The ways in which we communicate with each other has drastically changed with the rise of the Internet. Sharing thoughts, ideas, feelings, photos and videos has probably never been easier than any other time in history. The new generation of learners have been born into this age of mass sharing, and are bringing their knowledge and experiences into the classroom. As a result, teachers need to be informed about the differences between 21st century learners and students of the past. Although there are many similarities, there are also some striking differences.
According to Friesen and Jardine (2009) the old model of teaching that involves memorization and repetition needs to be replaced with one that encourages critical, analytical and creative thinking, as well as collaboration and teamwork. Modern forms of modern communication certainly make this possible in a number of ways. For instance, students are able to present information using mediums such as Prezi or Weebly, and colloborate with others using Google Docs. In addition to the concepts mentioned by Friesen and Jardin, Alberta Education also offers a model for 21 century learners.
Alberta Education's model for 21st century learners involves lifelong learning and self-direction, digital literacy, social responsibility and cultural, global and environmental awareness. In general, I think their model accurately reflects what it means to be a 21st century learner. The importance they place on engaged thinking, entrepreneurial spirit and ethical citizenship are certainly worthwhile overarching themes. There is some controversy surrounding the inclusion of the term "entrepreneurial spirit,' but I believe that it belongs.
The spirit of entrepreneurship involves self-motivation, passion and setting goals for oneself. These qualities are certainly important within the realm of education in the 21st century. With the rise of inquiry based and independent learning I think some aspects of the entrepreneurial spirit need to be present. Those who argue against having that term in the model suggest that it is tied with "profit" and the business sector, but this is not the case. Rather, within the context of education, the entrepreneurial spirit simply means being driven by an invisible force, and having the capacity to work for oneself. There are other parts of the model which deserve attention as well.
I also agree that more specific categories within the model are essential to include. For instance, cultural, global and environmental awareness is essential for contemporary learners, because the issues surrounding those three areas are relevant and meaningful in today's society more than ever before. Being aware and informed about issues around the planet is vital for 21st century learners. One way to achieve this within the classroom is through the use of email.
Email allows people to rapidly communicate with one another from around the world. Messages can be read and replied to in an instant, which has its advantages and disadvantages. Within the classroom there are a variety of ways to incorporate the use of emails to enhance student learning. Email can play an important role in how content is delivered to, and shared with, students.
In my classroom I would use email to send out reminders about assignments, duplicates of assignments, notes about important dates, as well as study guides or links to useful websites. Also, through the use of ePals traditional learning activities, such as journaling and researching can be replaced. For example, in Social Studies, rather than looking up information about another country's culture, students could ask their epal. Similarly, in English or Language Arts, instead of writing a journal to themselves, students could email their epal about their thoughts or experiences. In Science classes, students could email an expert questions about the topic they are studying. Overall, the possibilities of email are plentiful.
Blogs are another way in which the Internet can be infused into education. Blogs allow students to creatively express their thoughts and ideas with others. One of the benefits of blogs is that they can be created and edited outside of the classroom. Pictures, videos, diagrams and links can also be added to blogs to enhance their appeal. As a teacher, there are certain key ideas and strategies that can make blogging an effective tool within the classroom.
Firstly, the importance of leaving a digital footprint needs to be explained to the students. Unlike pencil and paper, blogs are on the Internet, which means they can be accessed from around the world, depending on the privacy settings. Secondly, making a habit out of blogging is essential. It can be easy to start a blog, but keeping up with it and habitually adding content can be a challenge. Thirdly, modelling what effective commenting and blogging looks like by the teacher is vital. Instead of leaving comments like "cool" or "neat," describing what meaningful and quality comments are can be beneficial to students. Lastly, encouraging students to be creative will help motivate them to write in their blogs and make it interesting to view. Pictures and diagrams can help posts more engaging for readers.
In conclusion, there are many ways to communicate information via technology. The Internet has allowed us to transmit and received thoughts and ideas at a pace never seen before. Within education, this can make learning more dynamic and engaging. From texting to emailing to blogs, both teachers and students are engulfed in the ever changing realm of communications technology.
Thanks for reading.
