The phrase "21st Century Learning" has been used a lot this past year in our school district. Some of us are still defining what that means. Some of us realize that we are, of course, already 21st century learners and want to bring that experience to our teaching as well.
In fact, the terms "learner" and "teacher" are not mutually exclusive. In the 21st century, you are not one or the other; you must be both. And you need not be in a school building - teaching and learning can take place any time, anywhere. This is all enhanced by technology, and the ways we use technology to both learn and teach.
Are you a 21st Century Teacher/Learner? Below are some indicators from a blog that I monitor. Although not all of them apply to the grades we teach, I wonder what we can add from the Hooksett School District.
Post your suggestions and let's find out!
21 Signs You're a 21st Century Teacher/Learner
Written by Lisa
27 October 2010
279 Comments
1. You require your students to use a variety of sources for their research projects...and they cite blogs, podcasts, and interviews they've conducted via Skype.
2. Your students work on collaborative projects...with students in Australia.
3. You give weekly class updates to parents...via your blog.
5. You ask your students to study and create reports on a controversial topic...and you grade their video submissions.
6. You prepare substitutes with detailed directions...via Podcasts.
7. You ask your students to do a character/historical person study...and they create mock social media profiles of their character.
8. Your students create a study guide...working together on a group wiki.
9. You share lesson plans with your teacher friends...from around the globe.
10. Your classroom budget is tight...but it doesn't matter because there are so many free resources on the web you can use.
11. You realize the importance of professional development...and you read blogs, join online communities, and tweet for self development.
12. You take your students on a field trip to the Great Wall of China...and never leave your classroom.
13. Your students share stories of their summer vacation...through an online photo repository.
14. You visit the Louvre with your students...and don't spend a dime.
15. You teach your students not to be bullies...or cyberbullies.
16. You make your students turn in their cell phones before class starts...because you plan on using them in class.
17. You require your students to summarize a recent chapter...and submit it to you via a text message.
18. You showcase your students' original work...to the world.
19. You have your morning coffee...while checking your RSS feed.
20. You are reading this.
21. You tweet this page, blog about it, "like" it, or email it to someone else...
Karen, Thank you so much for sharing this blogpost on 21st Century Learning. You are right when writing the words "teacher and learner" go together. As the old song goes " You can't have one without the other". Your post is also very timely as there are many workshops going on in Concord through EdCITES to learn more as to how to use technology in the classroom.Next week they are offering 2 workshops on how to use iPads. You are also making me think, since I still have a week of summer school left, how can the students showcase the mural they created? At our level we can use the many wonderful resources to take our students on "virtual field trips." I am definitely looking forward to the upcoming school year to continue to "learn" with my students ways to use 21st Century skills.
ReplyDeleteI love that you are thinking about ways technology can enhance the students' summer school experience. I'm looking forward to exploring new methods of tech integration this year, and always appreciate your willingness to try something new!
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