ICT and the 21st Century Learner
Technology and its role in education has taken on even greater significance now than ever before. It has transformed the way we work and play. To be effective educators of 21st century learners we must provide authentic learning opportunities that engage our students so that they are prepared for a society that is continually changing.
21st century learners have extraordinary capabilities and as educators we have the important responsibility of nurturing student skills in preparation for future endeavours.
I believe that digital technologies are a 'vehicle' that can assist students in achieving their full potential. Authentic learning opportunities encourage students to develop a variety of skills. These skills are displayed in the following concept map.
21st century learners have extraordinary capabilities and as educators we have the important responsibility of nurturing student skills in preparation for future endeavours.
I believe that digital technologies are a 'vehicle' that can assist students in achieving their full potential. Authentic learning opportunities encourage students to develop a variety of skills. These skills are displayed in the following concept map.
Taken from the 'eLearning with the iLearn Model' Position Paper, CEO Sydney (2009)
The following article compiled by Kamehameha Schools Research and Evaluation Division examines the effects of technology on learning and how new standards for what students should be able to do are replacing the basic skill competencies and knowledge expectations of the past.
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The Learning Framework Discussion Paper (CEO Sydney, 2005) outlines a list of effective pedagogical elements related to the use of technology within the learning environment. It states that effective teachers:
* utilise the virtual learning environment and promote confident use of a range of learning technologies.
* extend opportunities for students to engage with relevant multimodal media to learn and communicate.
* provide opportunities for students to exercise some discretion over the selection of activities related to their learning and the means and manner by which these activities will be done.
* adjust the content, process and product to meet the learning needs and interests of students.
* engage students in decisions about their learning.
* plan experiences and questions which engage students in high order thinking.
* model and scaffold skills in analysing and organising information and in planning and organising activities.
* expand students' repertoire of learning skills and reflective skills.
* engage students in substantive communication in a variety of modes to clarify and refine understanding.
* utilise the virtual learning environment and promote confident use of a range of learning technologies.
* extend opportunities for students to engage with relevant multimodal media to learn and communicate.
* provide opportunities for students to exercise some discretion over the selection of activities related to their learning and the means and manner by which these activities will be done.
* adjust the content, process and product to meet the learning needs and interests of students.
* engage students in decisions about their learning.
* plan experiences and questions which engage students in high order thinking.
* model and scaffold skills in analysing and organising information and in planning and organising activities.
* expand students' repertoire of learning skills and reflective skills.
* engage students in substantive communication in a variety of modes to clarify and refine understanding.
To achieve optimum success in the classroom, teachers must possess a combination of technological, pedagogical and content knowledge. Many teachers understand the importance of using technology and how it is the way of the future. It is our duty to enable our students to receive the very best education possible that is highlighted with technological advances. We are all lifelong learners and it is extremely important that we continue to develop our knowledge and skills in all areas of ICT so that we are in a position to effectively teach our students. According to the National Professional Standards for Teachers (2011), "teacher quality is the single most important in-school factor influencing student achievement".