Is it a Partnership for 21st Century Skills?

Partnership for 21st Century: http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/

Reaction to the web site: I think that this web site is fantastic! It is a great resource for teachers, parents and even students who are interested in technology for the 21st Century. I liked their mission to close the profound gap between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need in typical 21st century communities and workplaces.

Information that surprised me: I was surprised to see that Maryland has not joined the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. I thought that there would be more states on board with increase technology in the classroom. I was also surprised to see some of the members of the partnership (Crayola, Ford Motor Company, Sesame Street, and Walt Disney.)

Disagreements: I am surprised if they feel they can honestly be successful they are not a more well know organization. I have never heard of them or their work prior to this point. I would also like to see more feedback from educators that have been successful using their resources.

 

Implications for teachers and students: Technology is changing the way we teach and learn. Technology is a process and a tool for increasing student learning and teacher productivity. As teachers we must access it, lean it and use it and then teach our students how to do the same.

Blogging for Beginners

I teach first grade and I can’t wait to see the students’ excitement about our very own class blog. The students are still so young that just seeing pictures of themselves and their work on the computer will make them very happy. They will be eager to use the blog in and out of the classroom. It will familiarize them more with technology, using the computer to retrieve information, and to post information.

 I can create a blog to communicate class/school information with parents. Post field trip information, field trip forms, parent helper calendars, general classroom guidelines and more.

I can create a blog with daily lessons listed for students who are sick or gone. Each day, try to designate a classroom "scribe" who is responsible for posting lessons/materials covered.

I can (for my really young students) perhaps students just learning to write - use a blog to showcase individual art projects throughout the year. Use a digital camera and scanner to put creative endeavors up for display around each holiday.

Blogging for Beginners

I teach first grade and I can’t wait to see the students’ excitement about our very own class blog. The students are still so young that just seeing pictures of themselves and their work on the computer will make them very happy. They will be eager to use the blog in and out of the classroom. It will familiarize them more with technology, using the computer to retrieve information, and to post information.

We can create a blog to communicate class/school information with parents. Post field trip information, field trip forms, parent helper calendars, general classroom guidelines and more.
 

We can create a blog with daily lessons listed for students who are sick or gone. Each day, try to designate a classroom "scribe" who is responsible for posting lessons/materials covered.

 We can (for my really young students) perhaps students just learning to write - use a blog to showcase individual art projects throughout the year. Use a digital camera and scanner to put creative endeavors up for display around each holiday.

I Think I Can…I Think I Can….And I Think You Can Too!

Teaching is one of the most complicated jobs today. It demands broad knowledge of subject matter, curriculum and standards; enthusiasm, a caring attitude and a love of learning; knowledge of discipline and classroom management techniques; and a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people. With all these qualities required, it's no wonder that it's hard to find great teachers.

I know that it is also essential to be open minded to change and that includes all the advances that technology brings to us. I want the tools to motivate some other professionals into becoming comfortable with technology. I myself am not a very technology savvy person but I feel it is essential to dive in head first and experience it in order to learn. I am stepping out of a comfort bubble in order to become better for my students and my facility. How can I “show them the light”?