21st+Century+Learning

> > The 1960's schools prepared students for the 1960's world. Shop and home economics classes were a common sight throughout high schools across America. The schools of the 70's and 80's continued to prepare students for work environment without computers, the world wide web, and the collaborative environment made possible by globalization. Historically, educators have been slow adapters of new technologies. If Rip Van Winkle were to wake up today, he would feel quite at home in many of our classrooms. Rip however, would be totally out of place in a doctor's office, grocery store, or even at home. Rip would be quite able to read, participate in classroom discussions, do worksheets, and take tests, but not able to operate a DVR, HD TV, IPod, Cell Phone, GPS, and many of the modern appliances found in our homes today. As John Dewey, over one century ago said, "//education is NOT preparation for life, but life itself"//; we have the duty to imagine the future and make learning relevant for our students. We have made great strides in the standardization of content through the accountability movement of the last decade. This content is more important than ever in this environment. It is how we deliver this content and the skills needed in the workplace that we must graft to our existing practices. Below is a list of 21st century skills. > > //__What are 21st century skills? __// 
 * //Overview //
 * //**Problem solving  **//
 * //**Collaboration**//
 * //**Synthesizing across content areas**//
 * //**Interpersonal communication**//
 * //**Search strategies**//
 * //**Information credibility**//
 * //**Dealing with information overload**//
 * //**How to write for an online, rather than print, environment**//
 * //**Computerized presentation skills**//
 * //**Workspace ergonomics**//
 * //**Basic debugging**//
 * //**Basic understanding of usability concepts**//
 * //**Reflection**//
 * //**Cross-cultural communication**//
 * //**Access to learning anytime, anywhere**//
 * //**Systems Thinking**//