March
2009
Evaluating 21st Century Skills6
After spending some time exploring the website http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/index.php for the class I am currently taking, I became very interested in the goals and the content of the website. I did not ever realize that a group like this existed. It seems to have the goals for technology education outlined pretty well. I like the fact that it supports NCLB, yet it also points out the parts that are ineffective (standardized testing using modern technology for quicker results to improve classroom practices immediately). The mission is very technology and future-motivating for teachers: “Serve as a catalyst to position 21st century skills at the center of US K-12 education by building collaborative partnerships among education, business, community and government leaders.” I believe that this mission is very forward leading and should be used to drive education and education legislation.
I was surprised that the department of education was a catalyst in building this site. I am also surprised that so many corporations are involved in supporting this site. It seems that they are becoming more active in supporting and advocating for 21st century skills (information technology, critical and creative thinking skills, communication skills, etc.). I wonder, is this the right way to go about this? Do we want big business driving our schools and curriculums?
Although I found some of the supporters and articles surprising, I did not disagree with anything on the site. I agree with the advocating for teaching these skills in schools today. As a contemporary educator, I am glad that there is an organization out there fighting to bring technology into the schools and advocating technology becoming a larger part of the core curriculums. The implications of this are good for educators and students alike. Professional development will help teachers learn about the technologies necessary in the classroom to teach 21st century skills. As far as my students, they will be enriched with the technology resources I can connect to through this site. While exploring the site I found many links to resources that will enhance my use of technology in the classroom. Route 21 http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/route21/ offers many articles and resources that will be useful to classroom teachers integrating technology into classrooms.
I was slightly interested in the fact that the Dept. of Education was a sponsor for the site as well. They are sponsors of the site and it makes sense for them to not have to produse it themselves, this way they get the positive influences of people who are motivated to use the skills the 21st century website promote.
I really liked the resources in route 21 aswell. I might have to send some of these resources to my district tech. coordinator as well as my collegues at my site. It might get them excited to try incorparating tech into the class. The professional development opportunity from this site is exciting.
I agree with you that these technology skills need to be taught in the classroom. There is so much curriculum to get through however, where is there time? I thought and see in my county that slowly they are adding technology teachers. Not to say that the general education teacher cannot teach these skills, there is just not sufficient time. Technology could be another special that the kids go to on a regular basis and are explicitly taught these skills. Does your county or district have technology teachers or does the general educator provide the lessons? Just a thought I had to make it a set part of the curriculum.
Thank you for your responses. Route 21 seemed to have great resources. I will be exploring it further to hopefully use some in my lessons. We do not have a specific technology teacher in my district, so I have to work the technology pieces into my lessons. It is not a required part of my curriculum.
I can see your fear of comapnies getting involved in curriculum matters, however if we are preparing our students for the future, part of that future is that they will be employed. The companies are not demanding curriculum changes, they are seeking employees with skills. They are letting us know what skills they need so we can help the students. If we don’t prepare our students technologically for the workplace then we are not meeting our goals.
I see what you mean about companies wanting skilled workers. But what about academic skills, critical thinking taught through math and English? I worry that the shift to focus on workplace skills will replace other important skills.
The framework they had we were all too familiar with because that is what we were doing all along. Differentiation. Keeping the students as our focus with the changing technology. You’re right there was’nt anything to disagree with.