What is 21st century learning...
and how does it impact technology in the classroom?
The definition of "21st century learning" differs between educators, students, and other individuals, but the term generally refers to the set of skills and knowledge that are needed to succeed in today's world. Often, the term "21st century skills" is used interchangeably with 21st century learning. The specific qualities of 21st century learning usually depend on the learner or educator and is "open for interpretation" (Education Week, 2010). However, in general, 21st century learning encompasses a broad range of knowledge and skills.
The Glossary of Education Reform (Hidden curriculum, 2014) describes the general consensus of ideas of 21st century learning. Some of these ideas include critical thinking, problem solving, research skills, creativity, perseverance, information and communication technology literacy, and even globle awareness and social-justice literacy.
The ideas of 21st century learning encourage educators to teach relevant information in culturally relevant ways. This impacts technology in many ways. The use of technology in classrooms will increase as a result of the ideals of 21st century learning. In today's society, computers, smart-phones, and apps dominate students' lives, and utilizing these technologies in the classroom will provide a culturally relevant form of learning for today's students. Also, the use of technology is relevant across all forms and subjects of education, so 21st century learning is easily applicable in all classrooms.
References:
Hidden curriculum (2014, August 26). In S. Abbott (Ed.), The glossary of education reform. Retrieved from http://edglossary.org/hidden-
curriculum.
How Do You Define 21st-Century Learning? (2010). Education Week. Retrieved from http://www.edweek.org/tsb/articles/2010/10/12/01panel.h04.html.
The definition of "21st century learning" differs between educators, students, and other individuals, but the term generally refers to the set of skills and knowledge that are needed to succeed in today's world. Often, the term "21st century skills" is used interchangeably with 21st century learning. The specific qualities of 21st century learning usually depend on the learner or educator and is "open for interpretation" (Education Week, 2010). However, in general, 21st century learning encompasses a broad range of knowledge and skills.
The Glossary of Education Reform (Hidden curriculum, 2014) describes the general consensus of ideas of 21st century learning. Some of these ideas include critical thinking, problem solving, research skills, creativity, perseverance, information and communication technology literacy, and even globle awareness and social-justice literacy.
The ideas of 21st century learning encourage educators to teach relevant information in culturally relevant ways. This impacts technology in many ways. The use of technology in classrooms will increase as a result of the ideals of 21st century learning. In today's society, computers, smart-phones, and apps dominate students' lives, and utilizing these technologies in the classroom will provide a culturally relevant form of learning for today's students. Also, the use of technology is relevant across all forms and subjects of education, so 21st century learning is easily applicable in all classrooms.
References:
Hidden curriculum (2014, August 26). In S. Abbott (Ed.), The glossary of education reform. Retrieved from http://edglossary.org/hidden-
curriculum.
How Do You Define 21st-Century Learning? (2010). Education Week. Retrieved from http://www.edweek.org/tsb/articles/2010/10/12/01panel.h04.html.
21ST CENTURY LEARNING THEORIES
Click on photos for more information.
References:
New Zealand Council for Educational Research. (2009). Shifting to 21st Century Thinking in Education and Learning: Theory. Retrieved from http://www.shiftingthinking.org/?page_id=3.
New Zealand Council for Educational Research. (2009). Shifting to 21st Century Thinking in Education and Learning: Theory. Retrieved from http://www.shiftingthinking.org/?page_id=3.
The 7 "Cs"
There are many elements of 21st century learning. However, the main idea of this type of learning is to ensure that students gain the necessary skills for competency and success within their specific environment and culture. Teaching and instruction for 21st century learning is, therefore, adaptable, interchangeable, open for interpretation, and subject to opinion based on the current cultural and social needs of students. There are seven "C" words that can be useful for educators when determining how to go about integrating 21st century learning and 21st century thinking into their classroom environment. These seven words are some of the main elements of 21st century learning and are general skills and ideas that are important for students to have in order to thrive in the 21st century world. The seven "C" words are:
Curiosity
Communication
Collaboration
Creativity
Choice
Change
Commitment
Curiosity
Communication
Collaboration
Creativity
Choice
Change
Commitment
Technology Tools for the 7 Cs
Provided below are some helpful links to tools and websites that are available for technology integration in the 21st century classroom. These tools provide a broad range of 21st century learning elements and are great for incorporating the 7 Cs into instruction.
Vocaroo
Blogger
Pinterest
Evernote
Google Docs
Google Earth
Blackboard
SurveyMonkey
Prezi
Scratch
Screencast-O-Matic
ThingLink
VoiceThread
Wordle
Vocaroo
Blogger
Evernote
Google Docs
Google Earth
Blackboard
SurveyMonkey
Prezi
Scratch
Screencast-O-Matic
ThingLink
VoiceThread
Wordle
References:
Rathsack, C. (2013). 21st Century Learning. Retrieved from http://ed-tech-integration.pbworks.com/w/page/66602036/21st%20Century%
20Learning.