What does it mean to be a student in the 21st Century?
History documents the struggle of older generations to understand the new directions introduced by the youth of their time. History also documents the rapidly increasing pace by which technology is changing the very structure of society. No generation before has experienced the size of gap that exists between the world as it was at the time of our students' parents, and the world as it is now. The terms 'global citizen' and 'digital citizenship' have surfaced and become commonplace concepts in less time than a generation takes to mature. Change is constant - and it is the ability of our youth to adapt to change and communicate effectively that will allow them to thrive in the world that our generation can't even define. It is the very methods of communication through information technology advances that has shifted so significantly that not only a generation gap is occurring, but a physical 'brain gap' is identified between the generations (iBrain, Gary Small, 2009)
Today's frenetic progress in technology, communications, and lifestyles is evolving the way young brains develop, function, and process information - creating new neural pathways and altering brain activity at a biochemical level. To compete and excel in this age of brain evolution, all of us must adapt, and iBrain elucidates the strategies and tools that we need to enhance our technological, social, and empathic abilities.
Educators are realizing that the new vision for educating students is more concerned with survival skills needed for our children’s future, for the perpetuation of our democratic society, and even for our planetary existence. In its Framework for 21st Century Learning, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (n.d.) lists the following “Learning and Innovation Skills”:
• Creativity and Innovation
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Communication and Collaboration
Tony Wagner (2008) talks about “rigor redefined” and suggests that such skills as critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and leadership, agility and adaptability, initiative and entrepreneurialism, effective oral and written communication, accessing and analyzing information, curiosity and imagination are necessary for learning in school, in the work- place, and in life.
pp 211-2, Curriculum 21: Essential Education for a Changing World. Heidi Hayes Jacobs (Kosta & Kallick), 2010
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