I had the chance to visit the website entitled, Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21). Yet, I have conflicted feelings about the P21 website. I was not visually impressed. The font was too small and the information was not easy to identify. Maybe because I thought that I would be able to see some cool interactive displays and activities. Although I was excited to see a website specifically created to endorse student achievement for the purpose of competing in the 2st-century, I was not excited to come back.
Surprisingly, this site identified two very important tools in Wisconsin. Under the state initiatives I found that Wisconsin is a participating in the P21 program as well as the STEM program. This gives me a better understanding of what my state has to offer as far as preparatory standards.
I do not disagree with any of the information or opinions expressed on this site. It may be because of my limited comparisons to other websites that are proactively trying to incorporate more technology into the school systems. I may not ever see anything wrong with this site until I am able to use it more.
So what does this all mean to me as an educator? I believe that we will not only need to stay current on the latest technology, but we will need to collaborate with our colleagues to gain the important strategies to use this knowledge. As teachers, we must rely on one another to gain access to those critical 21st century skills that we need to empower our students with. We will have to rely on our community to keep us aware of the latest innovations. No longer is the culture of school going to be the same.
Just as important, this means that my students will have and will continue to need a myriad of support coming from the community. We as teachers reallly need to stay current on the latest employable skills that students need. Does anyone know of any activities that promote these skills?
I do agree that this site was not visually pleasing to the eye and that it was difficult to navigate. However, I did find some stuff that might be worth your time to check out. There is a link section to webcasts, webinars, and seminars for incorporating technology and essential skills in the classroom. There is a section called eduvision videos where other teachers have shared lessons and you can upload our own lessons as well. Under communications there is a great resource for communicating through writing for school and in the workplace. Just a few things you might like.
ReplyDeleteMichelle Epstein
Dreanna:
ReplyDeleteAt first I too had problems nativating but the more I navigated the more easier it became. I enjoyed the Route 21 page and I took the tour and felt the tour was very helpful. The resource link gave some great places to investigate and links to other websites to help you implement more technology. I liked it because it helped me find some websites for elementary grades. We need to embrace the 21st century skills so our students have the best opportunity to succeed in this ever-changing world. I know because I have seen the changes my own kids have gone through and I amazed how well they are doing today. I also know that I did not help them with these skills but they sure helping me to embrace the path to technology.
Dreanna,
ReplyDeleteI, too, agree that the site was visually hard to navigate. The information was good, but sometimes I thought it was hard to find. There were times when I clicked on a link and navigated away from the page without knowing why. I didn't realize that I was looking at an outside link.
I wonder if one of the best ways to stay on top of the skills necessary is to ask the parents of our students? Conceivably, they are in the workforce to some degree and know the skills that are necessary. You may even have one or two that are technologically savvy and willing to show you a few things - if not help you set them up. You will never know until you ask! Good luck!
~Colleen
Hi Dreanna.
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point about how teachers need to stay on top of the teaching strategies and tools of the 21st century, and how we must rely on one another to provide support and education. Along with that, any chance we can get, to have our students teach us what they know will prove to be worthwhile. I enjoy watching them onm their gadgets, or talking about the video game they just bought, or having them explain how they made that podcast. They are very fast learners and very good teachers when the topic is something they like.
Good thoughts!
-Heather