Journal 4: "Create, Collaborate, Communicate: Empowering Students with 21st Century Skills" (NETS 1, 3, and 5)

Chris Riedel, "Create, Collaborate, Communicate: Empowering Students With 21st Century Skills," T.H.E. Journal, 1/27/2009, http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23872

Riedel writes about a recent presentation given by Howie Diblasi at the FETC 2009 addressing the importance for teachers to integrate technology into lesson planning. Diblasi is calling for education to step up to incorporating 21st century skills into today's classroom and notes that U.S. education is far behind in technology skill inclusion than other industries. He explains that the existing education system is not providing our youth with the skills employers are looking for in potential candidates; "creative problem solving, critical and analytical thinking skills, and information gathering and evaluating." In today's society, these skill sets are based in the world of online collaboration and technological tools. As a solution, Diblasi proposes 16 different tools and concepts teachers can use as support through this 21st century endeavor. Googledocs is an application students can use to word process and collaborate with peers online, and it is free! Epals is a networking tool that connects students and teachers to other education communities around the world. Skype is a tool that can virtually take students on field trips from the convenience of their classroom. These tools, among many others, are out there and easily available. Diblasi says that at least one technology concept should be integrated with each lesson plan. This will make sure education is providing students with the foundations to be successful in years to come.

Question 1: What is Google docs and what are some benefits in introducing it to your students?

Answer 1: Googledocs is an online tool accessed through igoogle and gmail. Students are able to create and save documents in this online application which acts as a word processor. Many families may not be able to afford programs that word process and googledocs gives everyone an equal playing field. Another benefit would be that students could share their work with each other, offer feedback, or work in groups online.

Question 2: How does the need for including technology in the classroom impact a teacher's job?

Answer 2: The impact on teacher duties is huge. It sounds to me that many teachers may need to change what they have been doing for several years in order to adapt to this cultural shift. Education should never be stagnant. The way we educate and the content we implement in our schools should be looked at and revised as our society changes. This is an essential responsibility or educators, to be current, adept to change, and in touch with the needs of newer generations.