21st Century Skills and Lifelong Learning Blog #4

I can think back to when I was a kid going to school there were no computers, cell phones or video games. I remember how excited I was to get the game of Pong at Christmas. We played it for hours, days on end. We were also relieved to finally get a private phone line instead of the party line. When I tell my children that I did not grow up with a cell phone or a computer they look at me like I am a dinosaur and wonder how I could have lived without these things.
My teachers communicated with parents and students via scheduled classroom conferences, notes sent home or a phone call. Today’s teachers can communicate with all that 21st century technology has to offer, all without ever having to meet face to face.
I still find myself utilizing old school tools because that is how my brain is wired. Children growing up in the 21st century with computers, MTV, cell phones, Instant Messaging and Blogging where information is at their fingertips think differently and act differently due to these technologies. What would one do today if you took away everything: cell phone, computer and video games? They would not even know how to think or act.
Different kinds of experiences lead to different brain structures, says Dr. Bruce Perry of Baylor College of Medicine. So how do 20th century teachers teach to 21century learners? They adapt and integrate both past technologies with new technologies. Today’s learners are different and the need to integrate today’s technologies is necessary to get students to listen and be engaged in learning. Reading a book could be considered old technology but is still valid in teaching lessons. Integrating a blogging site to input thoughts about the book and collaborating with team members is new technology that gets students thinking critically in a way they can relate.
Educators need to be flexible and confident with technology and its ability to teach. Teachers need to be lifelong students in order to teach the digital student of today.
Lifelong learning involves being connected to the community. Networking with other teachers, programs and trainings that can provide up-to-date information. Lifelong learning also involves listening to your students and proactively assessing their needs.

References:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh6yd6wfCgU : Lifelong Learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XMa91uf-so : 21st century learning