My initial reaction to the website Partnership for 21st Century Skills is that I did not learn anything new. Everything that I read seems like I am already aware of and the website just had general statements basically stating that students need 21st century skills. I am a little frustrated when reading articles or taking classes about technology and 21st century skills because they all say that we need to use them. Well guess what, I do! I realize that all of these articles that I read and trainings I attend are not meant for me. I already have these skills. I now realize that I am part of the generation that grew up with computers and using technology comes natural and easy to me. Technology is a part of my everyday life and I don’t think of it as a separate 21st century skill.
I teach at a school where there are only two other people my age (27 years old) and everyone else is at least ten years older, most are over 50 years old. I have noticed that the two people that are the same age as me use technology frequently and have no problems with it. I have also noticed that the rest of the people who are older than I am never use technology and they are intimidated by it. I do not blame them for not using it because technology can be difficult to use, it can be tough to try to learn a new skill when you are already doing so many other things, and their generation did not grow up with it. This website might be a good place for them to visit.
As I am writing this I can see if someone misunderstands this as me bragging or being rude. Hopefully this is not the case. I just realize that I am very competent when it comes to technology so when I read articles telling me to use technology or someone is telling me why technology is important it just seems redundant to me and boring. I am our school’s webmaster, I have a Physical Education classroom website, I am on our school district’s Technology Advisory Committee, I teach other teachers in our district how to integrate technology into the classroom, and I use technology in my classroom. I would rather have specific information for me about how to use it, especially how to use technology in the Physical Education classroom. For example, integrating heart rate monitors into my classroom or using video and computers to assess students’ movement.
For me, this website just has general statements about the skills students should be learning, but there is nothing specific. It might be a good starting point which can help a person begin to think about incorporating skills that can help students thrive not only in the classroom, but in the future. This website is good because it promotes new skills, but it would be nice to have concrete examples. Technology has been a huge part of our school district for years. Vision 20/20 is at the forefront of our school district's agenda and we have moved past looking at philosophies and ideals, such as this website, and are looking for a way to implement "21st century skills" into the classroom.
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Brian -
ReplyDeleteThank you for your candid comments regarding the Partnership for 21st Centruty Skills website. You are blessed to be able to work in a district that not only has the technology, but has a vision with which to implement it. (Now, if those colleagues of yours would just jump on board!)
In defense of those colleagues, when you have not grown up completely immersed in technology, like the generation in which you belong, or the generation we are currently teaching, it IS intimidating! Let's just say that when I was in high school, I learned the "if...then" programing for computers (that were not doing much else than punching holes in cards and printing sets of numbers and letters) and the mouse was just being put to use! Yes, I'm old(er than you!)
That being said, many school districts have NOT moved past philosophies and ideals, some haven't even gotten there yet! Did you read on the web site that not all 50 states are participating and working with the Partnership to advocate for these 21st century skills? Is your state on the list? Mine is NOT!!!
The best part of the web site for me was the document under their Assessment Landscape. It validated the thought processes I have adhered to for many years, but thought that I was crazy! For years I have gone against the current of "present the information, quiz or test them on it, present new information, quiz or test them on it." My former colleauges scoffed at me for bringing in a floor rug for my third grade classroom, saying, "What are you going to use THAT for, your kids are third graders, not Kindergarteners!?" Their philiosophy was "present the information....." and I wanted to establish floor time with deep discussions and team projects and plays to share the information we'd learned. They thought I was nuts. I was beginning to think I was! I did not think this was learning, I thought that method of clasroom instruction was memorization of facts, coupled with the inability to apply the knowledge or even remember it a few weeks later after having spat it back out for a test.
I actually resigned, and took my three children with me. We now home school (in our second year) and my children/students are learning, applying, remembering. We are, as a rsult of this class, utilizing the technology we have at home (2 computers, and 3 students!!!) I believe that these 21st century skills ARE life skills right now. Any student who does not have them, due to lack of exposure or training, will NOT be prepared for the workplace of today.
Count your blessings that you are able to teach in a district that values technology to the extent that yours does. As we learned in our required resources last week, as the teaching population becomes younger, and more older teachers retire, the younger teachers will usher in the teaching and training of these 21st century skills because these skills have been such a part of their own lives, they will demand to implement them.
Impplement on!
Brian,
ReplyDeleteI like your passion for technology. That is really inspiring to hear someone already implementing some of these tools. This is the first time I have decided to implement my own blogs or wiki into my classroom. I have been able to set up my own website for them, but being able to implement technology such as blogs and wikis is still something I need to do.
A couple things about the website. I see that there are some helpful plans on how to bring technology into the classroom such as the route21, assess 21, and the mile guide. I think that was the most helpful thing about the site. I believe those plans directly relate with the some of our readings this week and how high school graduates have less work opportunties compared to college grads. Then those college grads have to be able to use technology in those jobs everyday. They relate because there is a sense of urgency to get technology rolling at the High School level. It is reassuring that you have already got the ball rolling.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not every teacher has to implement technology because it has its advantages and disadvantages. But if a couple of you guys are then you are making an impact that is greatly needed. Having a couple more of other teachers jump on board would hurt, but having every teacher is just a little irrational right now. Over the years when you and I are about to retire then maybe everyone has made the switch because we have dealt with technology all of our lives.
Bryan Ropp
Brian,
ReplyDeleteYour colleagues seem to be lucky to have such a knowledgeable individual working in their school. Hopefully you are able to use your knowledge in hopes to benefit others. I understand your frustration with the website as far as how vague it did indeed seem. However, the points that were made seem to very helpful starting points for teachers in order to assist them with 21st century skills in the classroom. I do agree that many of the things mentioned on the website are already accomplished in the classroom by many teachers.
As a physical education teacher, I do understand your point about there not being enough information about ways that we can utilize technology in our classroom. Our situations are very unique and different from the "normal classroom" environment. It would be great to take a class, or attend a workshop that was specific to the idea of incorporating technology into physical education. While I myself utilize many technology pieces throughout my lesson, I find that there is always something else that could be done. Hopefully as the technology continues improve, there will be an understanding of the importance of incorporating it in all areas within the building.