2 Taking the Classroom to the 21st Century!

As many educators know, the workplace and world around us are moving at a fast-pace. The 21st century has begun, and technology along with critical thinking, communicative work, and creativity are at the forefront. Unfortunately, school still lags way behind. Not only are funds for technology limited, but many of us are focusing on the necessary skills that our students need in today's competitive job market.

Knowing the problem exists and working on a solution to the problem are two different things. However, a coalition has formed to push 21st century skills into the classroom, The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21). Eleven states are listed on the website as agreeing to fuse the 3 R's of education with the new C's (critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation.)

This partnership seems like a great starting point for schools to begin implementing new strategies to teach these concepts. Just glancing at the founding organizations, lead me to believe that P21 is a legitimate organization. Apple, Dell, and Microsoft along with several others are all in on the initiative, which should only stand them to gain by having better qualified employees in the future.

But what does this mean for us as educators? It means we have to step up, put aside excuses, and start doing what is necessary to equip our students. No longer can we depend on rote memorization skills. We have to step away from the textbooks and worksheets and delve into critical thinking and reasoning skills. We have to focus on collaborative and creative work. It means that answers may not be black and white or easy to grade. It might put more work on us at first. But it will be more work for the students as well. The students are also going to have to put in the work and effort. However, we may find that the students are more attentive during our lessons. The students may be more motivated if they feel they have a personal interest in the project. But regardless, our students are going to be better prepared for the workforce, and that is the only thing we should be concerned about.

5 Using Blogs

I am a 7th grade technology teacher. My curriculum includes a basic introduction to computers and the Internet, keyboarding skills, and Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, along with leadership skills and career pathways. One of the numerous competencies I am to teach is the use of blogs. How better to show them how they work than allowing them to create their own!

There are numerous topics taught in the class that the students could use as starting points for their blogs. They could read articles about the latest technology trends or ethical issues such as piracy or cyperstalking. Also, students could discuss their ideas about to how to be a good leader or what careers they may want to pursue.

Not only would students be learning content material through a hands on activity, but blogging bleeds across curriculum. Blogs allow students to enhance reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. In my class, it seems the possibilities for blogs are endless!

2 Welcome!

This is not my first time in the blogosphere, but this is my first post on my "educational" blog. As a first year technology teacher and a Graduate student in an ITC (intergrating technology) program, I am going to focus on the educational side of technology.

For those of you who do not know me, I am a fourth year teacher in the Mississippi Delta. At the beginning of the school year, I switched from teaching 7th grade history to 7th grade computer technology. It has been a new challenge for me, but I am thoroughly enjoying the transition and the ability to work with one of my hobbies everyday!