As we approach the half-way point for summer, there is so much to look forward to and so much to plan for! Not only is my wedding just around the corner (6 days!!!) but in the coming school year, my role in my district will change. Or not so much my role as the way in which we utilize it.
The best way I can describe it is going from a flexibly scheduled technology coach in three buildings that encompass grades K-5 to a fixed schedule technology coach working in two buildings and focusing on two grade levels (grades 3 and 4). While I'm finding it very difficult to plan specifics of what these scheduled times will look like, an online class I've been taking this month has helped me to frame my over-arching goals.
Below is my top 10 tips for creating a 21st century learning environment that I compiled for the final assignment. I hope to look back on this list often to make sure my day-to-day instruction aligns accordingly. I hope that you find meaning in it as well!
My Top 10 Tips for Creating a 21st Century Learning Environment
1. Be flexible - Some of the best learning happens when you least expect it or didn't plan for it. Be ready and willing to follow any line of inquiry that comes up.
2. Think globally and get your students involved - Too often this seems like far too daunting of a task or something that just isn’t possible. Sites like GlobalSchoolsNet.org make it easier to find other classes from around the world to connect and learn with.
3. Stop saying “hand it in” and start saying “publish it” - This is actually a (shortened) quote from Alan November and I think it speaks volumes. Sometimes just our perception of things and how we label them can have a real impact for change but this also speaks to the larger goal of moving towards creating and sharing.
4. Take a back seat - Find ways everyday, regardless of the grade level you teach, to sit back and observe, facilitating the learning as opposed to dictating and micromanaging it. Empower your students to be independent.
5. Focus on how to learn, not what to learn - Think skills rather than knowledge. One of the best things we can teach our students is how to filter all the information coming at them. Even at the youngest of ages, teach students to locate, evaluate and use information effectively and ethically.
6. Model, model, model - If we want our students to communicate, collaborate, problem solve etc. etc. then we must do it ourselves - and not just in the context of a lesson but everyday in every way. We need to be 21st century learners too.
7. Make connections - Incorporate the math skills (like length) taught via your math program into your science and social studies activities or projects. Perhaps having students measure how tall plants grow or the distance between two locations on a map. Help students find meaning in everyday examples.
8. Incorporate all subjects/content - The lesser known 21st century skills like financial or media literacy are often forgotten. Finding ways to teach students how to manage money and make good decisions can go a long way (and works really well as a behavior management program). Critically looking at images, media and especially advertisements can provide students with meaningful skills for their present and future.
9. Use technology as a tool for learning - Too often technology is used for the sake of using technology. The latest app or website someone learns about spreads like wildfire and everyone wants to find a way to use it. Sometimes you can find a way to use it meaningfully within the context of the learning happening in your classroom but be careful not to force it. If you're struggling to find a way to use it then maybe it is isn't the best way to facilitate learning right now. Put it in your toolbox and pull it out when it is.
10. Have fun with it - Learning is a journey and while every step of the way doesn't have to be a party, if you aren't enjoying the process then neither are your students. Reflect and revise.
What do you think of my list? Anything you would add, change or remove?
