The Purpose of Education A 21st Century Approach Brandon Goodman

The Purpose of Education

What are 21 st century skills? Digital Age Literacy – Basic, scientific, economic and technological literacy Visual literacy and information literacy Multicultural literacy and global awareness Inventive Thinking – Adaptability and managing complexity Self-direction Curiosity, creativity, and risk taking Higher-order thinking and sound reasoning Effective Communication – Teaming, collaboration, and interpersonal skills Personal, social, and civic responsibility Interactive communication High Productivity – Prioritizing, planning, and managing for results Effective use of real-world tools Ability to produce relevant, high-quality products

A 21 st century educational approach CurriculumCurriculum 1 Teacher TrainingTeacher Training 2 AssessmentAssessment 3

Curriculum Overview

A 21 st century educational approach CurriculumCurriculum 1 Teacher TrainingTeacher Training 2 AssessmentAssessment 3

Teacher Training Don’t reinvent the wheel  Use what you already have Smart Technologies, Inc. website; YouTube training videos; materials from other schools/agencies  Share the new wheel you invent Peer-to-peer training; Smart Board Clinics; demo lessons; Smart Board Share site; online tutorials; lesson templates; “Can-do” lists

Teacher Training  Organized around a problem or challenge without a predetermined solution  Creates a need to know of essential content and skills  Students design the process for reaching a solution  Requires critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and various forms of communication  Uses a variety of resources, separate relevant from irrelevant information, and manage the information they gather  Students learn to work independently and take responsibility when they are asked to make choices  Students regularly reflect on what they’re doing  A final product (not necessarily material) is produced and is evaluated for quality  The classroom has an atmosphere that tolerates error and change  The teacher takes on the role of a facilitator rather than a leader The project-based learning approach creates a "constructivist" learning environment in which students construct their own knowledge. Whereas in the "old school" model the teacher was the task master, and in the "new school" model the teacher becomes the facilitator. Project Based Learning

A 21 st century educational approach CurriculumCurriculum 1 Teacher TrainingTeacher Training 2 AssessmentAssessment 3

Assessment Assessed by looking at: Quality of the product produced Depth of content understanding demonstrated Contributions made to the ongoing process of project realization Portfolios Presentations using newer technology and computers Exhibitions Projects Various ways to assess:

Assessment

Conclusion Are our students critical thinkers and problem solvers? Are our students globally aware? Are our students self-directed?

Conclusion Are our students information and technology literate? Are our students flexible and adaptable? Are our students innovative? Are our students effective communicators?