Thing 4

I do agree that the needs of the 21st century student are very different from students of the past. I am always amazed at how much information students are bombarded with and at an incredibly fast pace. I remember when the ticker tape across the bottom of a television program was so distracting to me that if I read the ticker tape I could not hear (or I should say comprehend) what the commentator was saying. Now, as I watch television, there are postings along the side of the screen telling what will be up next on the program as well as the ticker tape scrolling across the bottom, and I am able to manage all of this information with ease. The students of today have not known a world where they have to wait for anything. Information is at the touch of their fingers in an instant. My own children are able to watch television, use their computer, text message their friends all at the same time.

I don't feel confident and knowledgeable enough to teach these modern day tech wizards about technology. The computer training I received in high school and college was so irrelevant I am astounded that the district and university I attended wasted their money on the technonolgy "training" in which I was required to participate. Part of the reason I decided to pursue this course is because I want to be competent in technology and I want to teach my students to be productive web users. Much of what my students choose to access on the internet includes games and videos of questionable content. I want to guide them as "consumers" on the web, but also as "prosumers". I love the idea of students posting useful, thoughtful items on the internet. I think quality work could really generate a sense of pride and accomplishment. The audience is limitless which means students could share their efforts with countless people as well as their parents that may be at work or the out of town grandparent.

I am wondering when districts are going to begin using online foreign language instruction. I recognize that finding highly qualified teachers in foreign languages is a difficult task but it seems to me that this is an area where the web, distance learning, and things of that nature would be useful. Our recent presidential election pointed out repeatedly that Latin Americans will make up the majority of the population of the United States in the near future. Shouldn't we consider producing multi-lingual students sooner rather than later? And shouldn't we adhere to proven best practice in this area of learning where it is documented that younger children have a greater aptitude for language than do the older children. We can not wait until high school to begin foreign language requirements. (I'm ranting so I will stop now)

Bottom line - I agree that we need to identify and address the many changing needs of the 21st century student.

Thing 3

Blogging my way into the future - a very foreign concept at this stage of the game! I was interested to discover that blogging is used prominently in the professional world. I thought it was primarily a way to discuss video games, diet strategies, and celebrity gossip. How narrow minded I was! Apparently, this blogging thing is quite useful in the professional world and has opened the door to radio spots, television spots, and extra income. Very impressive! As an educator, I hope to use blogging as a tool to communicate with other educators. Eventually, I would like to use blogging as an instructional strategy with students.