In my opinion, the top 3 elements of a 21st Century Classroom are:
1) Daily use of technology by both teachers and students. Students are surrounded by technology in their daily lives. If we are going to keep their interest and motivate them we must use the tools that are a part of their lives and will keep them hooked on learning.
2) Collaboration between teacher-student and student-student to solve real world problems. Students are no longer interested in getting good grades just to get good grades. It is a challenge to get them to buy in. Teaching them skills to deal with real world problems and modeling how to solve them and work with others prepares them for real life. Whether it is creating their own wiki page with another student or researching possible solutions to an international problem – by making it a personal experience where they are responsible for solving/addressing an issue, they are more likely to work toward a goal.
3) Opportunity for students to direct their own learning. Back to the motivation piece I mentioned earlier. I believe that in order for students to take a vested interest in their learning, they should be a part of the process. Students don’t necessarily decide what they will learn, but how they best learn and form a plan from that. Based on their own individual learning styles, they should be able to choose from a list of activities one that would best demonstrate their understanding of content/help them retain content.
What kind of learning environment do I want to create for my students?
I want to create a learning environment where students are challenged on a daily basis; a place where students learn to ask questions and have the tools to discover their answers. My intention is not to shirk my part as the teacher, but I’d like to see myself as more of a guide to direct their learning and push them to be motivated and set high goals for themselves.
What resources do I have to help me create the learning environment?
I have a great resource in a co-worker who designs her lesson plans around her student’s learning styles, a technology director that is always willing to help me try new things and co-teach with me when asked and a librarian who is amazing at pulling together resources. There is ample technology (laptops, iwrite board, smart boards, and video cameras) available in my building to make this kind of environment a reality.
I totally agree that daily use of technology is an intricate part of teaching with technology. If the students don't get their hands on it daily or almost daily, than the benefit starts to wear off.
ReplyDeleteIt is very handy to have someone with expertise that you can go to with problems when it comes to technology. I hope you have let them know how much you appreciate them! They can get overwhelmed with people asking for help. :)
I'm totally digging your blog btw! Great color scheme!
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of students being invested in their learning and the way they get there is being a part of the process. Teaching in the primary level has its advantages and disadvantages and I think this is one. I believe having more independent students would create a fun way to do this!
Our philosophy is the similar regarding to guiding our students and motivating them to want to be successful.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the students are very interested in applying classroom and lab content into everyday/real life situations. I am also impressed that students wonder how this will relate to their careers. I think that they, of course, are also interested in their grades, but that is not their end all of education.
Technology, I agree, has such a big impact on what they are doing and it is an ongoing learning process.
I love that you utilize the word guide for educators. I firmly believe that is what we are, we are guiding their current and future educational experiences. This will allow them to be lifelong learners. We are learning right along with our students at times. Technology is so ever changing, that it is difficult to be 100% current. I think that the times when we are learning right along with our students, it allows the student to develop confidence in their abilities.
I am glad to hear that you have support for your program. Without that support it is an unfortunate and difficult battle up the Technology Mountain.
Thank you, I learned a lot.
Janice Bacon