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?