21st Century Skills Reflection

The 21st Century Classroom became very real to me this past year when my school became a laptop school. It was scary and awesome all in one! As I sit here writing this first post, I realize that one good thing about technology is that you have to communicate briefly!
I enjoyed watching the Tony Wagner video. I agree with the student skills that he described in his video “7 Skills that Students Need for the Future”. Critical thinking is huge! Students are so afraid to fail, but in reality, this is how innovative ideas and products are produced! Collaboration is crucial and fun for students. They will do almost anything if you tell them they get to share it online! Curiosity and imagination are what kids are made of, so getting them to share their ideas and questions can be very freeing for them.
I am a true believer that the 21st century classroom is very different. The idea that I’m teaching students for jobs that haven’t even been created yet is mind boggling! I am assured though that I am willing to change my vision of teaching to adapt and prepare my students for whatever they choose to do one day! I find myself to be a “cautious digital native”. I love it, but can be easily frustrated by some parts of it. Of course, I can’t imagine a world without it at this point!