Features of a 21st C. classroom

I think that we need to pair technology with active learning. The students must see how the are connected to the rest of the world. Our study of geography can help them with the location of places but what then? They need to connect with students to understand life in these places. They need to figure out how to be less self centered and more about how they can make a difference in this world. Of course, this is no easy feat.

Given that technology has become such a huge part of all of our lives, we need to embrace the parts that make sense for our classrooms. Of course, it requires us to actually have consistent use of technology, which right now, I do not. In addition, teachers may need to be given more training time to evaluate the role of technology in their classrooms. It isn't just can I show a video or use an overhead anymore. For students to evaluate a micro-lending project, they need to be able to receive current information not out dated statistics from books. Again, this requires technology.

As much as technology plays a role, I think we don't want to diminish the role that classroom learning and collaboration can have. Friends of mine who have recently taken higher education classes have been split on how well they have enjoyed the on line classes. Many of my friends miss the classroom interaction and resent the amount of time that they are taking to "chat" on virtual blackboards about readings. Students need our guidance on issues such as innovation, global awareness, and problem solving. We cannot just rely on the technology.

Overall, I guess for me, a 21st century classroom would have technology mixed with innovative learning about the world. In all of that, there is a need for a sense of citizenship and character that would ask students to evaluate their role and ask them to solve some of the problems that exist today. I think the Kiva article tried to do that in a meaningful way.