Wednesday, October 26, 2011

21st century educator

A colleague recently asked me what I thought about eSchoolNews' five characteristics of effective 21st century educators:


1. Anticipates the future.
Yeah, this is needed, but be careful... the future, especially if it is technology-rich, is not predictable. Much of the really interesting and useful and innovative and necessary "stuff" in the future (devices and patterns of using the devices) is not what was predicted by experts or intended by the designers. Anticipate the unanticipated and run with it!
2. Is a lifelong learner.
This one is a "no-brainer," if you are not actively learning about everything-- human learning, your content area, the learning sciences, and technology-- you are are demonstrating that you are not qualified to be an educator.
3. Fosters peer relationships.
This is important, but we have to be careful... simply having kids "work together" does not foster peer relationships. Educators must give opportunities to create together what cannot be created alone and  educators must model and provide structures for meaningful dialog and multilog. 
4. Can teach and assess all levels of learners.
 I am confused as to why this is still an issue... perhaps to raise awareness. But then again, I see lots of teachers who believe their job is to work with specific populations. Sigh...
5. Is able to discern effective vs. non-effective technology.
This is a bog one... just because kids are in front to screens does not make the use of computers effective. I think back to the principal who insisted that students use a web-based test preparation program. I advised the principal to make sure that it alone was not the only computer experience students had. A month later, I observed students in tears because they were forced to use the system over and over again. I am glad that principal has since retired. We must develop the skill and knowledge to recognize useful technology, and that is only done by becoming confident and competent users ourselves.
 

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