I recently went to a site which focuses on bridging the gap between what we are teaching our students and what the demands are for 21 century employees. The site is http://www.21stcenturyskills.org and as I looked through The Partnership for 21st Century Skills site I was very impressed. My initial reaction as I looked through the businesses who have come along side P21, was the feeling of community. I think that this is so appropriate because community and teamwork are a part of 21st century skills. We are working together to accomplish tasks which are so “wicked”, as Dr. Dede puts it, that it would simply be impossible for one person to complete. The site is full of all sorts of resources for teachers to use in the classroom. One which really surprised me was a graph which explained the framework of what skill categories students need to acquire for the 21 century. Among them were the core subjects, learning are innovation skills, and life and career skills. On a lighter note, another surprising thing to me was that the Lego corporation was a member of the partnership. I guess I still think of them as the most beloved toys from my youth. I was also surprised by a page under the online tools and resources tab called entrepreneurship education. When I searched there I found all kinds of interesting activities to use which inspire and build on entrepreneurial thinking.
As I looked through the site I agreed with everything that they were implying. The only thing that sort of frustrated me was within the online tools and resources page there was no link for a music application. I understand that the site is set for the core but It just would have been nice to see a fine arts resource tab.
The implications for us as educators is amazing. The education and business worlds are at a place where they are beginning to unite and find the similarities which are in turn drastically changing what we need to teach. What we are learning will also show us how to accommodate for these new skills. The effects of this go beyond just the classroom but can effect the entire society that we live in. As students become better equipped to handle the business world, the business world thrives and our economy and culture grows. I for one am very excited.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Skills for the 21st century. [Motion Picture]. Understanding the impact of technology on education, work and society. Baltimore: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008).Technology Interfaces. [Motion Picture]. Understanding the impact of technology on education, work and society. Baltimore: Author.
It is unfortunate that there was no tab for fine arts. Many types of technology are available in music that were not available only two years ago. I think by not including fine arts they are missing the boat. Sometimes it is an interest in the none core areas that lead students back to the core subjects for more knowledge. Our programs (classes) enhance each other instead of detract for each other.
ReplyDeleteI noticed you mentioned the many different conglomerates that are a part of this Partnership and I was excited to see you looked at the group with an optimistic attitude. When I first saw the list I must say I was a little less more than confused that so many members where from large technology companies. I do believe that this group has a large amount of gifts to add to the Partnership and hope that it is for the sole purpose of creating a better educational system, but I hope you can understand how some people would be a little pessimistic.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good point you share about incorporating a fine arts resource. Although the economy is driving down the ability to support these classes I believe it is essential to keep them in our schools. There are many students whose only true joys in education are associated with these types of classes and to deprive them of these opportunities would only create a larger portion of our students who find school both difficult and uninteresting. The Partnership could easily involve an arts group into their community and technology allows for such easy access to so many areas of the fine arts that involving them in their curriculum would be both easy and create another outlet with which to involve students.
Perhaps, exposure to the fine arts (in the eyes of the P21s) is the job of the teachers.
Perhaps, the partnership feels that although the fine arts are necessary it is the freedom of the teachers to use these subjects as a way to actively involve the use of 21st Century Skills in the curriculum.
I initially was very impressed with the vast array or resources available on the site, and agreed with their mission of supporting the integration of information and communication technology skills into the classroom. I was concerned though, when I read the list of its members and the fact that most of them were technology companies (I did enjoy seeing Lego, Inc. on the list). What I hope isn't happening is that these companies are taking an interst in stressing the integration of technology in classrooms on the hope of future financial gain. After reading a variety of other discussion boards including David Willingham's blog found at: http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2009/03/flawed-assumptions-udnergrid-the-partnership-for-21st-century-skills-movement-in-education/ , it is evident that others are leary of their motives as well.
ReplyDeleteCorrection: Daniel Willingham is the author of "Flawed Assumptions Undergrid the Program at the Partnership for 21st Century Skills."
ReplyDeleteI agree that a fine arts tab should be added. Unfortunately I feel music and art get looked over by many schools. Both art and music are very important for students to learn about. I really liked your comment on the feeling of community. It is great that huge businesses and people can work together to better our educational systems. When I was looking at the website I did not think about that. It is nice these big businesses can work together but my reaction to this was I was skeptical about their motive. I am hoping their best interest is with our future citizens and not their pockets. I am interested to hear what your thoughts are. Overall, I think it is great that there are resources out there for us teacher to view in which we will need for the future. It seems as if we might be able to get a jump start on the future.
ReplyDelete