Technology: The View Of Education In The 21st Century

Technology has always had an impact on our lives in some form or another. Early in the 20th century, automation and power machinery transformed our country by reducing the manual labor force necessary on farms and factories. In the 21st century, technology is developing at a much more rapid pace as advances today are often outdated within 2-5 years. Fewer opportunities exist in manufacturing, while the digital has grown exponentially. These advancements indicate that it is very likely that our middle and high school students will likely train for jobs that do not currently exist. Faced with this information, we must ensure that our curriculum and teachers sufficiently equip students. The curriculum of the 21st century integrates knowledge …show more content…
Today’s classrooms are flexible environment that can meet everyone 's needs. The new look of learning requires our students to have areas for experimentation, conferences, as well as informational access areas. Providing our schools with appropriate, adequate technology not only increases academic performance but also supports student engagement in critical thinking and problem solving activities and positively contributes to an assortment of other aspects in the classroom. Rekrut aptly compares the Internet to a “smorgasbord of endless variety” (Rekrut, 1999, p. 557), as there is a vast diversity of information available. Providing access to technology and the Internet “smorgasbord” is essential for today’s students; however, maintaining current can be problematic as new technology is constantly being developed. Computers and tablets are not the only type of technology invading our classroom, though. Lab tables, an assortment of tools ranging from a simple screwdriver to a 3-d printer, and some rather unique materials have appeared in the makerstations throughout the schools. Classrooms are centers of creativity where imagination is essential and students are actively engaged in using the available materials to design multimedia projects expressing their learning. Today’s classroom is full of choices for students, allowing them …show more content…
Teachers are no longer the sole source of information within the classroom, rather they are guides, coaches, and often learners themselves. Effective teaching doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Increased technology, new standards, high-stakes testing have drastically changed the teaching profession and teachers must remain abreast of this information. Successful teaching and learning require effective professional development. Essentially, schools must find opportunities for teachers to collaborate with colleagues and engage in proven learning communities in order to assist in the development of a 21st century teacher. Teachers must understand what 21st century skills are before they can be expected to teach them in their classroom. Much like the students they teach, teachers are inventive creative individuals who require time, opportunity, and support as they work to fulfill the demands of their students. Incorporating technology into this professional development will be key as these teachers will be training students to successfully navigate the “superhighway”