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…

But what if you do not have easy access to computers?  21st century teaching should not be solely about technology… Students can still work collaboratively to create a working product without technology that equally demonstrates prior knowledge, builds on that knowledge in a collaborative way, allows for student-inquiry, and allows for development of an information-sharing culture amongst learners, while allowing teachers to assess student performance and growth of understanding over a period of time.  One idea might be to use a bulletin board as the vehicle in which students develop a classroom wiki—encourage students to use a variety of texts and artifacts… 

Another idea might be to have students work in smaller groups to collaborate and create a product that demonstrates their collective knowledge, the questions they have about the topic, and what they learn as they progress through a unit of instruction.  Remember, students should be developing questions and finding the answers--student driven…  Innovative ideas to replace KWL also might be to use a variety of Web 2.0 tools—blogs, podcasts, vodcasts, etc…  The primary objectives should be to have students working collaboratively, sharing knowledge, asking their own questions to build knowledge…

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