This website drew me to the tools and resources that they provide. As an educator and life-long learner, I acknowledge that literacy is not simply being able to write and read on paper anymore. Richardson (2010) discusses how we can now apply various literacies in different ways because of the information age. I thought it was great how the website provides a lot of information that can help educate the teachers, as well as the community. We as educators need to discover how we can help all students reach their 21st century skills.
On the P21 website, it explains in order for students to have successful futures they need to possess these 21st century skills. It is my mission to help prepare all my students for what lies ahead. I am concerned about who skills change for work forces. As educators, I think we need to consider what skills are important to give our students. What are your thoughts?
A brief overview of their mission includes the 3 R’s and the 4 C’s, which involve communication, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration, emphasize core subjects, learn skills, the use the 21st century tools, the content, context and the assessments to measure the skills. With that said, I feel this pairs with my ideas. Dr. David Thornburg discusses that there are new skills needed to thrive in the 21st century. Students need to learn different literacies, be fluent in physical and the virtual environments and they need to be trained in technology, math, engineering and science (Laureate Education Inc., 2008). The implication I am wondering is how we can make this reality?
Furthermore, I think that this website has a
great framework to help prepare students to be successful. I like how the core subjects align with the
21st century skills. Teachers
need to work together in order to bring this change about. The Common Core State Standards is a big
concept in our district and there are sponsors involved. With that in
mind, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of sponsors that support this organization,
and how they invest to align themselves with the students that they may hire in
the future. It is imperative that this
information is presented to teachers through professional development. As educators, it is a vital need to be
prepared for all of our students.
Finally, technology
is intimidating and complex. I feel resistance will always be present for some educators. Not everyone will be on board. With that in mind, I don’t think it is just
unwillingness being a factor. I believe some do not know where to begin, which those
teachers can begin right at the P21 website!
I also feel that there are other individuals who cannot jump on board
and get their feet wet with the new technology due to the possibility that the resources
are lacking because of budget constraints. We all will benefit from this!
If you have not viewed this website please take the opportunity to do so by clicking on my hyperlink: P21! You will not regret the vast amount of useful information that it will prevail! I know I will be taking the advantage of using this website! Hope you do too!
References:
Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Skills for the 21st century. Baltimore, Maryland.
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). A Framework for the 21st Century. Retrieved from www.p21.org.
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