I thought that this week's post would benefit from putting a little bit more of my own practice out there for people to dissect and possibly learn from. As I left off last week's post talking about ways that educators have advised to put some of these ideas into practice, I began to think of my own classroom and ways that I have attempted or succeeded in implementing 21st skills into it. I mentioned that I use technology quite effectively in my classroom, but I didn't mention the specifics. For one, I have a developing computer science course that I have been integrating into my class - while our district is pushing coding and related skills, it's typically not introduced in a primary setting, due to the difficulty involved with the subject matter, and the lack of instructors who feel comfortable with it. Luckily for me, working with computers is my strong suit. The course I have created simplifies the coding process, and is done using Microsoft Powerpoint. By creating a video game through this course, they learn simple shortcuts (such as copying and pasting, or selecting all), and there is a ot of room for them to be independent quite quickly. I've also introduced my students into 3D modelling and design, and they are using TinkerCAD to create a model that I will run through a 3D printer. This is teaching them about 3D space, and they are beginning to understand why the objects they create need to have a firm foundation. I also believe 3D printers are going to be a technology that is widely used in many different sectors (watch this video on 3D printers making houses below), and therefore giving them this understanding early on will make them more adaptable and receptible to this technology. This adaptability to new technologies is a big part of 21st century skills. In reference to the Driscoll (2021) article that I referenced last week, I also try to incorporate a heavy focus on international studies into my classroom. One of the ways that I do this is through my World Cultures unit in social studies. Each year, I choose 7 different countries from around the world that the students get to "visit." Instead of my just giving them a worksheet that asks students to explain the languages spoken, the currency used, some of the cultural activities done etc., I create a presentation that allows students to experience these things. For example, they meet different characters who speak the native language of the country, and instead of telling the students what the characters are saying, the students must use their critical thinking skills to gauge what they MIGHT be saying based on the context of the situations that arise. There are also 3 cultural activities that take place - it could be a traditional game from that country, a dance, some food or a craft - but they have no preparation for these activities in advance. They are expected to be adaptable and learn these skills on the fly, and it really engages parts of their brains that they are not used to using.
These are some of the highlights that I can think of. I have been more active in brainstorming ways that I can refine the subjects that I teach and incorporating 21st century learning ideals into them. WORKS CITED Driscoll, M. (2021, January 14). EDUCATION in the 21st century. Retrieved February 02, 2021, from https://thinkstrategicforschools.com/education-21st-century/
6 Comments
Jordan Hunter
2/11/2021 04:24:51 pm
Hi Tim!
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Tim Raposo
2/25/2021 09:14:45 am
Hi Jordan,
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Jen Proce
2/13/2021 12:10:58 pm
Hi Tim,
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Tim Raposo
2/25/2021 09:19:49 am
Hi Jen,
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Carlo Iacono
2/19/2021 06:33:51 am
Hi Tim,
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Tim Raposo
2/25/2021 09:25:38 am
Hi Carlo,
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AuthorTim Raposo is a teacher of grades 3 & 4 at Cawston Primary School in BC. With a firm grasp of burgeoning technologies. he seeks to introduce students to new ideas and skills to produce a passion for 21st century learning as early as possible in their educational careers. ArchivesCategories |