In the Agrarian Age, when farming the land was the primary work for the society (as it still in many parts of the world), contributing to society meant learning how to grow food for more than your family. Passing on the knowledge, tradition, and crafts of rural life to your children was an essential survival need.
In the Industrial Age, when the population dramatically shifted from farm to city – rural urban migration – and work moved from the fields to the factories, education played new roles in society. Typically, men had one or two career paths: working in a trade factory or clerical job, or becoming a manager, administrator, or professional if they could make the grade. Women’s choices were, of course, far fewer.
This brings us to our time, our recently arrived Knowledge Age.
Technology is more a part of our children’s lives each day. Why should they have to check their technology at the classroom door and compete for limited school computer time?
The world is full of engaging, real-world challenges, problems, and questions. Why do teachers spend so much time on disconnected questions at the end of a textbook chapter?
Doing projects on something one cares about comes naturally to all learners. Why are learning projects so scarce inside so many classrooms?
Innovation and creativity are so important to the future success of our economy. Why do schools spend so little time on developing creativity and innovation skills?
My blog shares my experiences and sentiments for the 21st Century Education, Life and Work.
Thank you for your visit.
Enjoy!
Harry it is amazing to realize that we face the same questions and challenges in education no matter where in the world we teach! Yes creativity, innovation, empathy and collaboration are the hallmarks of the 21st century world!
ReplyDeleteWell said Walter.
ReplyDeleteIt is high time global educators comes to this realization then consider a change in their pedagogy to better prepare students adequately to deal with the 21st Century Challenges.
Tell us more about the work you are doing in Ghana and how technology has the potential to help!
ReplyDeleteI work with virtual teams in my company to identify and present technology solutions for enterprise growth. Most of us are located in different countries but with technology there are no obstacle like "distance" to hinder our work. Email, Text/Audio chat, Conference calls are some of the technology tools for collaboration and communication among ourselves.
ReplyDeleteIntroducing some of these tools in the classroom will enlightened students for the 21st Century Knowledge Age.
Thanks Walter!
Thank you Harry! Please post any project links you can share!
ReplyDeleteTeachers and Students can participate in the projects below:
ReplyDeleteThinkQuest - http://www.thinkquest.org
ThinkQuest International Competition challenges students to solve a real-world problem by applying their critical thinking, communication, and technology skills.
Global SchoolNet - http://www.gsn.org
Global SchoolNet's mission is to support 21st century learning and improve academic performance through content driven collaboration.