The Partnership has set up a website to inform school disitricts of their plans. I believe this website is an essential tool to in bridging the gap across states for how we plan to incorporate technology into our classrooms. It offers a unified plan that we need. This site is directly focuses on how to implement what our students learn into the business world as well as everyday living. Incorporating these skills and topics will only help our youth thrive as they move into the work force.
I was very impressed with the video on the National Summit of 21st Century Skills. This video states how they are a movement of people, students, parents and administrators for the common good of helping every student become proficient in being able to contribute to society with the proper skills. These skills include becoming better problem solvers, critical thinkers and innovators. Also, this video talks about their vision of states coming together to meet the goals listed below:
- Information and communication skills (information and media literacy skills; communication skills)
- Thinking and problem-solving (critical thinking and systems thinking; problem identification, formulation and solution; creativity and intellectual curiosity)
- Interpersonal and self-direction skills (interpersonal and collaborative skills; self-direction; accountability and adaptability; social responsibility)
- Global awareness
- Financial, economic and business literacy, and developing entrepreneurial skills to enhance workplace productivity and career options
- Civic literacy
The 21st century student outcomes are also provided in a unique model that links the outcomes with a mirror curved rainbow that allows teachers to see what activities are relevant in getting students to meet these goals.
For example if I click on 21st century learning environments, I then find six bulleted points that guide me as to what the learning environment of my students should include. I can then make this applicable in a physical education setting.
As I continue my research on this site I will include implications I wish to meet in my classroom in order to work towards these 21st century goals. I will also be seeking out information as to why my state is not yet a partnership in this movement.
As stated by Miners and Pascopella, "They require the ability not just to "read" but also to navigate the World Wide Web, locate information, evaluate it critically, synthesize it and communicate it-- all skills that are becoming vital to success in this century's economy and workforce" (Miners and Pascopella 2007). The 21st Century website is just one profound tool that allows us to get one step closer in getting there.
In conclusion, this is the first I was made aware of this site. My individual plan is to stay informed of updated changes to the organization and see how my state can be included. We are looking to the leaders and politicians of Ohio to aid in this development. I am glad that I am becoming more aware.
Be informed yourself by checking out http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/.
(2004). The Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Retrieved November 25, 2009, from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/
Miners, Z., & Pascopella, A. (2007). The new literacies. District Administration, 43(10), 26–34.
Used by permission.
Hi, Joel! I am also a teacher working in the Ohio school system. This year, we were fortunate enough to have a local business take interest in us for an experimental STEM program. I am one of five core teachers who teaches this group of 20 freshmen. The students stay in the same clasroom all day, and the teachers move to them. The classroom environment cannot be matched in the rest of the school. In it, we have a Smart board, 2 flat screen tvs, 3 Mac computers, an LCD projector, as well as netbooks and iPod touches for each and every student to travel with. This technology was funded 100% by our sponsor. The program is going well but it does have some glitches that a first year program is expected to have. I was just curious as to whether or not your school was trying anything like this or not. What technology do you have available to your students in the classroom? Aside from out STEM class, we have very little technological resources and I was curious as to how it was elsewhere in OH.
ReplyDeleteI was disappointed to see that my state of Georgia was not on the list either. We have been implementing new standards over the past 5 years and none of them have anything to do with technology. I am sure Georgia would not be willing to institute new standards after they have just done so. Can you think of any reason that Ohio has not joined the partnership?
ReplyDeleteI also liked how they listed the goals in 6 separate points. It was clear, concise, and to the point. I was surprised that only 1 goal directly dealt with technology. Most of the goals they listed are skills I teach in my class everyday. As I football coach I feel I get an extra chance to help my students with these skills outside of a classroom setting. What are your thoughts on this?