Response to Why We Need to Teach 21st Century Skills—and How to Do It

I attempted to record my voice reading this blog, I was able to record it on my Blackberry; however when I tried to upload it to my computer using windows media player, the file extension didn't transfer over. Here is my blog, enjoy!

Response to Why We Need to Teach 21st Century Skills—and How to Do It

By Bob Regan

As we become a society further connected by technology, the implication is on educators to ensure that our students will be prepared not only to compete in this culture but to excel. Whether in the job market or in their future educational career, students will need to have mastered the skills associated with technology. We can scaffold students toward this by allowing them to explore, manipulate and discover concepts through their expose with technology including multimedia, computer learning games etc. Society is continuing to be influenced by the constant changing technologies; students need to be equipped to work properly with these tools.

The expectations on a student graduating high school and their ability to utilize and configure technology is higher than the past; in order to effectively excel in the job market, students will need to be prepared. The preparation must begin the early years to meet the standards for the latter and higher education levels. For example the medical field, which in the past relied partially on technology, today many of the medical procedures are majorly performed through the usage of computerized equipment; these modernized measures require that the operator has the ability to enter the data effectively into the technological medical appliance, for efficient results. For the past 200 years the medical field has made enormous progress in the fight against deadly diseases with the help of new technologies. From the invention of the first vaccine to surgeries that can give someone a better quality of life, technology continues to improve the medical field. On a recent trip to my doctor’s office the physician’s assistant rolled in a machine that literally checked my blood pressure, registered my pulse and heart rate and temperature coupled with providing my doctor a print-out of the results before we had our face to face in the examination room.

There are numerous ways one can bring technology into the classroom, which will enable children to discover and maneuver the information they are learning. Primary examples of how to incorporate technology within the classroom are: the Smartboard- which makes learning come alive when utilizing this interactive board. It allows students to be actively engaged in their learning process. Additionally by placing children in groups of two or three directing them to explore how to search for information online; providing them specific directives and encouraging them to navigate their way through the internet. Older children can post to a class blog- this will assist them with contributing their ideas to a central location and additionally will afford them an introduction into collaboration. Lastly by having the students create a simple power point presentation will enhance a crucial skill for their future academic journey, career and job training.

As the article mentioned in order for children to be effectively prepared for the 21^st century, technology can assist them with: critical thinking/problem solving, global awareness, just to name a few, these skills are not only helpful in the classroom but also in society at large. The simple viewing of “Youtube” virtually can place one into classrooms around the world; affording insight of what and how well 4th graders or any level are performing globally! The future leaders whom we are educating today will require the technological skills to advance in their future endeavors.