M3U2A2: 21st Century Skills

21st century teaching and learning

Integrating technology reinforces key technical skills children need to thrive in the 21st century

Voice Introduction

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Strategies that early childhood teachers can use in classrooms to prepare children for the boundless future ahead
1.  Tapping into students’ interests. Today’s young children were born in the age of the Internet. Integrating technology means tapping into students’ interests and strengthening their technical skills, all while providing enriching learning opportunities. In order to do this, teachers need a deep understanding of the tools available, as well as meaningful reflection about how to use them to enhance learning. It is also vital that teachers stress the importance of Internet safety. 

NetSmartzKids teaches children to use the Internet responsibly.

2.  No longer a one-man show 

The time of teacher-centered instruction is over. The teacher now takes the role of a facilitator. No longer a one-man show, effective teachers are now using a student-centered approach. Cooperative learning sparks engagement in classrooms by encouraging interaction among the students themselves. Rather than calling on one student at a time, the teacher now allows children to discuss class materials with buddies or in groups, maximizing the level of participation. Students work just as hard as the teachers.

Kagan Cooperative Learning and Laura Candler’s Cooperative Learning Resources features a variety of instructional strategies and activity sheets useful for cooperative learning.

3.  Tailor learning experiences

Teachers can tailor learning experiences to differentiate among the individual needs of students in the classroom. There are three main learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Teachers can differentiate by matching assignments to readiness levels, offering appropriate intervention or extension activities as required. Allowing children to select activities based on areas of interest is another great way to differentiate. Offering choices is an excellent motivator for kids. Small-group work is one of the most effective ways to meet the needs of diverse learners in large class settings.

Differentiation Central offers insightful information about classroom differentiation.

4.   Setting a goal 

Involving children in the goal-setting process is an excellent way to encourage them to take ownership of their learning. In the early stages, goal setting needs to be done in a very clear and simplistic way – for example, frequent two-way conversations with children about their progress in specific areas or by using organizers, anchor charts and similar aids.

Free Printable Behavior Charts, Teaching and Tapas and K-5 Math Teaching Resources provide models of personal charts for early learners. Teachers also help children reach their goals by providing specific, frequent feedback as well as ample time for self-reflection.

5.  Cross curriculum teaching
In contrast to the traditional teaching of subjects in isolation, teaching multiple subjects simultaneously can help students go much deeper in learning concepts and skills. Some of the major approaches to simultaneous learning include project-based learning, which involves children carrying out a project that ends up with a concrete result of some kind. Problem-based learning asks the teacher to guide children in developing solutions to real-world problems. In inquiry-based learning, children generate their own questions according to their curiosities or interests, which they then investigate. These methods work so well because teachers do not simply tell students what they should know, but instead they engage children in exploring and uncovering the information in a more meaningful way in which all the subjects come into play together.

This video shows a group of five-year-olds piloting their own learning project. The methods are not only fun, they are highly motivating for children and encourage collaboration.

6.  Assessment for learning 

Assessment for Learning, or Formative Assessment, is a data-gathering process used by teachers to help them customize instruction to match students’ needs. Teachers can monitor how the children are learning as they teach, using observations, questioning strategies, class discussions, exit tickets, learning logs, peer assessments, self-assessments, and slate work. Teachers can gauge the progress of individuals, groups, or the whole class, and they can adjust the process by supporting or challenging students as needed. These ongoing assessments allow teachers to keep their fingers on the pulse of the classroom to ensure that students are learning.

The article Curriculum in Action - Assessment for Learning provides additional insight into this technique.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/forteachers/curriculum_in_action/assessment_for_learning.shtml

Children love technology!
In early childhood education, it is important to provide early learners with time to simply play, create and use their imaginations. However, teachers must also ensure that students learn to use current technology in this constantly-evolving world. Below are some tech tools that I use to attain better outcomes in the classroom:

Interactive websites such as Starfall – a phonics-based website for children pre-K through first grade that aims to develop and strengthen reading skills. ABC Ya features age-appropriate educational games and activities spanning all subject areas.

Enriching Apps through IPads in the classroom. Best Apps For Kids features some of the best apps by age, grade level, and subject matter.

Educational Video Sites such as BrainPOP Jr. and Discovery Education, which feature academic videos tailored to learning objectives and specific age groups. TeacherTube, a media site similar to YouTube also enables teachers to share instructional materials such as videos, audio recordings, and photographs.

Interactive Whiteboards such as SMART board. Students love to manipulate items on a large screen using electronic pens, bringing a new level of interactivity to classroom instruction.

Digital Storytelling through websites such as Story Bird and Little Bird Tales. Digital storytelling not only keeps children engaged, it also encourages higher-level thinking.

eBooks such as Disney Digital Books, TumbleBooks, and We Give Books.

To get the most from the new technology and hold the very short attention spans of little ones, it’s important to avoid technical difficulties and to have a solid understanding of the functions and features of new technology before making use of it.

References:

(Accessed on 01 March 2015)

• http://www.earlychildhoodteacher.org/blog/six-strategies-for-21st-century-early-childhood-teachers/
• http://www.21stcenturyschools.com/what_is_21st_century_education.htm
• http://www.earlychildhoodteacher.org/blog/ece-technology-10-trending-tools-for-teachers/