21st Century Classrooms and Learners
Defining a 21st Century Classroom
The term, 21st century classroom, might at first thought, seem easy to define; however, as one looks deeper, the simplicity of a definition seems at best, a challenge. Is a 21st century classroom one which houses a variety of technologies readily available to the teacher and students? Or, as might seem obvious, one in which the teacher and students are capable of utilizing the technology? On the contrary, it appears that merely being capable of utilizing technology within the classroom does not promote the transfer of learning educators hope for, or of which students are in need. “The term "21st-century skills" is generally used to refer to certain core competencies such as collaboration, digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving that advocates believe schools need to teach to help students thrive in today's world” (How do you, 2010). To become truly literate in a 21st century classroom, it would seem both teachers and students not only need a capable, working knowledge of the technologies available to them, but also knowledge about how to utilize those devices in such a way that meaningful learning occurs inside and outside of the classroom.
Many technologies are available for classrooms and include such things as desktop and laptop computers, LCD projectors, SMART and ACTIV boards, document cameras, digital cameras and camcorders, tablet devices such as iPads, webcams, eReaders, and even computerized gaming devices. (Morrison & Lowther, 2010) With so many different technologies available, educators have their hands full trying to keep up with all the workings of these capabilities, and they are sometimes overlooked in the da...
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Working as an Instructional Technology Specialist for the past seven years has provided many opportunities to observe teachers and students in a classroom setting. During this time teachers have been in the process of phasing in a new standards-based curriculum with an emphasis on student mastery of these standards. New technology tools have also been incorporated in many classrooms including studen...
Over the past few decades, technology has advanced significantly. The use of calculators, computers, and other techniques in many fields has increased. On a large scale, technology is replacing traditional methods of instruction in the field of education. Many people believe that adopting technology in the learning process can increase productivity. However, David Gelernter, a professor at Yale University and a leading figure in the field of technology, suggests limiting the use of technology in the classroom in his article “Unplugged: The Myth of Computers in the Classroom,” published in the New Republic magazine in 1994.
It is very hard not to realize that technology has overpowered education in many ways. “Technology integration is similar to a tidal wave, growing silently in strength, then falling with an unstoppable roar upon those who paid no attention or showed little interest” (Guhlin, 40). Nowadays, computers are almost considered a necessity in the classroom, and are the main component of technology integration. Computers are being used in more numerous ways, besides only being used for basic word processing. With a simple computer, copious availabilities of technologies can be used in the classroom. “The one thing that is so great about the computer is that it does give a lot of instruction--and you don't need to have hearing to take advantage of it” (Anderson, 12). It’s amazing how one simple screen can provide everlasting opportunity for learning.
Presents the results of a study on the effectiveness of computer-based integrated learning system (ILS) in schools in the United States. Subjects in which ILS is used; ILS' ability to track students' progress on learning activities; ILS' effectiveness in improving student learning; Underutilization of ILS in American schools; Potential of ILS to transform the classroom.
Image a school with laptops available to each student to complete their class notes, teachers who are able to help their students through the screens of their computer, children who are excited to learn about numbers with the help of cute, animated characters. With the endless advancement of today’s technology, schools across the world have begun integrating various technology into their curriculum. These devices have the potential to greatly impact students in their learning. When a school opts to use technology in a school setting, the most important factors they should take into consideration are the benefits of using technological devices, the effectiveness of technology used
Do you ever think about how much technology has changed the way we work, learn, play, and even think? Technology is a major beneficiary to society; especially in the classroom where we get the opportunity to learn and grow. In recent years, schools have begun implementing tablets and other devices in the classroom to better student’s education. The use of technology in the classroom provides more of a personalized learning experience and gives students a widespread availability to engage in learning. Technology is necessary in today’s modern globe, it is basically “the pen and paper of our time and the lens through which we experience much of our world” (Warlick, 2013). Technology is not just considered the “internet”, it is so much greater than that. Overall, it enhances the quality of education and engages students deeper than ever before. With all the significant gains, why would people argue that technology hinders students more than it helps? Critics may try to repute the use of technology in the classroom but I believe what really matters “is the way we use it, the context that we use it in, and the learners who we use it for” (Chong, 2012).
Electronic Devices in Schools -. Detroit: Green Haven Press, 2008. Print. The. Higgins, Josh.
