How do we Teach 21st Century Learners?

Although I was aware of the growing role of technology in the classroom, I never actively sought out opportunities to learn more about what was available. I stuck to learning basics just to get by when I had to for work as a teacher's assistant.  For example, the school I work in regularly provides opportunities for the students to make imovies for book reports.  Instead of getting involved so that I could learn more, I would sit back and watch in amazement at what the kids were able to create.  I guess I was intimidated by the fact that they knew more than me about the software.  This class, technology for teachers, has taught me not to be intimidated and that it is okay to let the students teach me about technology.

I have also learned that technology is essential in present day classrooms because the students of the 21st century have always had technology as part of their lives.  Because they are facing a job market that will require a high level of skill in the areas of collaboration, problem solving, creativity, and innovation, we must do what we can as educators to prepare them.  In order to do this successfully, we need to engage them, which can't be done without integration of what they are familiar with......technology. By requiring students to work in groups to complete a project, we show  them how to collaborate.  By outlining an assignment and giving them freedom to choose how they complete it from several choices, we show them problem solving.  By forcing them to look at a project in a different point of view, such as a newspaper editor from the colonies writing an article on why they don't like the sugar act, or a movie editor creating a trailer for a new "movie" (book), we show them creativity.  By introducing new software and technology and allowing them to figure out how to use it and teach us how to use it, we show them innovation.