After viewing the Fisch & McLeod's video my interest was sparked because I thought hard about what I was doing as a classroom teacher to ensure that I was preparing my students with the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century. Am I preparing them with the skills they need to compete in the global economy? Am I allowing adequate access to a computer to teach the critical technology skills they need? Am I preparing my students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they will need to be successful?
After asking these questions, it is clear to me that many perceive the U.S. as lagging behind when it comes to taking the lead in the 21st century. Why is this? I think that the U.S. has a focus that does not lean towards expanding skills students need, but the focus is put on the acheivement gap and improvement of low performing schools. It seems that providing these 21st skills would help to close the achievement gap and expand on the skills students will need to be successful and compete globally.
Students will need to be provided with the tools and resources they need to gain these 21st century skills. Teachers need to get away from "conventional teaching" and take chances themselves. Educators can become stagnate and non-welcoming to change. Technology will continue to be the driving force and I feel it's time to emphasize that importance by teaching and giving our students the tools they need. Without budget cuts and accountability issues these plans seem feasible, but with the continued struggle of where we will get the money for resources and how will we teach it will be our biggest issue.
Your post was interesting. When you said, "My interest was sparked because I thought hard about what I was doing as a classroom teacher," It really caught my ear because I did the same thing after I watched the video. Usually every few weeks something occurs that makes me sit back and take inventory of what I am doing, and of course what I can improve. This time, of course, it was sort of a "tech inventory." I teach at a small private school, and we really do not have a lot of technology in the classrooms. Most of what we have is what I can provide.
ReplyDeleteI also like when you stated, "I think that the U.S. has a focus that does not lean towards expanding skills students need, but the focus is put on the achievement gap and improvement of low performing schools." I strongly agree with this statement, and have serious issues with the way resources (not only technology) are allocated in schools. Lets just say that sometimes I think we are not doing enough to expand the minds of our best and brightest.
Kari, I really like how you took this video not just as something to think on, but something to apply to your own classroom and perception of the educations system at large. I wholeheartedly agree of your assessment that the concepts of closing the achievement gap and expanding the technology skills of students are not separate concepts but two that can be combined for the benefit of all. I really liked how your advocated a change from "conventional teaching" to a style that is encouraging of risk-taking and the inclusion of excitement into the classroom. You are a daring teacher, Kari, and I admire that.
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