Getting started... Let’s begin by updating the KWL chart—a simple change, but relevant. We know that new knowledges are built on existing knowledge, so it makes sense to tap into students’ prior knowledge when beginning any unit of instruction. How do teachers adapt the idea behind the KWL chart, for example, so that it becomes a 21st century learning tool? I’m sure there are many ideas (please share); my beginning place might be to create a classroom wiki or a classroom wikibook. This allows students to collaborate and create—two attributes of 21st century learners—while tapping existing knowledge and leveling the playing field for those that need schema. It will also introduce students to online culture and etiquette—also relevant to 21st century learning… 2 Comments Transforming Educational Practice... 07/18/2008
The more time I spend surfing the net and reading edubloggers’ blogs, the more I realize that there isn’t a whole lot of new conversation taking place…correct me if I’m wrong here… And I’m not suggesting that these discussions should stop either—they are driving change, but clearly the momentum needs to shift away from discussion about why our educational institution needs to be transformed or from what web 2.0 can do for today’s learners to how teachers can make adjustments and modifications to their pedagogy to move the evolution of 21st century educational reform along—It is time to create a workable framework for educational transformation (based on something deeper than the idea of student engagement). There are hoards of teachers ready to make needed changes to their practice, and their fragmented approaches are the beginnings of systemic change, but let’s begin to create a working scaffold that can be used and adapted by all classroom teachers—a framework that demands attention by administrators and policy makers as well… Education Reform 07/16/2008
Take a few minutes to read some edublogs, or peek in on some Twitter conversations, and invariably you will happen upon a call to action to reform current educational pedagogy and philosophy... There is a lot of talk, and a growing community of educational visionaries that are taking credible action in their own classrooms, but systemic change will need to be built on something more than a call to action. Educational leaders (formal or informal) must define what changes need to be made by educators, while providing specific steps that educators must take to create classrooms that are more "21st century" oriented... Recently, Charles Leadbeater published 21 ideas for what's next in educational reform. Take a look at "The Innovation Unit" website, or read the article--What's Next... I like the article because it is a starting place for teachers that want to focus on meaningful reform--not just an addition of new tools to take the place of old... Teachers are ready to make changes, but I feel that the reason why change is slow or plateauing is because teachers need a better road map. This article tries to connect the dots--interesting ideas for discussion! 21st century education... 07/12/2008
We live in an increasingly complex world—a new, rapidly evolving society that demands transformation of outdated systems and institutions. How must education change to keep up with the enormous shift that is taking place in our technologically saturated world? The classrooms of yesteryear are antiquated, and a new approach to education is required to ensure domestic competitiveness in a global economy. We must reconsider the knowledges we presume are important, while transforming current educational practices to a system emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and innovation--effectively preparing our youth to be leaders in a new, interconnected world. What's the buzz? 07/04/2008
“Virtual worlds can be a powerful, engaging and interactive alternative to more passive media,” states Gauntlett. | AuthorJust an ordinary classroom teacher--teaching middle school for nearly a decade... Keeping my feet wet in education after an unexpected move. I'll be sharing teaching ideas and my thoughts on 21st century education. Welcome! I hope you can find some useful tools or inspiration on my site. Categories...
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Learning Tools ArchivesOctober 2011 "Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ralph Waldo Emerson undefined
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