Ce mercredi 20 mai avait lieu le troisième Hack4Kids au centre de conférence Kirchberg dans le cadre de l’ICTSpring Europe 2015.
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![]() Ce mercredi 20 mai avait lieu le troisième Hack4Kids au centre de conférence Kirchberg dans le cadre de l’ICTSpring Europe 2015. No comment yet.
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Um die Schüler auf die Arbeitsplätze von morgen optimal vorzubereiten, muss die Schule sich der modernen Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien bedienen. Am Mittwoch stellte Bildungsminister Claude Meisch die Strategie "Digital (4) Education" vor, mit der die Schüler von heute, deren Lebenswirklichkeit bereits in weiten Teilen eine digitale ist, auf morgen vorbereitet werden sollen.
Gust MEES's insight:
Um die Schüler auf die Arbeitsplätze von morgen optimal vorzubereiten, muss die Schule sich der modernen Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien bedienen. Am Mittwoch stellte Bildungsminister Claude Meisch die Strategie "Digital (4) Education" vor, mit der die Schüler von heute, deren Lebenswirklichkeit bereits in weiten Teilen eine digitale ist, auf morgen vorbereitet werden sollen.
Gust MEES's curator insight,
May 20, 2015 10:51 AM
Um die Schüler auf die Arbeitsplätze von morgen optimal vorzubereiten, muss die Schule sich der modernen Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien bedienen. Am Mittwoch stellte Bildungsminister Claude Meisch die Strategie "Digital (4) Education" vor, mit der die Schüler von heute, deren Lebenswirklichkeit bereits in weiten Teilen eine digitale ist, auf morgen vorbereitet werden sollen.
![]() Every school has its own set of problems, there’s no denying it. Many school leaders really value feedback from their teachers about areas for improvement. Even when leaders may not be seeking feedback, there is always a strong chance that someone will tell them what they think, or what “a group of people think”, or even what “everybody” thinks. In many schools, processes have been put in place to support the gathering of feedback to assist school improvement. Learn more: - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/andragogy-adult-teaching-how-to-teach-ict/ - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/01/04/practice-better-ways-to-say-i-dont-know-in-the-classroom/ Via Patti Kinney
Gust MEES's insight:
Every school has its own set of problems, there’s no denying it. Many school leaders really value feedback from their teachers about areas for improvement. Even when leaders may not be seeking feedback, there is always a strong chance that someone will tell them what they think, or what “a group of people think”, or even what “everybody” thinks. In many schools, processes have been put in place to support the gathering of feedback to assist school improvement. Learn more: - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/andragogy-adult-teaching-how-to-teach-ict/ - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/01/04/practice-better-ways-to-say-i-dont-know-in-the-classroom/ ![]()
Apollo B. Gabazira's curator insight,
July 11, 2015 3:56 AM
Feedback culture accompanied by a high digital-quotient (DQ) brings to schools or any other institution, 'fail-safe' thinking as well as real time learning & improvement
![]() Pro Tag erscheint eine Viertelmillion neuer Schädlinge, warnt PandaLabs. Außerdem meldet das Unternehmen, dass weltweit jeder dritte PC infiziert ist. Mehr erfahren WIE man sich schützt: - https://gustmeesde.wordpress.com/2014/12/13/mobile-security-smartphones-sind-auch-mini-computer/
Gust MEES's insight:
Pro Tag erscheint eine Viertelmillion neuer Schädlinge, warnt PandaLabs. Außerdem meldet das Unternehmen, dass weltweit jeder dritte PC infiziert ist. Mehr erfahren WIE man sich schützt: - https://gustmeesde.wordpress.com/2014/12/13/mobile-security-smartphones-sind-auch-mini-computer/
![]() HeucheleiHeuchelei ( Hypokrisie) bezeichnet ein moralisch bzw. ethisch negativ besetztes Verhalten, bei dem eine Person nach außen hin ein Bild von sich vermittelt, das nicht ihrem realen Selbst entspricht. Das zugrundeliegende Zeitwort heucheln stammt ursprünglich vom unterwürfigen ducken und kriechen (mittelhochdeutsch hüchen) des Hundes ab und wurde auf vorgespieltes, schmeichelndes Verhalten übertragen.
