Journal 4: Create, Collaborate, Communicate

As a future teacher, I know that it there is a huge responsibility on me to prepare the students that walk into my class for real-life. In today's society, that means preparing students to live in an increasingly technology-driven world. Right now, the skills students learn in school do not match the necessary skills needed in the work place. This article, "Create, Collaborate, Communicate: Empowering Students With 21st Century Skills," discusses sixteen ideas on how to do just that from HowieDiBlasi . His first tip is to "Hug a Geek!" This may be one of the most awkward experiences of your life if taken literally! However, finding these "geeks" who are knowledgeable and competent in the digital world and asking for help can be the best resource for being on the front lines of teaching technology. I loveDiBlasi's tip about using "project-based learning." The students are the ones who develop the project, research the tools, and carry out the assignment. It is such an interesting way to get students to engage in an assignment and gain practical skills. Other tipsDiBlasi shares emphasize collaboration and communication. We hear a lot about collaboration in schools, but digital collaboration is not something I have ever seen taught. These are essential skills for students to learn; they will continue to use these skills throughout their lives. It is our job as educators to use all resources available to ensure our students are prepared for the future.

1. What does he mean by "if we're going to be competitive"?
As teachers, I don't think we view our field as a competitive industry. However, we have a lot of responsibility for influencing and molding those minds that will be a part of every industry in the future. Teaching is even behind the coal mining industry when it comes to the use of technology. I think he means that we are behind on the times, and it is critical that we catch up because we are shaping the future!

2. How will I use this in my classroom? Can I bring about this change in my classroom?
After reading this article, I definitely feel a weight of responsibility to change how education has implemented technology in the classroom thus far. I can use this article as a resource and reference for how I am using technology in the classroom. Before, I didn't necessarily see myself as a technical teacher, but I know the necessity of implementing most of these ideas. And through this class, computer classes in the future, and "hugging a geek," I hope to continue to learn and explore how to use technology to the fullest in the classroom and teach students these same skills.

Riedel, C. (2009, January). Create, Collaborate, Communicate: Empowering Students With 21st Century Skills. THE Journal, Retrieved March, 2009, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23872_3