21st Century Skills (P21)...............

This website is full of information that I was not even aware of, information that has peaked my curiosity. Partnership for 21^st Century Skills (P21) is a national organization that advocates for 21st Century readiness for every student. They provide tools and resources to help the U.S. education system fuse “critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation” (Partnership for 21^st Century Skills).

The Twitter feed prominently placed on the site allows users to find announcements and news items in the main column, with links to newsletter subscriptions, publications and videos on the right-hand side. The site has easy to navigate menu with drop-down choices which include Overview, Tools & Resources, State Initiatives, Events & News and About Us. You can see more at http://www.p21.org/

I think the site provides examples of how 21st Century skills look when seamlessly infused into instruction. I also like how there is Common Core Toolkit that explains how P21 and the Common Core State Standards support each other, and demonstrates “what it looks like” to align instructional practices with both the common core and P21 skills. I also learned that the National Education Association (NEA) is a founding memebr of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. You can learn more at http://www.nea.org/home/34888.htm

References:

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Skills for the 21st century [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). A report and mile guide for 21st century skills. Washington DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/P21_Report.pdf

So Many Uses............

One of the initial ideas after reviewing a classmate’s blog was to utilize the blog as source for new pen pals. My student’s currently have pen pals that they contact via snail mail. This part of the blog will allow them to share their learning with a larger community while showcasing their work. One way I am going to utilize this blog is for my students to showcase the steps and results of their Science Fair projects. According to Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms (2010), “The true potential of blogs in schools comes when students and teachers use them as publishing tools. “As a home school family, we normally enter a local noncompetitive Science Fair. This year this was not an option, but I still feel completing the projects is a great activity. As a home school educator I work with students in middle school and high school, the blog will enhance the lesson and motivate the students to work even harder as they know that others will be viewing their work on a regular basis. This will also "prepare students for the next wave of history” (Laureate Education, Producer). The blog will also provide an additional portfolio for each child. 

References:

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). The Wave Theory [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Technology Advancements

There is no doubt in my mind that technology plays a big role in everyday life. I believe technology created a need that otherwise would not exist. It was technology that opened the doors for new technology, some of which has revolutionized the way we live. One area of technology that has met the needs in society is online libraries, we no longer have to go to a physical library for much of the information we look for, we can even reserve items online and be alerted when they are available. Richardson (2010) talks about how technology has expanded the walls of the classroom and this is certainly a great example. Another way classroom walls have been expanded is students are able to attended field trips virtually, whether they are down the street or in another country. They are able to utilize methods of learning that might not be an option if it were not for computers and the connections they provide to other educators and resources. I feel as an educator it is important to keep up with technology, and "prepare students for the next wave of history” (Laureate Education, Producer). We also need to show students and their families that there are a variety of ways to obtain the same information whenever possible. We need to ensure that everyone knows and understands that with technology there are endless possibilities some good and others that can offer serious consequences. Consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life.

References:

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). The Wave Theory [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Technology is Changing Education

Technology can enhance and support learning, provide greater access to information, and motivate students. Technology in the classroom is now commonplace, the rapid and widespread adoption of technological innovations has completely changed the way we conduct our daily lives, including how knowledge is taught and received in the classroom.