Over the past week, my thoughts have been consumed by the notion of 21st Century Learning.
Whether it be in classroom conversation with my peers, or through various articles, videos or blogs I have come across, I just can't get enough!
To be fair though, I'm a sucker for these kinds of things anyway. I fact, I'll pretty much get behind any type of innovative curriculum that advocates increased student engagement in the classroom, while championing heightened real-world learning applicability for students. Add to that, the notion that students just might even enjoy the process, and see tremendous value in it!
Really? What's not to like?
Well, after a little more digging (uncovering countless affirmations about the virtues of 21st century learning), I did come across this particularly pleasant article that knocked me a little off balance...
Yes, it will indeed have its detractors, cynics and traditionalists who do not share the same enthusiasm, but enough about that right now.
Like I was saying...21st Century Learning appears to have tremendous upside to me! I don't know about you, but I would much rather go exploring to places I've never been before, rather than stay at home (in my comfort zone).
In fact, I'd be willing to bet that my students would rather join that trip too!
So, sure, that I have spent the past 3 days revisiting my lesson plans, learning outcomes, and teaching methods for my classes next fall, while sharing strategies and discussing these opportunities with my colleagues, who coincidentally, have been exposed to new ideas and recently inspired as well...
You see, we had the pleasure of attending a workshop with fellow educators at Niagara College, lead by Dr. Mark Taylor, a leading Educational Consultant, who works with K-12, and post-secondary institutions across North America. Mark's humour, engaging personality, and (un)common sense, afforded us the opportunity to see 21st Century Learning through his eyes. To say that most of us were transfixed, would be an understatement. Having listened to Dr. Taylor's ideas, stories and strategies about the evolution of K-12 and Higher Education today, using 21st century learning principles (while engaging us in a learning process that used these principles), was simply awesome!
I am a better student, and I am becoming a better teacher, for having been engaged in that learning opportunity.
If you are interested in becoming either, or both, I believe that exploring 21st Century Learning strategies would be of tremendous value to you as well.
Here's an article by Mark Taylor, to get you started.
Enjoy your day,
Brett
