Curriculum 21

"When we question our students about "what it takes to get really good at something" and give them the space to respond, it is amazing how insightful they can be-and how much of it lines up with the neuroscience of learning. Here are nine answers that students gave in the book Fires in the Mind, along with related teacher actions to consider incorporating into your regular practice."

"In October, I posted "Top 10 Signs Your School Is Caught in a Time Warp: List for School Leaders." Of course the whole idea behind that post was to call attention to those leadership proclivities that are actually hindering movement toward a 21st century learning environment."

"Last summer, as I was winding down my eight years as president of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, I went around the country and met with 30 superintendents, asking them, "What can I do to support your efforts to implement 21st century education in your district?" Together we came up with the idea of creating a professional learning community (PLC) of education leaders committed to 21st century education. A team of us liked the idea so much that earlier this year we launched EdLeader21, a community of education leaders committed to building critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity into their educational system. "

"Unfortunately, unchecked and unfocused use of technology can result in students disconnecting from the "why" of learning and from the real-time relationships that are key to their development and success. Alternatively, high-quality integration of technology has the potential to not only prepare young people for their futures, but also to enhance and expand learning and connectedness. Join our guests as they discuss specific ways you can overcome barriers to connecting digital learners and lead your school community in meaningful technology integration. You'll hear from: * Heidi Hayes Jacobs, author of Curriculum 21: Essential Education in a Changing World, founder and president of Curriculum Designers Inc., and executive director of the Curriculum Mapping Institute; * Juliette Mersiowsky, instructional designer and instructor of education and technology at Germanna Community College in Virginia; and * Ena Bentley Wood, technology integration specialist with Arlington (Va.) Public Schools. How does your school and community meaningfully connect digital learners to their peers, teachers, and communities; to rich and challenging learning; and to their futures?"

"This short video gives a quick peek into our experimental classroom at the No. 1 High School Attached to Central China Normal University, where we're running a project-based curriculum. For anyone who has visited China and been taken aback by the large, quiet classrooms that feature students quietly listening to teacher lectures, this video should be of interest. As we embark on a 1-to-1 iPad classroom in our second semester of this academic year, these students demonstrate to me that they're ready for active learning in a system that to date has rarely used technology as a significant teaching tool."

"The internet catalogue for students, teachers, administrators & parents. Over 20,000 relevant links personally selected by an educator/author with over 30 years of experience. "

"The 21st Century Fluencies are not about technical prowess, they are critical thinking skills, and they are essential to living in this multimedia world. We call them fluencies for a reason. To be literate means to have knowledge or competence. To be fluent is something a little more, it is to demonstrate mastery and to do so unconsciously and smoothly."

"International Studies Schools Network Asia Society has 23 public schools that are developing globally competent, college-ready high school students. Research shows our model has higher graduation rates and academic achievement than other schools with similar profiles. "

"Mike Fischer & Silvia Tolisano talk about the recent Curriculum Mapping Institute Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY. A different kind of conference who successfully embedded social media and networking to model upgrades for 21st Century Learning. Listen to interviews with Janet Hale, Jen Laubsch and Adam Bellow (Presenters and attendees of CMI2010) and hear their perspective of 21st Century learning, presenting and conferences."

"Wikipedia attributed the term "Information Overload" to Alvin Toffler: which refers to an excess amount of information being provided, making processing and absorbing tasks very difficult for the individual because sometimes we cannot see the validity behind the information"

Great video that represents the essence of Project-based Learning ... If a school/district is currently traditional in that the disciplines are seen/taught separate or occasionally blended, why not have teachers from various disciplines work collegially to create one interdisciplinary PBL Unit per semester as an curriculum upgrade. The PBL Units can be housed in a separate "course" in the mapping system.

"Has there ever been such a frenzy of thinking and activity over a concept which does not even exist? I am referring, of course, to the ridiculous notion of so-called '21st century skills'. Bloggers, teachers, employer organisations and even governments have fallen over themselves to produce documents 'proving' that 21st century skills are essential in the 21st century. Papers have been written. Rubrics have been created. In England the National Curriculum itself has been perverted from its course to include 'Personal Learning and Training Skills' (aptly pronounced, generally, as 'pelts'). I am surprised that I've yet to see jobs advertised: "Wanted: Dynamic Director of 21st Century Skills"; "Needed as soon as possible: 21st century skills co-ordinator.""

"Alan November talks Digital Roles at CMI 2010"

Thanks for the memories! Enjoy the memories of CMI 2010 in Saratoga Springs, New York!

"Children who blog, text or use social networking websites are more confident about their writing skills, according to the National Literacy Trust."

"If your school is seeking to incorporate more collaborative approaches to teaching and learning, the design of the learning environment-whether it's a classroom or a more informal space-can be a critical factor in making this transformative move. Technology, in particular, can play a pivotal role in enabling students to work effectively in teams and in supporting educators as they make the transition from a lecture-oriented to a more facilitative instructional mode. "

"The Foundation and Center for Critical Thinking aim to improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools. We present publications, conferences, workshops and professional development programs, emphasizing instructional strategies, Socratic questioning, critical reading and writing, higher order thinking, assessment, research, quality enhancement, and competency standards."

"Jason Ryan Dorsey, the Gen Y Guy, talks about how teachers can influence students, how students can reach success by taking control of their educational path, and his success as a New York Times Best-selling author at age 18."

Micheal Hildebrant's opinion column makes good points. i especially liked his last paragraph.