Week One
Getting up and close with the material
Welcome and Opening Thoughts
Welcome! I am excited to work alongside you in our virtual classroom. This course will provide you excellent insight into the state of education today and what factors are driving innovations in the classroom and across school systems. However, you will need to make sure you stay up with the material and on top of your assignments. If you do, I promise that you would be challenged to think in new and different ways and that your knowledge will grow.
This week, we dive into the concept of what 21st Century Skills are, examine why they are important, and how schools and classrooms are changing to embed the teaching of these skills and to make teaching more relevant. In addition, we examine the variety of school choice options that exist and analyze the changing nature of our student population and how these changes impact teaching and learning.
Your role as a teacher is quite influential in shaping how your students will view each other and themselves. Their one opportunity to experience learning as something to enjoy and love begins with how you see them, their peers and what strategies you use to ensure they develop the skills necessary to be successful in life.
Throughout your work this week (and beyond), we will add techniques and technology options to your teacher toolbox so that you may promote success in the classroom. I will share my “tips from the trenches” as we dialogue on the boards. I look forward to working alongside you this week as you continue to prepare to be successful educators!
Best,
Dr. Rich Newman
21st Century Skills - What are they and why are they important
Today, we are no longer living in an assembly line mentality. The skills individuals need to succeed in the increasingly competitive global economy are vastly different. While students still need to master the fundamentals of reading, writing and math they need master what we call 21st Century skills. These "soft" skills which they are often called because they are not easily measured focus on the ability for students to collaborate effectively others, communicate through a range of methods, think critically and be creative. Check out the video below and see if you think these are the 21st century skills teachers need to teach and students need to master.
The Changing Landscape of Our Schools
Check out the blog below to get an insight into how 21st Century Skills connect with ensuring that students have the basic skills.
Innovative Models
The Flipped Classroom
Now That You Have Examined Some Innovative Teaching Model Let's Watch a Video About the Changing Nature of Our Students
Let's Look At The Work You Are Expected To Complete This Week
This is not a typical online course
It's Time to Think About Your Philosophy of Education
Identify What You Think Are The Critical 21st Century Skills
In the first Discussion Post, identify the 21st Century skills you see as being the most impact and discuss how these skills fit into the traditional element of schooling that focuses on ensuring that all students develop the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics.
I expect you to analyze these skills and challenge the thinking of your colleagues. I am not looking for the "right" answer but rather your critical connections to the skills and the classroom. This first post will set the stage for much of our work so be thoughtful, write at a graduate level and have fun.