Comments on: DRAFT – Statewide 21st century learning system

By: teacherninja

teacherninja — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

“Cost

I’m working on this part…”

When the budget for our Media Center to buy new books isn’t $0 like it is right now, I’ll be more excited about getting a computing device in every student’s hands. Heck, if we could just get a portable computing device into every TEACHER’S hands in this country, I’d be more excited to start worrying about getting a computing device in every student’s hands.

We have a district in our state that has spent 1.6 million on edtech. Their graduation rates are still hovering around 55%.

The fix? We’re spending as much on testing in this country as we are on the Iraq war. Change that first, and then you can change the game.

By: Pamela Carr

Pamela Carr — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

Another mindset shift…

The ability to see the value of different school day/year schedules. Our antiquated system does not allow flexibility for all learners. Virtual learning environments and other types of schedules should be valued and encouraged.

By: John Moravec

John Moravec — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

I thought it already was the 21st century. Isn’t it kinda late to be asking these questions?

By: Marion Ginopolis

Marion Ginopolis — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

At first review of this, what struck me was the omission of union leaders as an integral part of each component, especially “What needs to get done” and “Marketing.” This would include not only teacher unions but support staff as well because they are affected by the technical aspect of implementation.

A good person to contact for one-one computers is Leslie Wilson, Director of the One to One Computing Institute in Michigan. Contact information: lesliew@one-to-oneinstitute.org

By: Dave Meister

Dave Meister — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

All very good thoughts! I hate to say this but we have to start at the top to make reform stick. The national agenda on education must change. Education reform needs to be as big a priority as national defense and energy policy! We need our national and state leaders to challenge America to create a system that uses modern technology and 21st Century pedagogy. They not only need to make it a priority and formulate policy, they need to fund it to make it work!

By: Tait Lihme

Tait Lihme — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

I like what you’ve got going here and it is similar to what we’ve been working to articulate for our own 21c learning initiative. What I’ve bumped up against, though, is that although we’re trying to show the components of this, that the 21c skills/curricula isn’t actually a component. It is the hub. Everything else needs to be in support (and in orbit) of that.

I like what you said: “Curricula that emphasize 21st century skills. Instead of simply adding on 21st century skills to our existing content-based standards, put them at the core of new, more focused curricula.”

But I think we need to include 21st century concepts as well. We need to identify and articulate those concepts and skills first, so that all the other components – be they assessments, instructional strategies, environments, resources (technical, physical, financial), etc. are all in service to those concepts and skills.

I also generally take issue with technology being a goal in and of itself. It has driven changes in the world our students need to be prepared for and it provides fantastic new learning tools/opportunities but using technology isn’t the goal. I’d suggest that if the identified concepts/skills are appropriate then the assessments and instruction will change in order to meet those. It is at that point that teachers will choose the appropriate tools to get the job done.

So, “top down?” I suppose so, but “top” meaning the universal concepts and essential skills necessary to be successful citizens in the 21st century needs to drive the boat with everything else in support of it.

This is a subtle, some may say parsing, way to look at it, but I think the simple difference will have profound ripples in the educational landscape.

By: Cheryl Oakes

Cheryl Oakes — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

Scott, what a great framework. I am working on our district 3 year tech plan. I feel I am working in isolation from our state plan. We do have a state plan, but it is not something that I feel I can use in my district. Something like this would be terrific.
I am in a district with all professional staff on their second round of laptops. I am in a district where we have teacher technology standards. I am in a district where we have wireless in all buildings.In my elementary it is a 5-1 ratio, In my middle school, where we have a state initiative for grades 7-8, those 230 students have 1-1,however, for the remaining 230, we have a 6-1 ratio. Finally, in my high school we have a 4-1 ratio.
We are still moving along towards the 21st Century.
Cheryl

By: Shafeen Charania

Shafeen Charania — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

Just my opinion, but an element that should be addressed is “why”. What’s the business case for 21st century learning as you’ve defined it?

Why should a system (local, regional, federal) invest in such a thing?

What are the socio-economic impacts that will be reaized – not just cost?

When will we see these results, and why should we do this now (say vs. investing $ in healthcare, or any of the other priorities that that government faces)?

I don’t believe the answers of these can be assumed because they’re so obvious. They’re equally obvious for that drug addict that would like the state to provide more rehab beds, or a homeless person seeking more shelter spaces, or a community seeking better roads, etc. <– and would you pick (for the short-term politician’s mind) one of these or 21st cent education?

By: Hayden

Hayden — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

Here is one I created back in 1999….it still has some interesting aspects.
http://teamcia.com/old/nets/
Hayden

By: Lindy

Lindy — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 05:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest areas that we need to take into consideration in the 21st century is the change from a content-based curriculum to a skills-based curriculum. There is so much information out there these days, and all of that content is available at the tip of our fingers…literally! It’s not so important anymore that students are memorizing information, because they can just look up most of it on the internet. As we all know, kids need to learn more about how to find information and how to analyze it for credibility. However, it’s hard to add these skills into a curriculum that still has so much specific content in it. Who has the time? We only have so many hours in the school day. My challenge to other teachers is to let go of some of the content in order to focus on skills and application.

Also, it’s okay if not all students are learning exactly the same thing. Allow students to do research and see where their explorations take them. It might take them in several different directions, but that’s okay!! We need to encourage curiosity, something that is lacking in today’s young generation.