The digital revolution is here- the 21st century paradigm that is redefining the way we do things! For those of us who are educators, it will be very difficult to succeed in our duties as classroom teachers or school heads if we fail to embrace certain 21st century principles and practice that makes our job both effective and impacting.
The 21st century educator looks forward to the future. They
are aware of the ever-changing trends in technology and are in tune of what the
future may bring to education.
A good 21st century teacher is aware of the
career opportunities that will be in the coming years for their students, and
are always advocating towards forward thinking and planning to ensure all
students will not be left behind. Lastly, the 21st century educator must use
teaching strategies to ensure that the focus in education is on preparing today’s children for the future of
where they will live and where they will work, not for our current world.
Below are the guiding principles and practice that guide every serious-minded 21st century educator
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Mastery of Technology
in the Classroom
Technology in the classroom is ever-changing and moving at a
rapid pace. The 21st century teacher is one that moves right along with it.
Technology in the classroom, whether it’s
for lessons, assignments, or grading, can help students learn better and
faster, and help make a teacher’s
time more effective.
A 21st century teacher does not have to have a class set
of tablets in every child’s hand, or
the latest Smart board. But they can have a nice balance of educational tools in
their classroom. An effective teacher knows that technology in the classroom
can truly help transform their students’
education. They know what the best tools are, and how and when to use them.
Collaboration with
the Global Community
An effective 21st century educator must be able to
collaborate and work well in a team. Working with others is an important 21stcentury skill. Over the past few years, being able to collaborate effectively
in the workplace has grown quite rapidly. Learning is deemed to be more
effective when you can share your ideas and knowledge with others. Sharing your
expertise and experience, communicating and learning from others, and being
able to self-reflect is an important part of the learning and teaching process.
Adaptability to
Current Realities
A 21st century teacher is able to adapt to whatever comes
their way. Teaching is a career that has pretty much stayed the same over the
past few decades. The tools have changed over the years (Smartboards have
replaced chalkboards, tablets have replaced textbooks) but the practice has
not.
The 21st century teacher is able to look at their practice and adapt based
on the needs of their students. They must be able to adapt their teaching style
to include different modes of learning, adapt when a lesson fails, and adapt to
new technology. They must be able to adapt to the curriculum and the requirements
and be able to use their imagination to teach in creative ways.
The 21st century educator is a lifelong learner. They don’t just expect their students
to be lifelong learners, but they too stay current and on top of what’s new in education. Even
though they may still use the same lesson plan from years before, they know how
to change it to keep up-to-date with what is current. A great educator will not
only embrace technology, but be willing to learn more about it.
Advocating for The
Teaching Profession
It’s a critical
time in education and how it and teachers are being perceived. With the common
core being implemented and judged, the teaching profession is being met with a
close eye now more than ever before. Instead of sitting back, a 21st century
teacher takes a stand for themselves and advocates for their profession. They
pay close attention to the important issues and talk about them with their
community. They keep parents and students informed on what’s going on in education and address on issues head
on.
Conclusion
21st Century learning means teaching just as you have done
in the past centuries, but with way better tools. Today’s
teachers have a great advantage, they have powerful learning tools at their
disposal that they didn’t have
before. 21st Century technology is an opportunity for students to acquire more
knowledge. Teachers have the ability to move away from being the dispenser of
information to someone who can guide them and prepare them for their future.
Ultimately, the 21st century learner will be “learner-driven,” where they choose how and
what they want to learn. The teacher will serve as a facilitator and guide to
help embrace 21st century learning.
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