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

One of the things I worry about most when it comes to technology (not just as a teacher, but also as a person) is that we are replacing human interaction. If you are taught that you can order groceries, talk to friends, do your job, etc. all through a computer and the internet, then what is the point of even leaving the house? While technology has allowed us to do great things I often wonder what we lose in order to gain these great things. In Bob Regan’s article he discusses how technology can be used to further a student’s social skills. He says “Group work and social skills, vital to the functioning of a globalized economy, need to be honed through collaborative learning projects.” He is suggesting that one should not exist in the absence of the other. In order to use technology in a rich way in the classroom, group projects are key. What I like most about what he says is that he seems aware that change is inevitable and by ignoring it you are doing a disservice to your students and also to yourself. So instead of becoming frustrated that new technology is being forced upon you, figure out how it best works in your classroom. Technology is supposed to enhance learning and be helpful. If you (as the teacher) see it as a hindrance, your students will probably sense this negative attitude and resist what is being presented to them.

Another point that he made was “Social responsibility and integrating community-based projects into the daily curriculum enhance student awareness of life beyond school.” I remember when I was younger my peers would say to the teacher “I’m never going to need to use this in the real world, so why should I learn it now?” Though it’s a sort of smart-ass comment, there is deeper meaning behind it. When teaching we need to make sure that students understand that there is a purpose behind what they are learning. They are not learning just to learn, they are learning because they are building skills that will help them in the future. Maybe you won’t need to know how to use algebra when you become an adult and get a job, but the skills you obtained, such as breaking a problem down into simpler steps, can help you in other aspects of your day-to-day life.