21st century learning is education that is tailored to create students who will flourish in a technology driven environment. They will be able to take full advantage of our innovative world by learning how to effectively collaborate, communicate, think critically, and utilize creativity to solve problems.
These are more commonly known as the 4C's
As a future educator, it is my job to tailor education to fit student needs. It is also important for me to understand that students will need certain skills to thrive in their society. Because we are living in a technology driven world, it is important that students are given the skills necessary to become productive members of society. As teachers, we are training the future of our society. They will be given jobs and be tasked with solving the world's future problems, so it is imperative that we give them the proper tools to do so.
1. Your classroom: Your classroom and the tools within it can be one of the most useful tools given to you. Use the technology that is given! This will enable 21st century learning, and further the engagement principle of universal design for learning. Most classrooms today have a smart board and a computer. These can be awesome tools to use to keep your students interested. Digital storytelling can be a huge part of your classroom if you just use the technology that is given to you. Your classroom is full of possibilities, and room for multiple centers is just one of them! We can promote collaboration and team work by allowing students the opportunity to use centers to their advantage.
2. Social Media: Using social media within the classroom and community is huge! Teacher blogs can keep both students and their parents informed about happenings in your classroom. Students can blog, too! This can correlate with the UDL principles in the way that it allows students a different format in which to write. They can manipulate the digital text and create their blog to their own liking. This can help students who are not able to speak in front of groups of people present their thoughts in an organized and creative way. Because the text is digital, you can use voice to text features to truly allow students to express themselves in writing. In my opinion, this will also help with student interest and engagement.