Giles County ITRT

I recently heard Jeff Goldsmith speak at a conference, and a comment he made about social networking instilled a glimpse of our students’ futures into my mind.  He was speaking on the future of the health industry, and he discussed how modern information technology will alter the role of the major actors in healthcare:  consumers, health plans, hospitals, physicians and pharmaceutical firms.  

As I listened, I thought about how our students’ views of technology are so very different from the people of my generation.  Today’s students are constantly on the Internet, social networking, and using all the technology tools of the 21^st Century.  So what is the role of today’s educators?

Following on the heels of Jeff’s presentation, I attended the Educational Technology Leadership Conference , and listened to two keynote speakers Idit Harel Caperton and James Paul Gee expound on the topic of students and learning in the 21^st Century.  Basically, what I gathered from the speakers and the mini sessions that I attended during the three days of the ETCL was that we as educator are responsible to see that our students have the skills for a “new age”. 

What students must Learn to succeed in the 21^st Century global setting is how to access, evaluate, and use different forms of information.  They must exercise critical thinking skills and exhibit fluency with tech tools, and they have to be Creative in their use of various forms of media when they present ideas.  Problem-solving skills and a display of originality are also a must.  Last, but not least, students need to Collaborate. It is essential that they demonstrate cross-culture awareness, work successfully as a team, and communicate complex ideas effectively.

This is a tall order for our students, but it is even more demanding for educators.  Are we prepared to meet this challenge?  What will state educational funding cuts do to the future of Virginia’s 21st Century citizens?

Bullying is a problem that we cannot afford to ignore in any form, shape or fashon!  The following information will help you address this issure in school and on the Internet:  NEA..National Bulling Awareness, Educational World..Special Theme:Bullying , Bullying Awareness , Bullying Awareness Week.  Please take time to share with your students that everyone has the right to respect.

Having just returned from a conference with my husband on National Rural Health Association/Critical Access Hospitals, I learned as a teacher/ITRT that we must promote 21st Century Literacies in all our classrooms!

The conference had more than 500 attendees from CAHs all over the country and a hall full of exhibitors displaying technical wares.  As I set in session after session listening to young presenters, the point that our students must be able to compete in these types of environments was driven even further home to me.

As public school educators, we need to see that our graduating students are globally competitive for work, postsecondary education, and prepared for life in the 21st Century.  My question is: Are we doing what we need to do???

As an ITRT, planning performance assessment and instruction around significant content that is essential for preparing citizens in a 21^st Century democracy is certainly on my radar screen.  I invite all of you to join me in this very vital endeavor.

Below are several helpful Web sites regarding 21^st Century Literacies:

Contemporary Literacy: Essential Skills for the 21st Century

21^st Century Literacies

Teaching for Information Literacy

Noodle Tools/21^st Century Literacies

Partnership for 21^st Century Skills

Thinkfinity/21^st Century Skills