Gust MEES's insight:
Heuchelei (Hypokrisie)[1] bezeichnet ein moralisch bzw. ethisch negativ besetztes Verhalten, bei dem eine Person nach außen hin ein Bild von sich vermittelt, das nicht ihrem realen Selbst entspricht. Das zugrundeliegende Zeitwort heucheln stammt ursprünglich vom unterwürfigen ducken und kriechen (mittelhochdeutsch hüchen) des Hundes ab[2] und wurde auf vorgespieltes, schmeichelndes Verhalten übertragen. Der Philosoph und Theologe Friedrich Kirchner definierte Heuchelei als eine „aus selbstsüchtigen Interessen entspringende Verhüllung der wahren und Vorspiegelung einer falschen, in dem Betreffenden nicht vorhandenen lobenswerten Gesinnung“ und führt auf, dass ein Heuchler besser erscheinen wolle, als er ist, „um Mächtigen zu gefallen“ und „davon Gewinn zu haben“. Vorgeheuchelt werden „politische, religiöse, ethische Grundsätze, um vorwärts zu kommen“, sei es aus Feigheit, des Broterwerbs oder der „Liebedienerei“ wegen. Die Heuchelei würde seiner Meinung nach „leicht durch despotisches Regiment in Staat und Kirche geweckt“, wobei „strenge Staatsgesetze“ und „orthodoxe Religionsedikte“ die Menschheit nicht „gut und fromm“, sondern heuchlerisch machen würden.[3]
![]() Laie - WikipediaLaie (von griechisch λαός (laós) „Volk" über λαϊκός (laikós) „zum Volk gehörig"; kirchenlateinisch laicus „der (kirchliche) Laie") bezeichnet: Laie (von griechisch λαός (laós) „Volk“ über λαϊκός (laikós) „zum Volk gehörig“; kirchenlateinisch laicus „der (kirchliche) Laie“) bezeichnet:
Mehr erfahren UND Lernen: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Rise+of+the+Professional+Educator
Gust MEES's insight:
Laie (von griechisch λαός (laós) „Volk“ über λαϊκός (laikós) „zum Volk gehörig“; kirchenlateinisch laicus „der (kirchliche) Laie“) bezeichnet:
Mehr erfahren UND Lernen: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Rise+of+the+Professional+Educator
![]() How To Be A Effective Leader: Top 10 Leadership Tips From Great Leaders Source: buzzfed.in Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Frank+SONNENBERG
Gust MEES's insight:
How To Be A Effective Leader: Top 10 Leadership Tips From Great Leaders Source: buzzfed.in Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Frank+SONNENBERG
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John Caswell's curator insight,
April 27, 2015 4:01 AM
Surprised how much I agreed with this... i'm as ever disappointed with the interpretation of Innovation in this context and so might add creativity... hey ho... ![]()
Adolfo C.'s curator insight,
July 12, 2015 7:15 PM
Esta son las recomendaciones que te encuentras en todas partes
![]() David Price: In my book, OPEN: How We’ll Work, Live And Learn In The Future, I argue that a relentless focus upon high-stakes accountability — through student testing and teacher evaluation — has done little to improve outcomes, and has de-professionalized and demoralized teachers. . “Open” as a way of working, and living our lives, is winning. It is time we applied it to education. . Learn more: . - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/learning-to-learn-preparation-for-better-learning-how-to/ . - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/education-collaboration-and-coaching-the-future/ . .
Gust MEES's insight:
David Price: In my book, OPEN: How We’ll Work, Live And Learn In The Future, I argue that a relentless focus upon high-stakes accountability — through student testing and teacher evaluation — has done little to improve outcomes, and has de-professionalized and demoralized teachers. Learn more: - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/learning-to-learn-preparation-for-better-learning-how-to/ - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/education-collaboration-and-coaching-the-future/ .
Dr. Deborah Brennan's curator insight,
April 17, 2015 4:02 PM
OPEN: education that fosters innovation and creativity, that validates that individuals learn in different ways and paces. The foundstion of this vision is one that is not filled with fear of failure. Fear on the part of teachers that they will fail to measure up to high scores for student achievement on standardized tests or,an evaluation system that checks off boxes band on 45 mi Utes in a classroom by a sometimes inexperienced administrator. Freedom from fear for students who work in a system of grades for every piece of paper, where the focus is on work completed rather than learning.m. If we are to achieve this better vision of education in the future, then we must be willing to make some fundamental changes to our business as usual school system in America. ![]()
Hannah Weaver's curator insight,
April 18, 2015 3:31 PM
This article talks about the future and how an open education will bring about more diversity, something I am passionate about.
