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My thoughts on 21st Century K-12 Learners’ needs is that they simply are not being met by “traditional” classroom settings. Current students need to have more personalized learning in flexible learning environments, which is nurtured in a “newer” instructional model, such as blended or flipped classrooms (Roblyer 2016). I think most teachers would agree that their goals for their students is to reach critical thinking, unpredictable problem-solving, and higher-order thinking levels. Technology, when used effectively, can assist teachers in supporting their students to reach these higher levels of cognitive thinking. Students should use digital tools and resources to conduct the research to support their higher-order thinking decisions. Another major component in 21st Century Learning is collaboration. Technology plays a huge role in collaboration. Digital tools can really open the door for students to communicate with others worldwide and develop more of a cultural understanding that they may not have experienced without technology. Using NETS-S standards in combination with a teacher’s state content standards can be a great way to start integrating “newer” instructional models in order to bridge the gap between student-needs and the education they are receiving.
This 21st Century Teaching and Learning Course has taught me a lot about selecting and evaluating digital tools and resources and gearing instructional design towards authentic learning. Before this course, I was unfamiliar with the LoTi scale and the Indicators of Engaged Learning. While I knew that some strategies were more engaging to students, I had not seen a specified list, nor had I ever evaluated lessons based on the LoTi levels of indicators of Engaged Learning. Ms. Roberts provided multiple opportunities throughout the course to evaluate lessons based on these criteria, even assigned coaching practice. This scaffolding process she incorporated modeled for me ways in which I can model/demonstrate to my fellow teachers regarding LoTi and Engaged Learning practices. The LoTi & ELI evaluation assignments built my confidence in becoming a technology coach. While my confidence is growing, I know that I still have lots to learn, and can’t wait to begin implementing these strategies into my classroom. Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed.). Pearson Education. |
AuthorSarah Miller Archives
July 2017
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