Chapter 1- Becoming a 21st Century Teacher

Focus Question: What are 21st century skills and 21st century technologies?

21st century skills are the skills that children will need to know and comprehend in order to succeed in our technologically developing society. These skills include the ability to think critically, make informed judgments, solve complex problems, think creatively, communicate and collaborate with others, use information in innovative ways, and take responsibility for one's personal and civic lives.
21st century technologies include computers, websites, and Web 2.0 tools such as blogs and wikis.

It is important that children develop these skills in order to use these new technologies in their everyday life as well as in the classroom. An effective way for students to learn critical thinking skills is by using technology such as the internet and computers.

A new fast and efficient way to use technology as a tool for learning is the use of tablets, smartphones, and laptops. These portable web tools make teaching and learning ten times easier. With a click of a button, students and teachers have the internet literally at the tip of their fingers. Students can now research topics and connect with others faster than ever before. I think the use of tablets, smartphones, and laptops is very useful today. You can use these items in classroom discussions as well as completing online assessments of the students. They even offer e-books where students can find a book and read it electronically instead of having to go to a library. Tablets and laptops have made todays learning simple and accessible for everyone.


Today's students have grown up using computers and surfing the internet. using technology in our school systems is an interesting way to teach children new concepts. Students like using computers and other tools in the classroom. It helps engage each student in classroom lectures. Technology is being used in many classrooms around the world. Every year there are new technological advances and it is important that educators are familiar with them. If teachers are technologically educated, the students will benefit academically. Our textbook tells us how to build our digital identities. This term refers to an educators technology talents and competencies (Maloy, Verock-O, Edwards, Woolf 2013). When I become a teacher, my goal will be to create exciting learning experiences with the use of technology.


Resources:
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin, Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.