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21st Century Learning Done Right – and Wrong

February 15, 2013 By barrie@compassdesigns.net 3 Comments

21st-century_credit_pete_ashtonWhen I talk to people about 21st century learning, sometimes I think there are two different conversations. When I think of 21st century learning, I think of Tony Wagner and the skills and dispositions people need to be successful today. Sometimes I think the other person is just thinking about technology and computers. I came across two example of projects that have done 21st century learning and assessment wrong and right. I’ll let you see if you can spot which is which.

Let’s take a look at what Tony defines as his seven essential survival skills for the 21st Century.

1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
2. Collaboration Across Networks and Leading by Influence
3. Agility and Adaptability
4. Initiative and Entrepreneurship
5. Effective Oral and Written Communication
6. Accessing and Analyzing Information
7. Curiosity and Imagination

So now let’s look at how people are talking about “21st Century Learning”

I came across a blog about using technology to engage a classroom. Several of the points about assessment were very good ones. The author then pointed out a tool that “is a smart student response system that empowers teachers to engage their classrooms.” Following the trail, the tool was a slick web app that helped teachers used web apps to easily and efficiently grade tests and quizzes.

21st Century Assessment?

The second example was a post in a google group about a tool for performance-based assessment. The tool was clunky and not very slick. It helped provide a means for students to engage in performance tasks and an ability to revise them based on fast and formative feedback to improve learning.

21st Century Assessment?

It reminds me of the first few years that television was invented. Many shows were simply televising actors standing in front of microphones doing radio. It took a few years for people to figure out that TV was a NEW medium, and was more than just a tool to present an OLD paradigm.

What’s your take on what it means to be a 21st century teacher (and learner)? Make a comment!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 21st century learning, assessment, E-learning, education, Teaching, technology, Tony Wagner

The Skinny

I am an entrepreneur, web consultant, author and educator.

I have been involved in starting a K-12 School District, a Private High School, and three web tech companies. I also wrote one of the original and best selling books on Joomla.

And I like sailing with kids.

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