Blog Assignment #2

What Will Teaching in the 21st Century be Like?


Mr.Dancealot

The video Mr.Dancealot explains what can happen when the curriculum and activities do not coincide. It also explains how technology can and cannot be useful in the classroom. The author made his case, because the dance instructor never actually had the students dance. Instead, they took notes in a lecture hall on techniques. I feel at first the technology could have been somewhat useful; In terms of showing proper techniques and steps. However, the teacher should have also given hands on instructions in another room. I agree with the author’s point. That while technology can be an extremely useful tool, it is important to expand and use more than one method of teaching.

Teaching in the 21st Century

-Technology causes students to become more engaged.
-Students can have access to a limitless supply of knowledge.
-Technology will help students learn and retain knowledge.
-Technology is a tool the students can use through out their lives.

I feel that Roberts has a very valid point when it comes to how teaching will change in the 21st century. Roberts feels that technology will cause students to become more engaged in the classroom. I agree with Roberts that technology greatly increases the effectiveness of learning, because now the students have a endless supply of information and knowledge. I also agree with Roberts that teachers should teach the students how to use these tools to apply to life. This way the learning does not end in the classroom, but continues on with the student for the rest of his or her life.

The Networked Student

After watching the video, The Networked Student, my reaction is that teachers are now becoming a tool in the classroom verses the main source of learning. Teachers can now teach students how to use software that gives them access to limitless information. These tools can help students succeed through out their academic journey and onto the rest of their lives. However, the teacher must teach the student how to determine facts from opinions. This causes the teacher to be of a leader and a guide in the classroom.

Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts

In the video, Harness Your Students' Digital Smarts by Vicki Davis, she discuses the changes in a classroom of the 21st century. Teachers are now a tool in the classroom. It is the teachers job to teach the students how to be a learner. This means teaching the students to learn to learn. By equipping the students with technology they gain access to knowledge from all around the world. The students can connect with other students, teachers, and professionals from all around the world as well. Not all students can learn by pencil and paper, some student learn better by doing. By allowing the students to figure it out and explain it on their own, the teacher is creating independence in that student. The student is also more likely to retain that information. I agree with Davis, because I feel it is the teachers job to prepare the student for their life journey. While I may not be able to teach my students everything, I can at least give them the tools to do so.

Who's Ahead in the Learning Race?

Information is always changing, and people are always coming up with new techniques. It is those reasons that I feel that every new generation is slightly ahead of the last. For example, my school did not start the I.B program until I was an upperclassman in high school. Being that its a program that starts in 8th grade, I could not participate even though I was in all advanced classes. Those students behind me had access to more advanced and A.P classes than I did. In fact, the school created classes just for these students. It is for those reasons that I feel that the Elementary students are ahead in the learning race. These students are already using programs that I, a college student, have never used.

Flipping the Classroom

Flipping the classroom is a slightly new concept to me. Since I have come to college, I have had blended courses where I may go to class once a week, but I have 4 online pod cast to listen to during the week. I feel this method really works in college level courses, however I do not think it would be effective in levels lower than that. I personally was not allowed to use the computer growing up.(Even if I had homework.) The computer was in my parents room, and they did not want me in there. I did not mind because I was on sports teams and usually at practice until 10 pm every night. Homework was not a problem because I could pull it out in my down time and work on it. However, if it’s a pod cast or video I would have no way to watch it. (I also don’t have a video compatible phone.) She mentioned that students could watch the video to catch up, but what if the student was late or walked in as the bell was ringing. (Another habit I often had in high school). Also if the student is catching up on the video at the beginning of the class, what are the other students doing? Either nothing, or moving ahead. Also a lot of students, of all ages, have things they do after school. I feel like this method could cause inconvenience maybe not to all students, but to enough to make it ineffective.

Bringing the Locker Room into the Classroom

I feel that this method could be effective in the sense of making the classroom a team. I feel that it will cause the students to become comfortable and more involved in the classroom. In return that will lead to a more independent, confident learner.