Parent's Corner Topic: Mrs. Caddle on Using Technology in the Classroom

Hello parents,

I hope you have all had a great day. Tonight, I want to briefly voice my opinion on the value of using technology in my 21st century classroom. This should be a simple read, hopefully you can finish this post by the time little Timmy is done with his bath. But first, a quick overview of the literacy skills that students need to learn in the 21st century classroom brought to you by Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools.

Digital-Age Literacy

• Basic, scientific, economic, and technological literacies
• Visual and information literacies
• Multicultural literacy and global awareness

Inventive Thinking

• Adaptability and managing complexity
• Self-direction
• Curiosity, creativity, and risk taking
• Higher-order thinking and sound reasoning

Effective Communication

• Teaming, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Personal, social, and civic responsibility
• Interactive communication

High Productivity

• Prioritizing, planning, and managing for results
• Effective use of real-world tools
• Ability to produce relevant, high-quality products

Source: (NCREL, 2003, n.p.) © 2003 North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission of Learning Point Associates. Via Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools Gwen Solomon and Lynne Schrum.

My goal as a 21st century teacher is to embed these skills and literacy into each and every student that goes through my class. It is my goal to educate kids with the content knowledge coupled with these skills to make sure that they can develop into functional and prosperous adults who will drive the society in a positive way. I value technological integration in the classroom because it allows me to stay abreast of the technology kids are using (with no problems I might add). I am not a current owner of the I-pods and I-phones and anything else “I”, but I understand their influence on students' use and access of information. So, I want to have a way for students to digitally access and use the information that is relevant to what they need to know to excel in my class and beyond. Students nowadays like to chat and surf on the web, so I would like to provide a safe and secure learning environment in which they can do what they like while keeping their interest on what they need to know. Using modern technology such as this blog, is a way that I can demonstrate and encourage the benefits of having and using these 21st century skills.

What are your thoughts on technology skills and integration? Please comment below.