Digital learners

Are the educators of present day trained enough to meet the needs of digital learners of 21st century?

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Permalink Reply by Katrina Strauss on May 23, 2012 at 9:19am

I would say as a whole, no. If a teacher pursues professional development in this area through their school or through education (like a masters program) then they may have the training. But if a school doesn't support it or the teacher does not know how to get started, then they may just succumb to the traditional ways of teaching.

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Permalink Reply by Shweta on May 23, 2012 at 1:18pm

I agree with you. Probably this is causing the disenchanted 21st century learners to drop out from their high schools.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle M on July 13, 2012 at 1:01pm

I would have to agree with Katrina. If educators don't put it on themselves to learn about 21st century classrooms, I don't believe they meet the needs of digital learners. Schools do need to support the idea of a 21st century classroom by educating teachers and staff and giving them the means of technology (software, PCs or MACs, etc.) Educators can still learn more on their own time with literature and webinars. There are great webinars out there to teach about how to implement and manage a 21st century classroom such as CrossTec's webinars. There are usually a few every month and the next one is on the 26th. Here's the link to register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/607673873

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Permalink Reply by Mindy Berry hanson on July 15, 2012 at 6:42pm

No, they aren't trained enough. Much "training" consists of some quick 45 minute workshop or presentation at a conference or workshop followed up by... nothing. Training for teachers needs to be constant and it needs to be supported and, as much as possible, needs to be arranged to match when the teachers actually have time to learn and implement, which means on teacher's time. Training is not the same as putting on a "magic show" for 45 minutes and then walking away. Training must be something schools are committed to, and most schools have no money for such a commitment. So teachers are handed a computer and a smile and told "GO!". Those few who have the expertise and/or drive and/or courage get things done... but no teacher doing his/her job correctly has the time to self-train unless there is a lot of sacrifice. Those of us who love integrating classroom 2.0 skills sacrifice a lot of personal time to figure it all out. We can't help ourselves, I think :), but until schools get money and teachers get time,... it'll continue to be the few.

I really think if schools harness the power, dedication, and passion of "the few" they'd find exponential change.

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Permalink Reply by rachel hall on July 21, 2012 at 4:44pm

I agree, I am taking online courses this summer (Paid for by ME) to get a handle on this. Knowing how to use a smart board, response clickers, isn't enough.