Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools, Chapter 1

As I was reading through chapter 1: New World, New Web, New Skills in Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools, I kept thinking about No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and how it is hindering our students to gain the 21st Century skills that are referred to in the text. The four categories of skills that North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL) are Digital-Age Literacy, Inventive Thinking, Effective Communication, and High Productivity (pp 18-19). With NCLB’s mandatory assessments and the penalties that follow if adequate yearly progress is not met, one reason students are not receiving the opportunities to gain these skills is due to lack of time in a school day.


Reading this chapter helped me see toward what much of the world is moving today. I thought it was very interesting to read about how different counties are changing their school systems to help prepare students for the 21st Century and the skills they will need for the global economy. China is changing its history textbooks to focus on “economics, technology, social customs, and globalization” instead of “wars, dynasties and revolutions.” Many of India’s states are using Linux in schools and computer classes in high schools will be based on Linux software. South Korea is using open-source software in schools to help its students prepare for the 21st Century. Japan is changing its education system, not so much in a technology way, but to help students “to reflect on the meaning and mission of their lives” (pp 11-12). It seems that the United States may want to examine the way other countries are preparing their students for the future so our students do not truly get left behind.


As a librarian/teacher I know I need to improve my 21st Century skills and concentrate on keeping my technology skills up so I can help my students be prepared for our changing world.

1 comment:

Ann said...

Ahhh, NCLB - such a counter productive program in so many ways, although its aim is noble. You have to wonder.....

We really do need to look at education through the lens of what skills our kids need now, not what we needed 20 or more years ago. ...

"We need to prepare students for their future, not our past."
The quote comes from Rich Moniuszko, Deputy Superintendent of the Fairfax County (Va) public schools.

Ann