My professional focus lately has been on how students learn and think differently in this generation from previous generations, what that means, in terms of teaching them, and how we need to change the preparation for adult life because of changes in our society and new demands in the workplace and home life. A little video online called “ 3 Steps to 21st Century Learning” challenges us, as teachers to prepare our students for their future. Another called “Networked Student” gives us a picture of what a 21st century student looks like. These two videos, as well as, a number of others, and wikis like Weblogged or blogs like Teach 42 and others all point to elements necessary to developing the skills students will need in the future.

Have you seen the Frontline report on Growing Up Online? It appears to be designed to scare adults into keeping their kids offline but that is like teaching an abstinence only sex education curriculum. The Frontline series presents it as an “us against them”. It pleads the case of an English teacher who tries to teach with out using technology. She is trying to get students to think more deeply. To try and restrict Internet use is a task akin to stopping a boulder from rolling down a hill. The current economy will slow it down but Pandora’s box has been opened. If we are to guide and direct students, these are skills we HAVE to teach. We need to embrace the world the kids have created by jumping in. Not only is this the only way we can meet students where they are at. In additon, these are the tools that will make it possible to solve the problems of the world. Global warming, economic distress, world hunger, all require a concerted GLOBAL effort. Now the question is how do we get onboard. Where is the train station, so to speak?