Section 1

The transformation from the Industrial Age to the Knowledge Age has changed not only our educational system, but our basic way of life as well. Table 1.2 presented on page 14 really shows the challenges our students are facing. We have gone from being members of a small, family oriented community to being members of a global community that are all interdependent upon each other. As our basic needs have changed to adapt to new technology, our basic education needs to follow.

I actually could not choose just one quote from this reading because there are two opposing thoughts that needed to be addressed. The first quote I chose from the reading is “when you apply these skills to today’s knowledge and innovation work, you are participating in a global network in which, for example, a product may be designed in California, manufactured in China, assembled in the Czech Republic, and sold in chain stores in cities.” We can no longer teach students to simply remember what they learn. We need to teach students to be able to continue the learning process and be able to quickly apply their knowledge to new situations. It reminds me of the old Chinese proverb, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

The second quote is “At the same time, the potential for information overload, distraction, and analysis paralysis when facing demands for attention from too many sources.” With the vast amount of information at our fingertips, overload is a concern. Even last unit’s video expressed this fact when students were averaging 26.5 hours of media time in each day—proof that multitasking is a way of life. As I stated in our Unit 2 discussion group, “ … Their attention spans seem so short, and their multitasking keeps them from really focusing on one topic in-depth. Therefore, we need to find a way to engage students in core content areas.” Students need to realize that all the technology at their fingertips are tools that can not only entertain them, but help them to learn and grow as well.

Education in the 21st Century

I chose this image because of the many different types of learning, methods, resources, tools, and generally what education is about today that are listed. This is what our students and educators are facing each day in the classroom. Trying to pull everything together to provide a learning enviroment that will help students succeed is esstential. I see this as a busy image showing how difficult the task is.

21st Century Learners

This picture stood out to me, because our children hold the future in their hands. Technology has made our world a smaller place. Notice the hands are different sizes and colors. This illustration shows what will be accomplished through collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving. When we work together the sky is the limit!

Collaboration Nation

The future holds children interacting with technology as well as each other in many, many ways. This picture shows children collaborating to use a webcam to communicate with someone, somewhere. They are young children, but age is not a barrier when technology is involved. I chose to focus upon collaboration because in my opinion collaboration is the most important 21st Century Skill. Children are naturally using these tools, and skills, but are we affording students the opportunities to explore them.

Book Cover Image

I chose this image because this is truly what I see in young children today. They are very aware of the technology around them and can use cell phones, ipods, computers, touch pads, etc., with more mastery than most adults. It is natural to them to be involved with technology since they were born with it and have lived with it all their lives.

I have personally watched the vast changes in technology as I have grown. I didn't have a color television until I was in 3rd or 4th grade, and it was the only tv in the entire house. VCR's came in about my high school years. We didn't have computers in my school when I graduated, but we had them when I returned 4 years later to teach and they needed a floppy disc inserted before they would turn on. My first cell phone weighed about 5 pounds and was in a "bag" in my car. Sometimes I would drive a mile up the road to even get reception!

With each new change and new invention, I have tried to keep up but it just doesn't come "naturally" to me. However, my 5-year-old granddaughter can use her ipod like she's done it forever...hmm...I guess she has. :)

Digital Native Gets Restless

I chose this picture because it is a commentary on what students understand of 21st century skills and technology. Often times they are simply handed a piece of technology to do with what they please. A great assett to students of today is that they are not afraid to break the technology, and they simply play. They eventually figure out how to use this new skill, idea, or technology, but there way is not always the most appropriate.

Welcome to Literature Circle Six!

Your Super Summarizer schedule is as follows:

Section One--Due October 28, Cynthia DeMers
Section Two--Due November 4, Lynn Finkbeiner
Section Three--Due November 11, Carol Halter (Waider)
Section Four--Due November 18, Avis Jennings
Section Five--Due December 2, Dennis Rieckman
Section Six--Due December 9, Richard (Adam) Waider