills through play and learning basic academics. We do use iPads in the classroom and some of my students are learning to key on keyboards for forms of communication and writing. Most of what we do in our classroom is related to real world learning. We learn to put on and zip jackets, self feed and use the restroom. Communication is an important part of our classroom and we learn how to communicate with both peers and adults through directed instruction and everyday conversations. In these ways, we are able to address the beginning pieces of the 21st Century Learning Competencies.
Hi Sleepless,
ReplyDeleteWow working on a 2nd Master's while taking this course will be a challenge indeed; I am very impressed! I found your comment about enjoying learning but not enjoying school pretty interesting and one that I can relate to myself. I wonder how many of our students might be in a similar position and whether or not that position is a result of the way education is approached in our system? I agree that you will have some unique challenges in considering the dimensions of 21st century learning in the context of a strategies class but I think you will find that many of the dimensions are a natural fit for your students. Technology might be a stretch for some activities but the other five dimensions should work very well for your student. Really the bulk of creating a learning environment conducive to 21st century learning is more about the other 5 than it is about technology anyway.
Hi Sleepless,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a lot of things going for you and are very busy. Knowledge of the 21st Century Competencies will enhance your teaching to a degree you never thought it would take you. I was intrigued that you didn't like school when you were younger. I experienced that same thing when I went to school. I liked all subjects except math. Ironically my favorite subject to teach is math. Sometimes we take more pride in our teaching when we can explain something to students who have the same frustration we had when we tried to learn something. It is almost like we are teaching ourselves a way that works for us but benefits other students. It is so true that technology is going at breakneck speed and we can't keep up. Ever since the smartphone came into existence with the introduction of apps it changed the world. We are now heading toward another phase in technology evolution. Currently we are relying on screens to look at information. In the near future we will be immersed in the technology world that we see. I am excited to see how this course will provide you the tools and strategies to be successful with your students.