I would like to begin by saying that the
question “How is the role of the teacher and learner changing in the 21st
century”, can be answered by examining the question in itself. The role of the 21st century teacher is constantly changing. We are now, more than ever, willing to change and implement our strategies to better reach our diverse learners. The 21st century teacher is a positive, proactive and productive
thinker who understands that the world is evolving and he or she adapts in
order to responsibly use the technology that their students are acclimatized to
using every day. I truly believe that by embracing the future of learning and
endeavoring to use it responsibly we will become better teachers.
It is important to note that the 21st
Century learner is a student who likely has grown up with the instinctive
knowledge to understand and manipulate touch screen technology, to type out
homework on a laptop, and to do research for a school project using primarily
the Internet. We need to consider the use of technology as an educational tool
and it is important to enforce that with our students. Teacher’s need to adapt.
Technology can have almost limitless benefits within a classroom. It is no
secret that children love technology.
The 21st Century teacher can
easily see how bringing technology such as an interactive whiteboard has
already changed the future of how students learn. Differentiated instruction is
brought to a whole new level. Children are familiar with the touch screen
technology and whether a child is a visual, kinesthetic or audio learner, all
different types of learners can benefit from using the Smart Board.
This is my first AQ course, I specifically
chose this course hoping that by the time I am finished I will have an edge on
many of the other recent graduates who are also taking AQ courses and striving
to get on school boards. I am most interested in learning how to successfully
use social media within the classroom. I would like to be one of the teachers
of the 21st century who pioneers the movement to understand and
learn how to use technology in the most effective and educational way possible.