The first reaction I had to the site, Partnership for the 21st Century was WOW!!!! I was surprised to see a site devoted to helping students and teachers accommodate this fast growing technology age in the 21st Century. The site provides many implementations of technology into the classroom. Many teachers are sometimes nervous when utilizing new technologies with their students and this site gives teachers a new insight along with lessons/tools on how to effectively integrate technology into the classroom.
One thing I was disappointed with was the fact that my state of South Carolina was not in partnership with P21. I felt that if the site was to promote technology into the classroom across the country then every state should be taking part in this. In order to prepare students for this global economy then everyone needs to step up and do whatever it takes for our students.
I feel as a teacher, I have integrated technology in my classroom effectively, but I know there is more that I need to do to meet the needs of my students to prepare them for this fast growing world of technology. I need to focus more on the idea of technology as a learning tool for the standards I teach, rather than as a way of finalizing a project-based assessment or research tool. Students need to be able to utilize technology in a way for them to survive in the 21st Century.
I'm curious if this is something you could bring to the attention of your local education association. I am not sure why my state of Ohio is listed and yours is not. It's nice that the website is so user-friendly so you can take advantage of the resources listed. However, it will also take big picture change in your state (and mine) to truly influence the education of our students.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that it takes a major shift on our part as teachers to think of technology as a part of the learning process.
I had the same reaction as you, WOW! I also think think this is wonderful. Schools are having a difficult time keeping up with all the changes in technology, much less the business world. I am also disappointed in my state, Alaska. They are not on the list, but sure hope they join quickly. I too need to focus on more technology in my classroom. That is a goal of mine for next year and the rest of this year. drdavis660.edublogs.org
ReplyDeleteI found this article on the P21 website, but I did notice the list of states was not updated to include S.C. On October 27, 2010, South Carolina became the 16th state to join the P21 State Partnership Program.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=989&Itemid=64
I also need to utilize technology as a learning tool. In my case, this is very difficult to do with few technological resources in my classroom. I know that my students utilize technology when the school day is over, and I want to incorporate those skills into my curriculum.
I was excited about the site at first. Now I'm wondering how effective the partnership is. I had assumed that there would be active implementation at the partner states. Amanda pointed out that SC joined in October, but here is Kim blogging about wishing SC would join. Obviously there hasn’t been a rollout of programs or even public relations for an interested teacher to have not heard the news.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting on my blog.
ReplyDeleteIt has been brought to my attention that South Carolina was now in partnership with P21 as of October. I think that is great, however, why didn't the site update this? This makes me wonder if the site is staying on top of current issues. I thought the site was a wonderful attempt to have educators join forces to educate our students with current technology, but if the site cannot keep us informed with current situations such as my state of South Carolina becoming a member, then is it keeping us informed about current technology?