My assigned section touched on Digital Literacy Skills and Career and Life Skills. Expectations on 21st century learners is at a new level. Traditional skills such as communication and collaboration are now viewed in a whole new way. They are literally connected to the entire world with a touch of the finger. Whether at work, home, school or in the community, 21st century learners will have higher demands on accessing, evaluating and utilizing information that is now available at exponential rates. Surrounded by digital media and media choices, students now must choose the best and most effective way to analyze and create. They must also keep in mind the risks that accompany the popular networks such as Facebook and YouTube. The digital literacy skills are continually evolving but also essential for success in the modern world.
It seems to me that in many ways, students have it easier because of all the resources so readily available but on the flip side, that can also become detrimental if one does not possess the skills to sort through and make the most of it all.
Chapter 5 was on Career and Life Skills and the point was made that one of the few areas that is unchanging is the universal need to organize work into projects with time schedules and limited resources. That is why the ability to adapt and practice "flex-ability" is a requirement. An example was given of students serving as a "tech support" team for their school, helping teachers solve technology problems as they arise. I see this as a real usable idea at all levels. It not only benefits the students but assists teachers with staying on top of ever changing technology. The point was made that work teams scattered about the globe and connected by technology are now the norm.
The challenge becomes how to ensure that students have an opportunity to learn all of the described 21st century skills and yet balance it with the core subjects needed for a well rounded education.
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ReplyDeleteI agree that I think students have more resources at their finger tips, but also they must be interested in technology. No matter who there are students who don’t care about the computers or the technology age. We still need to find a way to teach each student.
The tech support teams were also a great idea. Our school use to have a class that was similar to tech support but it got cut during budget cuts
Balancing technology with core subjects is a well rounded education like I said in another statement so much info so little time
The very first part of chapter 4 says "it is no longer enough to read and write." Students now need to be able to do that and to access, evaluate and use information effectively. This definitely brings higher demands! Chapter 5 really hit home with me right now because we have been focusing on community in our classroom. I liked the idea of it being necessary to work effectively and creatively with team members and classmates regardless of differences and being accountable for your own actions...this is something my fourth graders are having a hard time with these concepts.:-) I think that as an educator it is my responsibility to not only teach the 21st Century Skills to my students, but to be an example of the 21st Century Skills as well. After all, "We are the change that we seek."
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