Impact_of_21st_century_literacy_needs

Describe how schools can produce students who are literate in 21st Century Skills.

I feel as though the first step to produce students who are literate in 21st Century Skills is to have access to various technologies. You cannot acquire teacher buy in until they can physically see and experience the vital role technology plays in student learning. In addition, the effectiveness of technology can be drastically reduced if there is not enough resources for the kids. This includes having outdated computers and/ or software, delayed network connections, or an insufficient amount of computers. In addition, it is equally important to have staff members who are trained and well versed in technology so they can assist inexperienced staff members in using technology. The best way to gain access to technology would be to acquire money through grants.

As these resources are attained, it is vital that the school develop a technology leadership team. This team should focus on gaining teacher buy in. The best way to gain this is to expose them to research demonstrating the importance of technology in the classroom and its many benefits. Facilitating teacher professional learning communities where teachers explore various programs and discuss how students can use them in various activities. This should be a gradual process and should focus on a few programs; one strategy would be to host several technology PLCs and allowing teachers to choose the programs that interest them the most. Teachers should be encouraged to incorporate their newly acquired knowledge into their lesson plans and daily activities. Support members should be available to them on an as needed basis.

As teachers become more proficient and comfortable with technology, they should be required to share an activity and final product with their peers. This is a great way to identify best practices; in addition, it is a great way to initiate rich discussion about technology integration. Students should be provided an opportunity to share their work and the benefits of technology to all stakeholders. One way to accomplish this would be to host a technology fair for students and parents. Students would be required to present their projects to the audience. Another way students can share technology would be though peer tutoring sessions during the school day. This could occur between students of varied grade levels, during an after school club or activity, and within the class between students of varied ability levels.

Implementing these strategies in your school would be a great way to demonstrate the prominent role technology plays in today's classroom.