As technology brings the world closer together in all aspects of our social and business lives, will North American children be ready to compete in the job market of the 21st century. Thomas Friedman, writes about a "flat" world and how North Americans need to brace themselves because many jobs will be lost to people who are more prepared for today's job market. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is another source who is convinced that North Americans need additional skills for the world job market.
This website is about adding value to the current school system. In addition to the traditional 3R's, 21st century skills include the 4C's (critical thinking & problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity & innovation). I like the fact that this organization is using business, industry, government, and educators to develop their platform. Part of the mission is to recognize that educators need training or support to accomplish the 4C's in the classroom. Many of the 4C's lend themselves to using technology in the classroom and currently, not enough schools and educators are properly enlightened to do this effectively. School boards and schools need to reevaluate their technology education plans. Having Apple and Dell as sponsors helps give credibility to the program, but it also has me wondering if this push for technology in school is a way for these companies to sell more computers and software programs.
Upon reflecting on the 4C's, I have already started to think about ways I can change my lessons and units so my students can use more critical thinking and collaboration in their daily work. I believe that in teaching these skills to our children, they become more engaged and responsible for their learning. I would contend that the 4C's enhance the goal of graduating productive cooperative citizens in our society.
The program seems solid in many ways. I hope that the push is not too great that the politicians at various levels of government will turn away from this idea. Without administrators on board, a good idea might be wasted.
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Rusty,
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel that education in North America receives unfair criticism. We have culturally and linguistically diverse populations. The United States and Canada provide a free public education to all. In comparisons, we measure our whole against population portions from other countries.I am not so certain that we lose jobs to other continents due to a lack of education. I believe we lose jobs because others will do it cheaper. 21st century technology just makes the process of moving jobs offshore much easier.
You point out that the 21st century skills build on core skills, rather than replacing them. I think this is important. The goal is not to completely change education, but improve it. I just do not understand why some are resistant to change, when the results will most likely be improvement.Thank you for sharing your views.