TPE Blog

21st Century Learners

Certain concepts are hard to grasp only through reading text and looking at one dimensional images. When instructors use technology tools like LodeStar to present concepts with animated slide shows, videos, interactive problem solving simulations, and even interactive games there are multiple educational advantages. 21^st Century Learners live in a world of media and interactivity. Their brains function better when they have this type of interaction. They will be more likely “play” with these concepts in an interactive form over and over again. Students may not re-read the textbook but may be more willing to click and click again if they find the content attractive and interactive. Many learners today are more visual learners or active learners. These types of interactions can mimic hands on learning activities. One of the keys is developing customized multimedia content for your learners. You need the right tools and training to access, create, and catalog content that addresses key concepts.

Everyone is talking about the need for today’s learners to become prepared for the 21^st Century. Even though NCLB seemed to emphasize basic skills over higher level thinking skills – it is not an either/or situation. Today’s learners need to not only learn how to read, write, and do math – they also need to be able solve problems, conduct research, collaborate, and communicate effectively. Educators will use terms like 21^st Century Skills, Technology literacy skills, inquiry skills, and project based learning skills. All refer to the students ability to generate questions, pursue answers, analyze data, draw conclusions, determine solutions, present a coherent thesis, and communicate results. Whatever these skills are called – the evidence is clear that these skills are needed in tomorrow’s workforce. We can use technology to structure learning experiences that scaffold and teach these skills – and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate results and show that they solved real problems. We, as educators, are way behind the kids in utilizing collaborative tools. We can use the same types of tools they use for setting up social gatherings (e.g. Facebook) for collaborating on solving the energy crisis in science class.