What is 21st Century Learning?
After extensive research and discussions with colleagues, I’ve come to the consensus that there is not a concrete definition. This is quite surprising to me as I am supposed to be teaching 21st century skills, and truthfully, prior to doing research I assumed it meant integrating technology in my classroom. Research of Google has shown me examples of what it is and what it is not. So what is it? It's creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication. It’s focusing on getting students ready for the future. 21st Century Learning is using technology in combination with pedagogy and content knowledge. It is not teaching to the test, memorizing facts or 1-1 technology. As an educator, I understand that it is meant to be best practice. However, I was not able to find it stated in a manner where a non-educator who is looking it up will be able to easily find the same definition listed on multiple sites.
In my classroom, students participated in a math lesson with 21st Century Learning. During the holiday season, students collaborated to make gingerbread houses for our winter party. Students had to make a model, determine the area and perimeter, and then determine the amount of supplies they would need. Students reported needed supplies and as a whole class they determined how much would need to purchase and the total cost, pulling in standards on decimals and addition. Students were then given the supplies they requested, and using their model created gingerbread houses.
References:
Candace M. (2013, April 26). TPACK in 2 minutes. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=FagVSQlZELY
Hallerman, S., Lewis, C., & Dresbach, B. (2019, April 23). What is a 21st century education? Retrieved September 28, 2020, from https://www.battelleforkids.org/learning-hub/learning-hub-item/what-is-a-21st-century-education
Rich, E. (2020, July 28). How Do You Define 21st-Century Learning? Retrieved September 28, 2020, from https://www.edweek.org/tsb/articles/2010/10/12/01panel.h04.html
5 Ways to Prepare Your Students for the 21st Century. (2013, October 9). OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.https://oupeltglobalblog.com/2013/10/09/5-ways-to-prepare-your-students-for-the-21st-century/