P21

The P21 website is fairly interesting in the way that it clearly lays out a plan and policy for learning 21st century technology skills. The importance of students knowing these skills is clearly emphasized. There are a lot of different tools and standards to explore. In particular the tools and resources link contains everything from online tools, to relevant articles, to information on professional development.

The part of the website that surprised me the most was the backing this organization has received from many big businesses. Apple, Adobe, Dell, and many others are companies that are signing up to back this program. I guess it goes shows that those companies are trying to help train their future workforce and realize the importance of students gaining the new skills that they need.

I agree with the organizations goal of students gaining a deep understanding of material rather than shallow knowledge. There is too much emphasis on students knowing the bare facts necessary to pass achievement tests and little time left over for teaching skills like critical thinking, or maybe even some art or music.

The implications for educators and students are that there seems to be a growing sentiment out there that achievement tests are not the be all and end all of student learning. There has to be a balance between skills and knowledge. This organization and these companies seem to think that and are trying to help educators learn to help their students survive in the rapidly changing digital world.

Blog Idea

Currently as an opportunity for extra credit I have my students turn in a science related article from a newspaper or magazine with a summary. It can be done every Friday to help their grade out a little.

I was thinking with this I could post a link to an article or a video and have the students write their response in the comments section. This could be done in place of the science article extra credit.
______________________________________________________________________

I teach 7th grade science. I feel that a blog would be a great tool to enrich and supplement the topics I am covering at school. I would feel hesitant to make it a requirement because I teach in a district where many students cannot afford and do not have computers at home. I do believe it can be an effective teaching tool though, because students love using the internet and many would check the blog just for something to do. Hopefully, while they are doing it they will be learning in a manner that is different than what they are presented in class.

because I like USA soccer and I wanted to post something...