THE WOODLANDS THE WOODLANDS
CHRISTIAN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY A C A D E M Y SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
21st Century Tools & 21st Century Learning- by Steve Zeal, School Principal In my two previous articles, I unpacked the concept of 21st century learning. I began by explaining why the way in which we teach skills and learning needed to be rethought and reengineered if we were to truly serve the needs of students facing a world that has been transformed by exponential technological advances, the knowledge revolution and a global economy. Next we looked at what these new skills are - creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, communication, and collaboration. Collectively referred to as The 4 C’s. In this final installment, we will look at how ever changing technology impacts the impartation and development of these 21st century skills. We now live in a technology and media-driven environment, marked by access to an abundance of information, rapid changes in technology tools and the ability to collaborate and make individual contributions on an unprecedented scale. If they are to positively impact their world for Christ, our students must be able to exhibit a range of functional and critical thinking skills related to technology. The selection of The Woodlands Christian Academy as an Apple Distinguished School in 2014 was recognition of our successes in enhancing and extending teaching and learning with thoughtful and innovative implementations of technology. However, classrooms at Woodlands Christian are not just about technology. They are about learning!
Classrooms are no longer places where teachers tell and students listen. They are places where teachers and students are actively engaged in the learning process. They are places where students are media producers, not just consumers. It’s not just about learning how to use technology or even teaching with technology tools, it is about students creating and constructing with technology. At Woodlands Christian we are using 21st century tools such as MacBooks, iPads and even iPhones to assist students in developing 21st century learning and innovation skills. The mix of tools will evolve and change in the future. What is cutting edge today may be obsolete tomorrow. It is impossible to predict which tools will be essential for learning and working in the years to come. This is why it is vital for our students to acquire the learning skills that will enable them to learn to use next-generation technology. One final thought, “If we teach today the way we were taught yesterday, we aren't preparing students for today or tomorrow.” Woodlands Christian is looking toward a future where digital educators design and develop digital age learning experiences that inspire learning and creativity, and teach digital learners to be technologically savvy, innovative critical thinkers and problem solvers.
5800 ACADEMY WAY . THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS 77384 . 936-273-2555 . WWW.TWCA.NET