![]() Some folks want everything now. The problem is that short-term thinking may hurt your long-term interests. There are simply no shortcuts in the long run. Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching?tag=Proactive+Thinking
Gust MEES's insight:
Some folks want everything now. The problem is that short-term thinking may hurt your long-term interests. There are simply no shortcuts in the long run. Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching?tag=Proactive+Thinking
Maximillian Danskin's curator insight,
April 14, 2015 1:08 PM
in future years i would hope to instill these very logistics into my students. kids in this era have everything handed to them on a silver platter. hard work and accountability are two lot concept in this corner of the world and i believe majority of teenagers have no idea what this guy is talking about. just shows how sad our country has gotten over the past 10 years. technology has degraded our country.
![]() Apply New Learning Often and in Meaningful Contexts . We learn best when we have context, and that applies to new skills as much as it does random facts in school. That's why something like the transfer of learning is helpful when you’re learning a new skill. This means you're applying your new skills in your day to day life in a context that matters. (http://lifehacker.com/the-science-behind-how-we-learn-new-skills-908488422) . Learn more: . - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/design-the-learning-of-your-learners-students-ideas/ .
Gust MEES's insight:
Apply New Learning Often and in Meaningful Contexts . We learn best when we have context, and that applies to new skills as much as it does random facts in school. That's why something like the transfer of learning is helpful when you’re learning a new skill. This means you're applying your new skills in your day to day life in a context that matters. (http://lifehacker.com/the-science-behind-how-we-learn-new-skills-908488422) . Learn more: . - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/design-the-learning-of-your-learners-students-ideas/ .
Karen B Wehner's curator insight,
April 8, 2015 11:18 AM
Not much that hasn't been said before, but it's all worth repeating.
Inma Contreras's curator insight,
April 14, 2015 7:34 AM
The best way to learn,in my opinion. Learning by doing including emotions:perfection.
Jake Goulet's curator insight,
April 15, 2015 11:40 AM
Learn the ways of learning and make your life easier!
![]() Schuld daran, dass Mitarbeiter korrupt werden, ist meist das Unternehmen. Wer integratives Verhalten fördert, wird selten Opfer seiner eigenen Belegschaft.
Gust MEES's insight:
Schuld daran, dass Mitarbeiter korrupt werden, ist meist das Unternehmen. Wer integratives Verhalten fördert, wird selten Opfer seiner eigenen Belegschaft.
![]() Personalized learning is like a pinball machine. Check out this ThingLink created by @laurenmcgetit Learn more: - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/practice-creativity-examples-with-thinglink/ - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=personalize+learning
Gust MEES's insight:
Personalized learning is like a pinball machine. Check out this ThingLink created by @laurenmcgetit Learn more: - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/practice-creativity-examples-with-thinglink/ - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=personalize+learning |
![]() L'Éducation nationale formera les futurs spécialistes dans les technologies de l'information et de la Communication. Dans le cadre de l'ICT Spring, le ministre de l'Éducation nationale, de l'enfance et de la jeunesse, Claude Meisch, a exposé les grands axes de la stratégie «Digital4education». Elle s'inscrit dans le cadre de l'initiative Digital Lëtzebuerg qui ambitionne de renforcer et de consolider la position du Grand-Duché dans le domaine des TIC. La stratégie «Digital4education»vise à préparer les jeunes à vivre dans un environnement professionnel et privé en mutation constante. Elle amènera les élèves à développer des compétences indispensables dans l’utilisation des TIC et à promouvoir des projets pédagogiques utilisant l’école numérique. Cette stratégie digitale s’articule autour de cinq «dimensions» qui se déclinent en projets. Dans le premier «digital citizen», l’école est censée initier les enfants à des applications clés qu’ils utiliseront dans leur vie d’adulte. Ils seront également sensibilisés aux questions de l’utilisation de leurs données personnelles sur les réseaux sociaux et de prévenir les risques. Le second nommé «digital peer» intègrera une dimension éthique et sociale. Les élèves aborderont la notion de sécurité sur Internet, le harcèlement moral sur les réseaux et une notion importante comme le droit à l’image.
