21st Century skills needed….
I totally agree with Phaedrus and Will Richardson about educating the educators in 21st century skills.
http://durandus.com/phaedrus/2008/03/10/21st-century-skills-for-educators-first/
We not only need training for using tools that have been brought into our schools but also most teachers don’t even know about all the wonderful resources out there. We need more PD on the use of technology in the classroom. Not to say that we need to learn how to use a computer, most of us do know that. However, some of us do need to learn how to use the new IMacs that have been brought into our schools without any training what so ever even though they work totally different than the Dells we currently have in our classrooms.
What is desperately needed is how to integrate the use of all this communication into daily classroom learning. Some classrooms have only one computer so we need to learn how to utilize it in a way to benefit all. We need to learn to podcast, video, web quest, IM, use social sites, blogging, etc … for the purpose of learning. We must get the districts to unblock access and teach students how to use the tools for learning along with the social. Instead of taking their cell phones or prohibiting them, we should incorporate them as learning tools.
Unreal expectations? ….Hope not….
I admit that I was upset that I was forced to take time from my students to study to complete my Masters so I could continue to teach. However, now that I am studying for this degree in educational technology I see how much these skills I’m learning are going to benefit my teaching and it turn my students. There is even a class called “Tech for the 21st Century Teacher EDUC 621″ included as part of this degree.
I still get stressed about the time I take from my teaching due to studying and course work however, I know it is important. Not to mention, when I earn my degree, I will also get a raise. :-)!!!
You are thinking like me. I was a little upset that teachers are required to take time away from planning and helping thier students to work on a Masters program, but I am so glad I did. BUT….What about the people that are taking a masters program that is in something that doesn’t relate to teaching. Before this one I took a bunch of classes in Administration and they have nothing to do with teaching in general. It does help you to understand the administration point of view, but that is it. I took a 18 hour training on the imacs last summer, but would love more training on the types of activities to use podcasts, imovie, and things with my classes I’m teaching. I am unlucky and don’t have an computers to use in my room, but can go to the lab with emacs anytime. I just don’t know how to encorporate a podcast into something great.
barbara nantz
March 20, 2008
I want the training also, and I am taking EDUC 621 right now. On my list of thisngs to do before this semester ends is 1. Do a youTube video for this class. 2. Do a movie for EDUC 621 and also a Podcast for EDUC 621. I don’t know how now—but I will before it’s over. And if I need help, I’ll just blog it–email the question, IM someone, etc. I do know how to do those things…..I’m right there with you.
Angie Hinson
March 28, 2008
I am looking forward to that class then. Each class that I have taken thus far toward this degree has pushed me to learn new technology! I only hope to be able to incorporate it into my daily teaching. I do love discovering all the new tools to play with and the networking, which I new nothing about prior to these courses!
gnewsome
March 28, 2008
I agree, but realized that I needed the
courses to become a better teacher. Not that
it makes me any smarter, just that the level
of things I learned in the Masters program
far surpasses any PD I have taken so far.
Kim
March 30, 2008