How do we get 21st century learners?

This week’s essential question is, “Whose job is it to teach the NETs and AASL standards to students?”

Reading the technology standards from ISTE’s National Educational Technology Standards for students and AASL’s Standards for the 21st Century Learner was very interesting. Although they approach the standards from different angles, with ISTE focusing on specific types of technological experiences and skills by developmental level and AASL centering on overall skills and dispositions of the ideal learner, they both emphasize the importance of developing judgment in students. This applies to the content of their work as well as their use of technology, in selecting tools and using them ethically.

Many of the ideals promoted by these documents are in no way limited to technology, and it is certainly our job as educators to provide these types of experiences and instruction. Young people (at least, those with a privileged background such as attend our school) are working with information technology from very early ages. They know many ways to approach innovations in technology, but this does not guarantee the development of good judgement, or even competence in skills. Even in the exploration of the simple capacities of IT, students may only consistently develop proficiency in those areas that interest them. They know endless details of Warcraft and iPhone applications, but using a subscript for a chemical formula in Word can stump them.

As we have said repeatedly, it is not the programs themselves that we need to teach. These will evolve and be replaced continually. Rather, it is the exposure to engaging and challenging experiences that will encourage them to explore and take the fullest use of the powerful tools available.

Finally, we must consider the educator's role in developing judgement. This may be the greatest single ability we try to foster, and it is a very broad one. Judgement includes a scientific disposition, such as distinguishing reliable sources from those that are flawed or biased. It includes a social dimension, such as when to listen and when to participate, when to share and when to show caution and restraint. Finally, it includes an ethical side. Students have increasing power - to make their opinions known, to reach a large audience, to use all the technological tools at their disposal to create, collaborate, and communicate. Yet this increased power can cause as much devastation (as in cases of online bullying, etc) as it can be used as a positive, creative force.

Therefore, our job in creating 21st century learners is, yes, to show them the myriad possibilities provided by IT, but also and even more importantly, to guide them as they practice and begin to develop sound judgement.