![]() Pinnacle's principles of effective teaching are grounded in research into practices that have the largest impact on student learning. Yet, they are practical and written in plain English. Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Great+Teachers - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Rise+of+the+Professional+Educator
Gust MEES's insight:
Pinnacle's principles of effective teaching are grounded in research into practices that have the largest impact on student learning. Yet, they are practical and written in plain English. Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Great+Teachers - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Rise+of+the+Professional+Educator
Mary Martínez's curator insight,
February 6, 2016 4:33 AM
Pinnacle's principles of effective teaching are grounded in research into practices that have the largest impact on student learning. Yet, they are practical and written in plain English. Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Great+Teachers - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Rise+of+the+Professional+Educator ![]()
Kathy Lynch's curator insight,
November 11, 2016 11:55 PM
Thanks Inez Bieler! The graphic at the end listing Evidence-based Principles of Effective teaching: 1. Care about helping your students learn, 2. understand but do not excuse, 3. be clear about learning goals, 4. surface knowledge + deep understanding, 5. release responsibility, 6. give good feedback, 7. have students learn from each other, 8 manage behavior, 9. evaluate your impact, 10. always be learning ways to increase your impact. makes a good bookmark reminder. Self-assessment regularly would likely improve teaching more than many hours of random PD.
![]() Great leadership is dynamic. It melds a variety of unique skills into an integrated whole. Courage is the first virtue that makes all other virtues possible.” —Aristotle Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=LeaderShip Via Mark E. Deschaine, PhD
Gust MEES's insight:
Great leadership is dynamic. It melds a variety of unique skills into an integrated whole. Courage is the first virtue that makes all other virtues possible.” —Aristotle Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=LeaderShip
![]() Here they are: the latest "Dirty Dozen" SPAMPIONSHIP tables, detailing the globe's most dastardly distributors of delinquent data during the first quarter of 2015. Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Spam - https://gustmeesen.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/pc-security-howto-fight-spam-efficiently/
Gust MEES's insight:
If you haven't seen the Dirty Dozen before, here's how it works. Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Spam - https://gustmeesen.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/pc-security-howto-fight-spam-efficiently/
![]() Dan KIRSCH: The following are examples of my 7th grade student’s Video projects. The objective for the students was for them to create a video describing how “Technology Has Impacted their Lives” in either a positive or negative manner. The students were put in groups in order for them to film and describe their content. I really wanted the students to focus on how technology has become an integral part of everyday life; however can this become bad?? In essence, I wanted students to focus on the content people put on the internet and/or share information they should ==> Privacy. These videos were created by 7th grade students. The following videos depicting students do have permission from parents/guardians to be shown on the blog.... . Learn more: . . - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/education-collaboration-and-coaching-the-future/ .
Gust MEES's insight:
Dan KIRSCH: The following are examples of my 7th grade student’s Video projects. The objective for the students was for them to create a video describing how “Technology Has Impacted their Lives” in either a positive or negative manner. The students were put in groups in order for them to film and describe their content. I really wanted the students to focus on how technology has become an integral part of everyday life; however can this become bad?? In essence, I wanted students to focus on the content people put on the internet and/or share information they should ==> Privacy. These videos were created by 7th grade students. The following videos depicting students do have permission from parents/guardians to be shown on the blog.... . Learn more: . . - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/education-collaboration-and-coaching-the-future/ .
![]() In addition to thinking about tools that help boost educators’ teaching practice, this moment might be a good time to pull back and think about some big-picture ideals, too. Here are a few to consider. Learn more: - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/?s=PracTICE
Gust MEES's insight:
In addition to thinking about tools that help boost educators’ teaching practice, this moment might be a good time to pull back and think about some big-picture ideals, too. Here are a few to consider. Learn more: - https://gustmees.wordpress.com/?s=PracTICE
SMARTERTEACHER's curator insight,
April 26, 2015 10:31 PM
Innovation, creativity, collaboration, genius hour.