The education world has been greatly influenced by rapidly changing technology and the increasing availability of information. Schools have advanced by leaps and bounds when it comes to incorporating technology into the learning environment, however, many more advances need to be made. In all areas of the country, educators are trying to help students keep up with technology, but there are more changes that are essential for preparing the next generation for the future.
The introduction of technology into education has revolutionized the teaching quality and learning outcome in the last ten years. The integration of technology into lectures by teachers in classroom has become so natural that both teachers and learners consider computers and their related applications for instruction are “a routine component of the classroom and educational processes in general” (Nuldén, 1999 cited in Buzzard et al., 2011, pp.131-139).
The definition of 21st Century teaching is “not a fixed prescription or known formula [but]... an emerging cluster of new ideas, beliefs, knowledge, theories and practices” (Bolstad et al., 2012, p. 1). It is about promoting various approaches and pedagogies that enable a “knowledge-centred” (Bolstad et al., 2012, p. 1) environment. Children nowadays are constantly being stimulated by the world around them. Except when they’re at school. They’re told to sit down, keep quiet, and listen in order to learn (Robinson, 2011).
Technology has changed many aspects of our lives, so why should we expect less of the classroom atmosphere? Technology in the classroom has changed the way students learn and the way teachers teach. Technology today is integrated into the classroom as a teaching tool rather than being taught as a course. There are many ways that technology is used in today’s classroom such as the World Wide Web, Power Point, and Excel (Starr, 2011). Teachers will continue to be the most important aspect of a child’s education because they teach and technology does not. The use of technology in the classroom can bring advantages to a child’s education but can also bring disadvantages (Cleaver, 2011).
Vision Statement: My vision is to ensure that every student gains the acceptable knowledge to understand and learn the concepts of what education has to offer. Within this context I perceive integrating technology as a tool that will expand learning abilities. Therefore, my vision is to provide instructional technology skills into the curriculum. As a follower of the 21st Century Framework I will set into the standards of education the 21st Century themes, the mastery of core subjects, learning and innovation skills, information media and technology skills along with life and career skills to ensure that every student masters these skills. Stimulating an academic environment that is dedicated to support and enhance student’s commitment to today’s digital world will promote success.
Education has transformed immensely from where it first began and needs to continually transform in the future to meet the growing needs and expectations of society. Consequently, teaching and learning are quite different in the 21st century when compared to previous centuries. There are several key factors driving change in education today with the focus on globalisation and social factors, including: Information Communication Technology (ICT), cultural and social inclusion along with changes in the economy, jobs and businesses. Additionally, 21st century learners are expected to ascertain a multitude of qualities and skills in order to succeed in today’s world. Communication, collaboration, global awareness, creativity and problem solving
This age is dedicated to more of learning age. It is said that even the teachers are the learner. This is the age of knowledge gradually shifted towards the age of communication. Thought and ideas are playing a crucial role in the present 21st century. The period when the denial and ignorance was the answer to the learner’s inquisitiveness has no solution. The answer to these questions is the technology which has solved problem to very much extend. People call such kind of change where teachers are supported with the technological tools to prove their worth. It does not say that previous centuries teachers were not efficient or they do not have that kind of knowledge. In the present time, the knowledge has got the support of the technology to explore. The learners are satisfying their requirements to the larger extend. The technological tool such as internet has shown great difference. The use of videos and photographs, 3D picture support, animations and documentaries and use of computers especially has changed the whole scenario. The most advanced version we have seen are the mobiles and the various applications which are loaded in mobile has taken the world in strong fist. The laptops are converting into the interactive machines which are loaded with n number of facilitation.
As facilitators of learning, our classrooms are filled with students who are comprised of generation X’ers and Millenial’s. We must be conscious to structure our lessons and approaches so that we can present content in the most effective manner. Technology, in regards to principles of teaching, challenges the teacher to not only learn what the technology is all about, but to learn to integrate it effectively within the context of their individual classrooms. Teachers in classrooms across the nation struggle with computer technology, the many features, and the never-ending cycle of new devices that are bought into their classrooms daily. Because of the lack of training and severe levels of discomfort, teachers have developed a negative disposition towards the use of technology when it applying it to principle. Recognizing the noted factors, it can be resolved that we do live in an interactive world. Our job is to effectively integrate the technology in such a way that it supports, guides, and enhances learning for all parties involved.