Module+1+-+Learning+in+the+21st+Century

Learning in the 21st Century Reflection

Module 1 is Learning in the 21st Century. The videos incorporated into the module were a "21st Century Skills" news story, "An Open Letter to Educators", "A Vision of K-12 Students Today", and "A Vision of 21st Century Teachers". The articles incorporated were "Listen to the Natives" and "Describing and Debunking: The Net Generation and Digital Natives". This module describes the evolution of education as new and improved technology lands in homes and at the fingertips of students. The purpose of this module is to demonstrate that, in order for education to be exciting and attention-grabbing, educators need to adapt to changing times and technological advances.

It is important that teachers adapt because students need to be curious and should want to learn. If a teacher is using a chalkboard, making students hand-write notes, and taking polls by a count of raised hands, the student is going to lose all interest. If the teacher, however, uses an interactive SMART board, makes the powerpoint notes accessible online, and takes polls by using cell phones, the student will enjoy the learning process. Technology is no longer a distraction in the classroom, it is the teacher's and students' best tool. Children are exploring the internet and finding new ways to communicate and get information, and the best way to help a student succeed is to use something they know well. Students are the discoverers of the new aspects of technology and the teachers need to be the administer of these ideas and methods.

To become a 21st century educator, I first must be the learner. I will learn from my students their mode of communication, be it via email, text, calculator, tablet, SMART board, etc. I will let my students show me how they want to get their information and how they best perceive it. Once I know enough about the student's latest find, I will incorporate it into my lesson plans, classwork, and homework. I will then teach the rest of the students so that they understand the technology alongside the curriculum. Every time a new medium of technology is created, I will learn from my students so I can pay it forward and teach others. Education in the 21st century is important because it allows the teacher to learn from the student, as well as teach the student, and create a bond that allows the passing of knowledge to flow smoothly.