Analyzing the following website proved troublesome: www.21stcenturyskills.org
You can tell right away that this website is designed by someone in the business world. It kind of made me laugh, actually. For teachers, websites need to have neon signs, blinking graphics, or video to get any attention to to the lack of time we can contribute to research during the day. My first thought was "This website is definitely designed for someone sitting at their desks in a quiet room typing emails."
This being said, the idea behind this program is very exciting. I'm not sure exactly how much collaboration is happening between business personnel and teachers. I don't see a list of contributors, but why haven't we thought of this before? We have Vo-Tech schools that connect vocations to schools, why not connect all schools to the work world?
My worry is that, as with many educational policies, this technology push will begin with little input from a large, diverse portion of teachers. We know more than any other groups of professionals the diverse population we will be dealing with and what accommodations/restrictions need to be put in place with such a policy. What do we expect of students who have limited English Proficiency? What about students with IEPs (Gifted and Special Education)?
I am glad that PA is not taking on this initiative just yet. It shows good judgement to wait and see what the underlying objectives are (which does exist when talking about combining business with education).
Hey Ms. Ellis,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Who in the world created this website? Apparently, they don't really know teachers. This website was not teacher friendly at all. You had to do to much searching for things that teachers believe should have been readily available. I do realize that teachers think differently, but when we put it all together, it all means the same thing. Georgia was not on the list and I wasn't really suprise. We would not take part in something that seems so complicated. How would our students feel about this web site?
Ladies, thank you so much for giving me a new perspective on this website!
ReplyDelete1) I completely agree about its non-user-friendliness factor
2) When I saw that my state was not in on this, I was immediately put off that NYS isn't being more proactive and taking steps in the right direction. Now, after hearing what you have to say, I see that perhaps taking steps would be in the completely wrong direction and it may be wise to wait and see. Lesson learned: Dear me, don't jump to conclusions so quickly when it comes to the state's educational system. They might actually know what they're doing after all.
Thanks!
I agree with how difficult this site is to read, or even to understand. The information was vague as far as to how they are implementing or assessing the initiatives. I did find the Route 21 resources to be incredibly helpful. I could find lessons and project ideas that utilize technology. Our state has technology standards that I struggle with. This resource will help me to brainstorm some ways to meet our state technology standards.
ReplyDeleteMs. Ellis,
ReplyDeleteYou make some very valid points about technology and educational policies and combining business with education. I know now why so many states may not want to take on this initiative. Although I do understand you feels about 21st century skills, I believe that it might be able to help fund programs that lack the recourses to make technology a possibility in the school or classroom.
Hi Ms. Ellis,
ReplyDeleteYou make some very valid points about technology and educational policies and combining business with education. I know now why so many states may not want to take on this initiative. Although I do understand you feels about 21st century skills, I believe that it might be able to help fund programs that lack the recourses to make technology a possibility in the school or classroom.
I have to admit that I had a hard time with the site also. I am some what releived that Wyoming was not on the list. I would hope that the state would make an effort to prepare teachers for something like this if that were the direction chosen to take.
ReplyDeleteSo sad but so true. That has been one of my biggest disappointments so far is the lack of excitement for our students. So many times my students tell me the things we have to work with are "corny". I hope we get some knowledge about how to incorporate some bells and whistles so we can get our students engaged in this important aspect of their futures. Connecticut wasn't on the list either. Pretty sad because per capita we are one of the wealthiest and one of the poorest states. Maybe Robin Hood had a good idea...
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I had a hard time with this site also. This website seemed a bit ahead of my district as far as technology is concerned. I was some what glad to see that WY was not on the list. I think that each state should take the time to prepare teachers for something like this.
ReplyDelete