I visited the website www.21stcenturyskills.org, and expected to browse for a while, as assigned, and then develop an opinion to come back to my blog with and post a reaction. Little did I realize how big my eyes would get while viewing this site! I'm still not certain if that is because I never before realized that this initiative existed, or was so excited that it did. Maybe it is a little of both. The wheels in my mind are already spinning, trying to think of ways to incorporate the framework into my teaching, and to best prepare my students for the future, not just academically, but with life skills, communications and media skills, and learning skills.
If I had to choose one thing on the site that surprised me most, it is the sheer number of huge education and technology companies involved in the initiative. These are not small names, either, these are companies like Apple, Verizon, Sun Microsystems, and the list goes on and on. The possibilities with combining the greatest minds from these companies are truly amazing!
I looked through the site to see if there was anything that I truly disagreed with, but was not able to actually find anything that bothered me. I saw far more that I was happy to see stated in print, in association with such reputable names. I am a foreign language teacher, and am embarrassed to admit it, but this was the first time that I have seen that foreign languages are now grouped in as core subjects and 21st century themes. Just seeing that my area has been put in as an "equal" with English and math gives me a greater feeling of responsibility to my students. I realize that it is not an "elective" in a global society to learn foreign languages, but it was a pleasant surprise to see that someone outside of my field sees the same thing!
The implications of this initiative for my students, and for myself as a contemporary educator, are potentially huge. South Carolina is not one of the partner states at this time, but could well become one, and that would mean that these skills would be required to be taught. But, why wait for them to be required if we agree with their importance? I plan to spend a good deal of time this summer, planning for the fall, and for a classroom that truly prepares my students for their 21st Century world.
Trina Godwin
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Hi Trina,
ReplyDeleteYou have done a fantastic job of discussing this website! I too thought it was amazing to see the names of the companies pushing for the 21st Century initiative to go through. To have Apple backing this program that puts and emphasis on technology is not suprising but it is pleasant to see companies giving to other areas besides there own. I teach an Exploratory Class (PE and Health) and I understnad your attitude regarding the happiness at seeing your area listed among the CORE subjects. I personally believe it is extremely important for students to learn a foreign language at a very early stage in their school career because it helps with memory retention.
Good Post!!
Trisha
Trina,
ReplyDeleteIt is good you mentioned the education and Technology companies involved with this project; this also gives us the possibility to see that these companies do support and believe that education may try to keep up to the technological development of the world and continue to have the curriculum completed.
I also enjoyed this site and I feel that I will be able to use information in it for my future practices. It is wonderful to have sites like these to go to receive information that may support me in my teaching practices adapted to the 21st century.
Maria Jardim
Trina,
ReplyDeleteMy reaction to the website was the same as yours. I had no idea something like this existed, and I was very excited that it does exist. Not only is it organized well, but some of the members are huge organizations that are putting their muscle behind it. I was very happy to see my state, Arizona, actively involved in this initiative! Arizona has long been behind when it comes to education, so I was very pleasantly surprised to see our involvement.
Thank you for your post!