Reaction to The Partnership for 21st Century Skills

I feel The Partnership for 21st Century Skills web site was extremely helpful in making me aware of what a 21st century learner is, what their needs are, and what is expected of them once they complete their schooling. The Framework for 21st Century learning is a nice visual that highlights the 21st century skills. I explored each skill, and now have new learning of what each skill is, and what it involves.

I live and work in New Jersey, and what suprised me about this site is an article I read from the NJEA titled "21st Century Skills-The Days Ahead" by Kathy Hurley. The article states that New Jersey is a leadership state that is working with Partnershp for 21st Century Skills in order to prepare students to succeed in the work environment. In my distict, we only recently received a few smartboards and airliners. I have two computers in my classroom and only one works. I know that professional development is now offered in operating a smartboard, but nothing but articles has been distributed in order for educators to understand how to incorporate these 21st century skills in the classroom. One of the problems my district experiences, and many others I'm sure is the issue of funding. I don't see how these 21st century skills can be incorporated successfully without the technological tools to aid these educators. There are many educators such as myself that are interested and dedicated to teaching 21st century skills, but the question is, how can we accomplish this without the financial support of our district? I am specializing in technology in order to help my students succeed. In addition, my school has really been working with their staff to inform us of these skills,and it is our first step. The next step will be incorporating these skills in the classroom, and waiting for further professional development to be offered.

I really don't disagree with anything on this site, I just wish there were more specific ways for educatiors to incorporate these 21st century skills. I know professional development is offered by this site, but it would be nice to have some specific imput and examples of how to go about accomplishing this.

As an educator, I am going to continue helping myself by being a "high performing teacher" and a lifelong learner. Although a "Digital Immigrant" I am absolutely trying to give it my all and teach to how these "Natives" must be taught in order to meet their needs. My students are only in first grade, and I am trying to provide a foundation for them. Hopefully each year that passes, our state will see the importance of 21st century skills and provide funding for technology so our students can reach success and be prepared for the work environment they will be entering!

Blogging in First Grade

Blogging in first grade is an excellent opportunity for my students to share their work as authors. We usually have an authors chair where students can celebrate their work to an audience; their classmates. Now,students can read their finished work on the computer and provide some encouraging words. First graders are sometimes afraid or don't know how to express their ideas and I think this would give their confidence a huge boost. Some may think blogging in first grade is impossible. I don't think it is impossible at all, but just a bit more challenging.

Some ideas that I have for a first grade blog would include my students posting a response to either a question of the day or a journal prompt. Students would be allotted time during the day to post their response. They can then go to the computer lab and read through some responses and be responsible to post a comment or comments to their classmates postings. I can even post a picture and have them respond to a picture prompt. On this blog I would also post various websites where students can play educational games of interest. Students can visit these websites at school, and at home if they have access to a computer. They can leave their opinions of what games they enjoyed, or really did not like. They can also share if they know of any great websites they have used.

Another idea would be for students to blog what they have learned for the day, and if something confused them. These are just a few ideas that I have. It will take them some time to get use to blogging, but they are such a terrific bunch and can do anything-especially if it is enjoyable for them!