The 21st Century model for education pairs academic and real world endeavors in order to prepare learners for the global workplace. Essential 21st century skills include agility, self reliance, self-motivation, problem solving ability, collaboration, life- long learning ethic, responsibility, initiative, adaptability, perseverance, and honesty,
Technologies are part of the real world and they aid and enhance all instruction. Choosing and using these effectively is an important skill (among many) for an educator today.
A Primer on 21st Century Education
Important Update:
http://actfl21stcenturyskillsmap.wikispaces.com has been dedicated to the World Language skills map, from which it can be downloaded. A copy can also be obtained from P21 at http://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=504&Itemid=185 (CASLS May 1, 2011)