While
there is certainly debate over what is needed to improve the educational system
in our country, there is no arguing that the skill set needed to succeed in
today’s economy differs greatly from previous generations. It is no longer
sufficient to learn how to do a certain task, or memorize specific material, as
many of the jobs required of the next generation of workers have yet to be
created ("21st century
education," 2010).
Rather
than a body of knowledge, today’s educators are tasked with teaching a set of
skills, which include the ability to analyze, research, create, collaborate,
and publish. The growth of social media and the use of the Internet for
research, publication, and real-time collaboration have caught the attention of
educators who are implementing these technologies in their schools and finding increased
student engagement and achievement (Demski,
2012).
In
order to remain relevant, America’s educational institutions need to make meaningful
and systemic investments in technology in order to provide students with an education
that will make them competitive prospects for employers and post-secondary
schools and colleges. In its implementation, technology should not be thought
of as something that is “added” to existing curriculum, but rather a mechanism
through which curriculum objectives can be better achieved and practiced.
References:
21st
century education in New Brunswick, Canada [Web]. (2010). Retrieved from
http://youtu.be/EjJg9NfTXos
Demski,
J. (2012). 7 habits of highly effective tech-leading principals. THE Journal,
Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2012/06/07/7-habits-of-highly-effective-tech-leading-principals.aspx
Doering, A.H., Roblyer, M.D. (2010). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Fifth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Edutopia
Staff. (2007, Nov. 5). What is successful technology integration?. Edutopia,
Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description
I like your use of the phrase "in order to remain relevant." If our students are unable to show fluency in a variety of skills, then they will never make it in the work force. The skills necessary for the future, as you stated, are unknown, in order for our students to remain relevant in the future, schools must teach these skills, specifically through technology. By teaching skills and not just information through memorization, students can take what they know now and apply to future knowledge. It's a difficult task, but it will give our students a one-up and edge. Great job! Thought-provoking.
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