María Dolores Díaz Noguera's curator insight,
April 27, 2015 11:30 AM
Otras formas para innovar...Five Ways to Bring Innovation Into the Classroom | @scoopit via @knolinfos http://sco.lt/...
![]() The responsibility of a leader is to lead. (What a concept.) The fact is, some leaders are causing irreparable damage to great institutions by shirking their responsibilities. They’re afraid to address difficult issues, make tough decisions, and introduce the change that’s required to achieve long-term success. Instead, these “counterfeit leaders” spend much of their time playing politics, protecting their turf, and promoting their self-interests. To make matters worse, counterfeit leaders, in both public and private sectors, often masquerade as positive role models while condoning unethical or irresponsible behavior that undermines the very foundation of their institution. Real leaders achieve success by setting the bar high, encouraging teamwork, promoting win-win relationships, and demanding everyone’s best effort. Real leaders win the support of their constituents by earning their trust and respect. This is achieved through powerful ideas, personal expertise, and impeccable integrity rather than through their position or by “pulling rank.” Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Frank+SONNENBERG
Gust MEES's insight:
The responsibility of a leader is to lead. (What a concept.) The fact is, some leaders are causing irreparable damage to great institutions by shirking their responsibilities. They’re afraid to address difficult issues, make tough decisions, and introduce the change that’s required to achieve long-term success. Instead, these “counterfeit leaders” spend much of their time playing politics, protecting their turf, and promoting their self-interests. To make matters worse, counterfeit leaders, in both public and private sectors, often masquerade as positive role models while condoning unethical or irresponsible behavior that undermines the very foundation of their institution. Real leaders achieve success by setting the bar high, encouraging teamwork, promoting win-win relationships, and demanding everyone’s best effort. Real leaders win the support of their constituents by earning their trust and respect. This is achieved through powerful ideas, personal expertise, and impeccable integrity rather than through their position or by “pulling rank.” Learn more: - http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Frank+SONNENBERG
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Rescooped by
Gust MEES
from Digital Delights for Learners
April 16, 2015 7:52 AM
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44 Diverse Tools To Publish Student Work
Learn more:
- https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/design-the-learning-of-your-learners-students-ideas/
- https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/learning-to-learn-preparation-for-better-learning-how-to/
44 Diverse Tools To Publish Student Work
Learn more:
- https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/10/03/design-the-learning-of-your-learners-students-ideas/
- https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/learning-to-learn-preparation-for-better-learning-how-to/
Tony Vincent - Learning in Hand - always provides excellent resources for classrooms.
Love the fact that this infographic focuses both on the web and mobile possibilities.
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Scooped by
Gust MEES
April 7, 2015 3:15 PM
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Veracode researchers tested the cybersecurity of Chamberlain MyQ Internet Gateway, the Chamberlain MyQ Garage, the SmartThings Hub, the Ubi, the Wink Hub, and the Wink Relay; they exposed a plethora of security holes and privacy risks in IoT devices.
Learn more:
- http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=wearables
- http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Internet+of+Things
- http://www.scoop.it/t/securite-pc-et-internet/?tag=Internet+of+things
- http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Smart+Cities
Veracode researchers tested the cybersecurity of Chamberlain MyQ Internet Gateway, the Chamberlain MyQ Garage, the SmartThings Hub, the Ubi, the Wink Hub, and the Wink Relay; they exposed a plethora of security holes and privacy risks in IoT devices.
Learn more:
- http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=wearables
- http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Internet+of+Things
- http://www.scoop.it/t/securite-pc-et-internet/?tag=Internet+of+things
- http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?tag=Smart+Cities
After testing the security of six Internet of Things (IoT) devices commonly used in homes, Veracode security researchers found that product manufacturers don't put enough focus on security and privacy as a design priority; this puts users "at risk for an attack or physical intrusion." They found vulnerabilities in the devices that could potentially act as a "pathway for robbery, theft of sensitive data or even stalking."
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Scooped by
Gust MEES
April 6, 2015 3:42 PM
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Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs begins with humanity’s most basic needs and builds from there until we reach our most satisfied self. After our most basic physical needs (air, food, water, sleep), the need for safety is the second most critical stage to our wellbeing. Whether or not we believe in Maslow’s theory, we can all agree that on its surface this makes sense, whether we are talking about ourselves, our families, our businesses, or our community.