References
Friesen, S., & Jardine, D. (2009). 21st century learning and learners. Prepared for Western and Northern Canadian Curriculum Protocol by Galileo Educational Network.Retrieved June 6, 2012 from http://education.alberta.ca/media/1087278/wncp%2021st%20cent%20learning%20%282%29.pdf
Fig 1 Modern_Social_Media_buttons_icons_metro_Ctrl-Alt-Design_001.jpg. July 8, 2013. Retrieved from http://ctrla.lt/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Modern_Social_Media_buttons_icons_metro_Ctrl-Alt-Design_001.jpg
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http://kmarraportfolio.weebly.com/2/post/2013/07/communication.html#comments
http://kayleemelhoff.weebly.com/3/post/2013/07/communication-in-education.html#comments
According to Friesen and Jardine (2009) the old model of teaching that involves memorization and repetition needs to be replaced with one that encourages critical, analytical and creative thinking, as well as collaboration and teamwork. Modern forms of modern communication certainly make this possible in a number of ways. For instance, students are able to present information using mediums such as Prezi or Weebly, and colloborate with others using Google Docs. In addition to the concepts mentioned by Friesen and Jardin, Alberta Education also offers a model for 21 century learners.
Alberta Education's model for 21st century learners involves lifelong learning and self-direction, digital literacy, social responsibility and cultural, global and environmental awareness. In general, I think their model accurately reflects what it means to be a 21st century learner. The importance they place on engaged thinking, entrepreneurial spirit and ethical citizenship are certainly worthwhile overarching themes. There is some controversy surrounding the inclusion of the term "entrepreneurial spirit,' but I believe that it belongs.
The spirit of entrepreneurship involves self-motivation, passion and setting goals for oneself. These qualities are certainly important within the realm of education in the 21st century. With the rise of inquiry based and independent learning I think some aspects of the entrepreneurial spirit need to be present. Those who argue against having that term in the model suggest that it is tied with "profit" and the business sector, but this is not the case. Rather, within the context of education, the entrepreneurial spirit simply means being driven by an invisible force, and having the capacity to work for oneself. There are other parts of the model which deserve attention as well.
I also agree that more specific categories within the model are essential to include. For instance, cultural, global and environmental awareness is essential for contemporary learners, because the issues surrounding those three areas are relevant and meaningful in today's society more than ever before. Being aware and informed about issues around the planet is vital for 21st century learners. One way to achieve this within the classroom is through the use of email.
Email allows people to rapidly communicate with one another from around the world. Messages can be read and replied to in an instant, which has its advantages and disadvantages. Within the classroom there are a variety of ways to incorporate the use of emails to enhance student learning. Email can play an important role in how content is delivered to, and shared with, students.
In my classroom I would use email to send out reminders about assignments, duplicates of assignments, notes about important dates, as well as study guides or links to useful websites. Also, through the use of ePals traditional learning activities, such as journaling and researching can be replaced. For example, in Social Studies, rather than looking up information about another country's culture, students could ask their epal. Similarly, in English or Language Arts, instead of writing a journal to themselves, students could email their epal about their thoughts or experiences. In Science classes, students could email an expert questions about the topic they are studying. Overall, the possibilities of email are plentiful.
Blogs are another way in which the Internet can be infused into education. Blogs allow students to creatively express their thoughts and ideas with others. One of the benefits of blogs is that they can be created and edited outside of the classroom. Pictures, videos, diagrams and links can also be added to blogs to enhance their appeal. As a teacher, there are certain key ideas and strategies that can make blogging an effective tool within the classroom.
Firstly, the importance of leaving a digital footprint needs to be explained to the students. Unlike pencil and paper, blogs are on the Internet, which means they can be accessed from around the world, depending on the privacy settings. Secondly, making a habit out of blogging is essential. It can be easy to start a blog, but keeping up with it and habitually adding content can be a challenge. Thirdly, modelling what effective commenting and blogging looks like by the teacher is vital. Instead of leaving comments like "cool" or "neat," describing what meaningful and quality comments are can be beneficial to students. Lastly, encouraging students to be creative will help motivate them to write in their blogs and make it interesting to view. Pictures and diagrams can help posts more engaging for readers.
In conclusion, there are many ways to communicate information via technology. The Internet has allowed us to transmit and received thoughts and ideas at a pace never seen before. Within education, this can make learning more dynamic and engaging. From texting to emailing to blogs, both teachers and students are engulfed in the ever changing realm of communications technology.
Thanks for reading.
References
Friesen, S., & Jardine, D. (2009). 21st century learning and learners. Prepared for Western and Northern Canadian Curriculum Protocol by Galileo Educational Network.Retrieved June 6, 2012 from http://education.alberta.ca/media/1087278/wncp%2021st%20cent%20learning%20%282%29.pdf
Fig 1 Modern_Social_Media_buttons_icons_metro_Ctrl-Alt-Design_001.jpg. July 8, 2013. Retrieved from http://ctrla.lt/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Modern_Social_Media_buttons_icons_metro_Ctrl-Alt-Design_001.jpg
Significant Comments:
http://kmarraportfolio.weebly.com/2/post/2013/07/communication.html#comments
http://kayleemelhoff.weebly.com/3/post/2013/07/communication-in-education.html#comments
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