21st Century Context and Schooling- An Introduction The rapidly changing American atmosphere must be addressed in the classroom;

a traditional education no longer suffices in preparing children for the world in which they live. The world has welcomed the first generation ever born into a world of pure technology; the Digital Natives who do not know life without computers. This generation has instant access to a limitless wealth of information at their fingertips. The unprecedented Digital Natives require an educational system that breaks out of the box entirely, removing all conventional borders and boundaries. Thus learning systems must be gradually transformed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in this new global era. The following quote from Curriculum 21: Essential Education for a Changing World, sticks out in my mind when considering 21st century schooling: What would a truly modern 21st century learning system look like? What would I hope for my grandchildren? I would like to see a day when our students education is not bound by the four walls of a school but can be as wide as the world. What is the goal of education? I believe the goal of education is to not only provide students with the means to be literate, mathematically inclined, proficient in the arts and sciences, and ultimately well rounded, but also to facilitate learning that will allow for success outside the classroom. An education serves very little purpose if no real world skills are gained. For example, a job interview can be secured, the right answers can be given, qualifications can be through the roof, but if you cant tie a tie or select appropriate attire all could be lost. This is not to say that schools should be overhauled and transformed into occupational preparatory facilities. However, part of making meaningful connections and preparing students for global America is considering the skills necessary for students to enter college or to find work and reach their goals. Ultimately the goal of education is to prepare students, intellectually and socially, for the media driven world that surrounds us. What is the role of the teacher? A 21st century teacher must be fearless; not afraid to crawl on the floor, get messy, allow noise and ask a million questions. The 21st century teacher cannot fear change for change will drive the way we educate our students. Teachers should constantly model correct behavior and accurate procedures while always making goals and the why? clear. Since required curriculum must still be followed, creativity and innovation are key in presenting mandatory material. Students today do not want to be lectured to, they wanted to be respected, valued, and trusted. They want to draw upon their own passions and interests while working with the technology they are familiar with. They want to work with their peers, make decisions, and connect with the real world. Enter the concept of partnering: students focus on using new tools, finding information and making meaning while teachers focus on questioning, coaching and guiding, and providing context. The real question becomes, what can I do so this child learns? instead of

whats wrong with this child? In order to answer this question, as posed in Shift Ed, written by David Houle and Stephen Cobb, a teacher must be flexible, attentive and creative. These qualities allow for a transformation to take place in the classroom; the group is no longer referred to as the class, but as the students meaning each individual person in the room, not a unit. The most important thing a 21st century teacher can do, and perhaps the biggest challenge that will be faced, is the ability to attempt to see each student as not only an individual, but as a human being. It must always be kept in mind that one size never fits all. What should the classroom environment be like in a 21st century classroom? The most important part of a 21st century classroom is providing an environment that facilitates preparation for the future. Technology must be an integral part of the 21st century classroom; accessible and used by both students and teachers on a regular basis; this not only enhances the content being presented, but ties in interests and allows students to work with tools they are accustomed to. A 21st century classroom must boast variety; monotonous instruction will no longer suffice for the Digital Natives. The physical set up of the classroom must be adaptable, not only for student preferences, but for activities and lessons. The classroom environment must be comfortable and conducive to sharing information, an admission of uncertainty or an opinion. Students should be given the opportunity to work collaboratively on a daily basis; this provides students with the chance to hear varying opinions, learn from their peers, reach solutions cooperatively and practice social skills. Resources must be available for discovery learning. Sharing and practice are vital to a students continuous improvement. One of the most incredible things I have heard is that the classroom should never be completely quiet; there is no need to insist on silence. What can be accomplished in silence? Questions cannot be asked, needs cannot be met. I believe children often get lost in silence. What kinds of activities, lessons, projects, etc. should go on in a 21st century classroom? An irreplaceable part of the 21st century classroom is providing the ongoing opportunity to make connections that are relevant, allowing for reference, but also real, allowing for ongoing connections to be made. Questioning is invaluable; questioning gets students thinking, allows them to ask questions themselves and to fully grasp information being presented. That being said, activities, lessons, projects, etc. should be fueled by questions; there is always more to be asked and answered. Classroom activities should be hands on, outside the box, and allow for variety. Providing options allows for scaffolding, but also allows for choice. Giving students choices not only gives them a sense of independence, but also speaks to differing interests and passions. I believe that offering alternatives, instead of one designated activity, when presented correctly can lead to higher levels of success. Choices should be not haphazardly offered, but instead, should be presented, explained, and executed with definite rhyme and reason. Activities, lesson, projects, etc. should be relevant and engaging while also serving a purpose whether that means meeting standards or providing an opportunity for growth and critical thinking.

What are your personal goals for 21st century teaching and learning? My personal goals for 21st century teaching and learning are to break down the barriers of tradition and facilitate learning that is meaningful. Incredible instruction at Salem has taught me, time and time again, that change is not negative, but is necessary. I have also learned that there is no better way to learn or to be taught than by answering and asking questions. My parents have said over and over, if you dont ask, youll never know. Granted this was usually in reference to my fear of interacting with strangers, but the message has become clear. The process of asking questions and working to reach solutions is the very way America has become a global power. Intelligence isnt hidden within specific individuals, all human beings have potential; my goal is to bring out this potential. I will personally commit myself to a lifetime of continuous learning. I dont think its possible to be an effective teacher without learning just as much as youre teaching. As a teacher, I want to make a difference; I dont want this difference to be manifested in test results or grades, but in attitudes and confidence.