21st Century Skills

My reaction to this website was one of curiousity. I thought the information presented was interesting and relevant. I read an article entitled; "Middle School Journal", written by Ken Kay and viewed a podcast also by Ken Kay discussing; "Every Student Deserves World Class Knowledge and World Class Skills".

The information didn't surprise me, but the lack of solutions as to how we are going to achieve success and integrate technology did. The articles and podcast I watched talked great talk, but didn't reveal how school's without the necessary technology are going to get it and how teachers who aren't properly trained will become trained in the latest technology.

I disagreed with the idea that change is needed and because change is needed it is going to magically occur. Change takes a lot of implementations by a lot of people. Change also takes a lot of money, we are in a recession, aren't we? I'm not saying it is impossible, and believe me, I do want better technology and leaders.

The implications for both students and teachers is that we are going to have to charter new waters and try new ideas and technologies. A lot of trial and error is going to occur and hopefully a lot of great learning. Teachers do have an enormous responsibility to lead our students into the 21st century with better skills and knowledge than the generation before them. It both scares and excites me.

How I would use a Blog in my classroom?

As an assignment for a graduate course I am taking, I was asked to tell how I would use a blog to enhance my teaching. I currently teach 9th grade English in Central Pennsylvania, in a public school. We are currently reading Julius Caesar and it hasn't been an easy read for most of my students.

It is my goal to implement more technology into my teaching to expand the horizons of my students and to connect them to the ever changing world of technology. I know that technology is an essential part of a child's education. The implementation of a classroom blog would be beneficial to post homework, review key concepts, post study guides, notes, and communicate with students through classroom related discussion. A blog could help to connect students and motivate their thought process with challenging questions. It could stretch and enhance the lesson by offering new insights from others. A blog would also connect the students and create a community of learning. Parents would also find the blog useful in tracking homework and staying in touch with their child's education.

To guide students to a deeper understanding of our current lesson, Julius Caesar, students could communicate by posting responses to teacher generated questions. The questions would relate to key concepts from the play and would give the students opportunity to express creativity and analysis of the play. Students who are struggling to understand, could gain valuable insight and understanding by reading and posted answers.

If anyone would like to share any insights great ideas or suggestions that would work for high school level students, please respond.

Thanks & keep reading!

Lora

Lora at Walden University

I just started my second class at Walden University. I currently teach 9th grade English in a small school located in Central Pennsylvania. I went back to teaching in Dec. of '08, after a 16 year break to raise my children.

Technology has changed so much since my last teaching experience. Cell phones, projectors, lap tops and computers in general, have become such a big part of our world.

Do you feel that your school is keeping up with the latest technology and offering students and teachers adequate training and equipment? Please take a moment and share your thoughts with me.

Lora