Vision
Today’s students are unlike any type of previous classroom student. They require constant stimulation and immediate feedback and are always in possession of the latest and greatest technology. As these students continue to walk through classroom doors each day, teachers are faced with the challenge of engaging these students by combining both technology and classroom content.
Today’s 21st century learners need the commitment from all stakeholders to ensure they receive the type of education they deserve. These students deserve teachers committed to delivering classroom content in new and engaging ways and a curriculum filled with technology-rich learning experiences. As the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) references, students also deserve classrooms and schools equipped with access to technology devices to close the digital divide and an adequate network to ensure all students are able to access the internet (ISTE, 2016). Many teachers in today’s classrooms and stakeholders within the district struggle to transition from the old methods of teaching into the new, modern methods. As a result, students are struggling too.
Classrooms should provide students with problem-based learning and allow students to use their personal devices for research and the creation of final products. Current classroom technology use should be targeting the higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy by incorporating skills such as creating and analyzing. The new version of the pedagogy wheel in reference to technology integration provides a 21st century example of how the higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy can be addressed in the classroom through the incorporation of technology (Dunn, 2013). For example, instead of completing worksheets on major historical events, students could be creating reenactment videos or interactive timelines. Or instead of taking notes in class and doing homework at home, students can watch video lectures at home and receive the support they need in the classroom during assignments and activities, which is also known as the “flipped classroom” model (Educause, 2012). Engaged learners are more successful and as a result more prepared for success in their future endeavors. The only way to truly engage today’s 21st century students to design and implement a technology-rich curriculum that prepares all students for success.
Dunn, J. (2013). New pedagogy wheel helps you integrate technology using SAMR model. Retrieved from http://www.edudemic.com/new-padagogy-wheel-helps-you-integrate-technology-using-samr-model/
Educause. (2012). 7 things you should know about flipped classrooms. Retrieved from https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/eli7081.pdf
ISTE. (2016). Equitable access. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/standards/tools-resources/essential-conditions/equitable-access
Today’s 21st century learners need the commitment from all stakeholders to ensure they receive the type of education they deserve. These students deserve teachers committed to delivering classroom content in new and engaging ways and a curriculum filled with technology-rich learning experiences. As the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) references, students also deserve classrooms and schools equipped with access to technology devices to close the digital divide and an adequate network to ensure all students are able to access the internet (ISTE, 2016). Many teachers in today’s classrooms and stakeholders within the district struggle to transition from the old methods of teaching into the new, modern methods. As a result, students are struggling too.
Classrooms should provide students with problem-based learning and allow students to use their personal devices for research and the creation of final products. Current classroom technology use should be targeting the higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy by incorporating skills such as creating and analyzing. The new version of the pedagogy wheel in reference to technology integration provides a 21st century example of how the higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy can be addressed in the classroom through the incorporation of technology (Dunn, 2013). For example, instead of completing worksheets on major historical events, students could be creating reenactment videos or interactive timelines. Or instead of taking notes in class and doing homework at home, students can watch video lectures at home and receive the support they need in the classroom during assignments and activities, which is also known as the “flipped classroom” model (Educause, 2012). Engaged learners are more successful and as a result more prepared for success in their future endeavors. The only way to truly engage today’s 21st century students to design and implement a technology-rich curriculum that prepares all students for success.
Dunn, J. (2013). New pedagogy wheel helps you integrate technology using SAMR model. Retrieved from http://www.edudemic.com/new-padagogy-wheel-helps-you-integrate-technology-using-samr-model/
Educause. (2012). 7 things you should know about flipped classrooms. Retrieved from https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/eli7081.pdf
ISTE. (2016). Equitable access. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/standards/tools-resources/essential-conditions/equitable-access