Shift Happens

When I was in school, undergrad and graduate, I remember the professors always reminding that we forget so much of what we learn in school.  We are really there to learn "how to learn".  Many here have noted how with the 21st Century Learner we are moving away from rote memorization to more learning how to learn, research and create.  In fourth grade, students are still learning basics, reading, math, etc..  I used to teach third grade and I always felt that up to there they were learning to read.  Now as a fourth grade teacher, they are reading to learn.  But even more now with the ever-increasing use of technology.  A few years back, I was having a conversation with Claudia about the internet.  She made an interesting point.  She asked me if I remember what it was like as a kid to wonder about things.  I did.  She pointed out that kids today don't have to wonder, they just whip out their smartphone or tablet and Google it.  How true.  Is this good or bad?    I think with the proper use of these tools kids today have so much potential.

In another conversation with Mrs. Bennett (she's like a guru) she showed me a YouTube video called "Did You Know? / Shift Happens" about the shift in technology, and economics in the world today.  It was originally shown at a high school faculty meeting in 2006 and then went viral.  It has been updated 5 times and is on it's 6th revision.  Some of the fascinating things it points out include:

• The top ten in-demand jobs in 2010 didn't exist in 2004
• We are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist using technologies that haven't been invented
• They will have to solve problems we don't even know are problems yet

And then it gets into a lot of economic stuff that shows how we really need to step up to China and India.  And another article I read points out other changes that may be coming.  In the near future there may be no checks, newspapers, books, land line telephones, or even cable TV.  Our students need to be ready, wired, connected, and able to adapt.

Finally, with regards to publishing student work.  I like having the kids make blogs.  I look forward to them post something on the wiki.  Maybe if they know more people are looking at it they will consider their audience more, make fewer mistakes, and learn to use these new tools to their highest potential.

 Did You Know? / Shift Happens video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVQ1ULfQawk