Partnership For 21st Century Skills

Partnership for 21st Century Skills Website: http://www.p21.org/

Everyone would agree with the idea that implementing more technology in classrooms is a good idea.  To prepare students for the 21st century workplace the effective use technology in the classroom is a must.  Using technology with very little direction will only lead to more of the same.  This is why I believe the Partnership for 21st Century Skills is an effective website to give teachers direction in implementing technology in the classroom.  What I especially like is how they are working with states to align their curriculum with the state's curriculum.  The give teachers specific ideas of how to go about effectively implementing 21st century technology in their classrooms.  If you are interested in seeing how the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and states are working together go to this link: http://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=505&Itemid=189

After looking through their ideas for implementing technology into teachers everyday curriculum and aligning the use of technology with state standards I am left with this feeling of a drastic move away from traditional communications.  I think the Partnership for 21st Century Skills goes too far in their scope of implementing technology in the classroom.  Teachers must find ways to combine "traditional" forms of communication with more modern forms of communication.  Educators cannot just cut and run from the traditional styles of communicating and educating, but they must find an effective blend of both.

Using Blogs in Classrooms

Being a high school social studies teacher there are many times my class will have open discussion on a variety of subjects.  I am usually taken back by how students love to talk about current events, or even a controversial government topic, such as the Electoral College.  As much as I try to make everyone in class give an opinion I always know there will be a couple of students in class who have an opinion on a subject, but they are just too shy to give it in class.  I view blogs as another way to incorporate these students into the discussion.  I, and I'm sure many of my students, would be surprised at the opinions and expressions of the students who struggle discussing their opinions in front of the class.

Technology... Blogs... Other Random Thoughts

If myself six months ago could see me now he would probably be a bit dumbfounded.  I am not the typical "blogger" type, but this will be a great experience and make be come out of the protective shell I have built for myself. 

Technology in the classroom is constantly changing and it can make even the most technologically advanced teacher feel a bit overwhelmed.  What types of technology should you use?  How much technology should you use?  What are the advantages?  Disadvantages?  Just when you think you have it all figured out a new technology comes along which grabs students attention and we repeat the process all over again.

It's very obvious using effective technology in the classroom benefits students.  What are some new forms of technology being used in the classroom?  How does you school district feel about implementing the latest forms of technology and communication in the classroom?