Discussion Prompt: Module 2- 21st Century Teaching and Learning.

[Shelly]

What is different about 21st century teaching than the types of
teaching and learning of past centuries? What has stood the test of
time and will probably be part of teaching and learning in any
century?

With the risk of sounding redundant....technology has transformed the
way students access, utilize and apply skills in almost every aspect
of their lives, from the way they research papers to the way they
network, develop and and maintain relationships socially. From an
academic standpoint...there will always be Standards and GLE's that
drive curriculum, but how curriculum will be delivered is what will
transform teaching in the classroom.

What has stood the test of time is the need for all people to develop
and have meaningful relationships that contribute to a successful and
happy life. Yes...most kids are excited about the use of technology,
but for many, relationship building can prove to be a huge motivating
force when helping to develop positive self-concept and self-
confidence. As metioned in "Did you know...4.0"...you can eliminate
the teacher, but not the relationship. Technology can be so cold...it
can't pat you on the back, or hug or demonstrate empathy or
excitement. It can't distinguish the unique qualities that each
student has or acknowledge, differentiate or even simply smile back at
you.

It is true that social networking through avenues such as Face Book,
My Space....etc. can facilitate the developement of relationships, but
only on a certain level. And I do not want to discuss the dangers and
pitfalls that internet social networking can have....as Maggie so
wonderfully addresses above.
Yes, in order for our kids to compete in today's workplace they do
have to be fluent in the language of technology, but technology cannot
replace the need for human, face to face interactions. I see that
there is, and always will be a need for both...equally.

What I see as an exciting part of teaching and learing in the future
is how technology is going to bring teachers and students together as
collaborators in the classroom, working, learning, exploring, and
moving forward together. How wonderful it will be that students can be
the creators, designers and implementors of their own work with the
help and guidance of skilled teachers. After listening to Friedman, I
recognize that this will be especially important as students learn how
to globalize themselves as they learn to compete, connect and
collaborate as individuals in order to be successful in the 21st
century world.