Learn more:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs begins with humanity’s most basic needs and builds from there until we reach our most satisfied self. After our most basic physical needs (air, food, water, sleep), the need for safety is the second most critical stage to our wellbeing. Whether or not we believe in Maslow’s theory, we can all agree that on its surface this makes sense, whether we are talking about ourselves, our families, our businesses, or our community.
Learn more:
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Rescooped by
Gust MEES
from Effective Education
April 4, 2015 11:18 AM
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Especially check the TOPIC <===> Chapter 1: The skills needed in the 21st century <===> #eSkills!
Learn more:
- https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/education-collaboration-and-coaching-the-future/
Especially check the TOPIC <===> Chapter 1: The skills needed in the 21st century <===> #eSkills!
Learn more:
- https://gustmees.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/education-collaboration-and-coaching-the-future/
This is a lengthy article detailing the relationship between 21st century skills and the adoption of technology as a way to promote growth in those skill areas. If you are here, you might find this very much "preaching to the choir," but the article provides a solid basis for understanding the need to integrate technology into education.
The World Economic Forum has published a new white paper called New Vision for Education: Unlocking the Potential of Technology; the link for the full report is included at the end of this article. The World Economic Forum is a not-for-profit international institution headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Although the focus of this report is worldwide, the gaps in identified twenty-first century skills are very applicable to schools in the USA. In a powerful statement, the report says: “By the time students enter college and the labour market, deficiencies that have not been addressed earlier can be far more difficult and costly to remedy.” (p 8-9).
The report differentiates 21st century skills among foundational literacies, competencies, and character qualities. It sees foundational skills as what schools and systems traditionally teach and measure: literacy, numeracy, scientific literacy, instructional-communication technology literacy, financial literacy, and cultural and civic literacy. Competencies sited include critical thinking/problem solving, creativity, communication and collaboration. While curiosity, initiative, persistence/grit, adaptability, leadership, and social and cultural awareness are included in a category called character qualities. Appendix 1 includes definitions of 21st century skills.
The instructional cycle is referred to as a “closed loop” in this report. Beginning with clear learning objectives through the development of curriculum and instructional strategies to instructional delivery, ongoing assessment, interventions and the tracking of learning outcomes in a repeating complex system. The report looks at ways that technology can be embedded into each step of the instructional loop to improve student learning outcomes and eliminate the skill gap, providing some resources that might be used at different phases of the cycle.
The report cites differences in the use of technology tools to close the skill gap, looking at different income levels among countries which create different contexts and stating that there are fundamental social and economic problems, such as poverty, that impede learning and underlie the skills gap. Although the deficiencies in many undeveloped countries far surpass those found in the United States, it is my perspective that there are different contexts within the United States itself that must be acknowledged and addressed.
The importance of creativity, problem solving and innovation to the economic well-being of our nation and therefore, the employability of our workforce cannot be stressed enough. The pressure of standardized testing can lead to a standardized curriculum and instruction model that does not allow the classroom time for these skills to develop. Teachers caught in this dilemma are often driven to insure success on state tests at the cost of providing time for experimentation, reflection, and collaborative feedback. The report does suggest using technology for some of the foundational skills in order to free teacher time to provide instruction on competency and character skills.
In two of the examples from low income countries, technology was used to provide scripted lessons that were created centrally to under-trained teachers. My preference would be to more fully train teachers or provide a mentor/coach rather than a “turn the page” curriculum model.
One of the tenants of the article is the need to define and find a metric to assess each of these 21st century skills in order to compare countries skill level. Although I agree with the need to define the skills needed and provide training and resources to teachers so these skills can be embedded into the curriculum and instruction, the idea of an assessment to measure creativity or persistence fills me with dread. Paul Torrance developed a well-used test for creativity used to screen students for school gifted and talented programs. It is not a test that can be administered and interpreted without training. The idea of administering a standardized test which by definition is convergent in thinking to measure a thinking skill that is divergent by definition seems inappropriate and a major shortcoming of this report.
Ce mercredi 20 mai avait lieu le troisième Hack4Kids au centre de conférence Kirchberg dans le cadre de l’ICTSpring Europe 2015.