Learning in the 21st Century

The 21st century has brought our schools to an age of uncertainty. The future for our students is encircled by a troubled economy, ever-changing technology, and a new age of communication practices that could cripple as easily as it could champion the dreams of our students.

We as educators need to band together to find best practices and research-based methods in a collaborative effort to reach our students. We need to communicate the enthusiasm we feel for learning to our students. I have seen the effects of a positive attitude in the educational setting, and I have seen the effects of negativity. Both are infectious. A positive attitude is team building. It breaks through boundaries and builds partnerships. It inspires and motivates.

In the 21st century we as educators do not know what the next technological innovation or career opportunity might be. Content is no longer key- it is now the skills students possess that will matter in this new age. It is the ability to think, collaborate, communicate, and create that will prepare our students for the unknown future they face.