We’re Not Waiting for 21st Century Learning

In about a year, the $50 Million National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies is projected to be up and running. Its goal is to bring “education into the 21 century.” Cited in US to back 21st century learning by Maggie Shiels, BBC News.

While this is a laudable goal, I just can’t imagine that American students will see any impact in their schools for years to come. Perhaps when the next generation of teachers take over, themselves Digital Natives, we’ll see a change.

For now, too many teachers fear the learning curve of technology to put out the welcome mat.

Fortunately, for those of us who are willing to learn with our children, either as full-time homeschoolers or part-time supplementers, we don’t have to wait.

The Federation of American Scientists said, “The creativity that developed extraordinary new information technologies has not focused on finding ways to make learning more compelling, more personal and more productive in our nation’s schools…

The FAS said that learning scientists and educators have known for years that people learn faster if education can be personalized and if students are motivated by seeing how their knowledge can help them solve problems they care about…

“Today’s generation is very comfortable with using tools like iPods and computers and gaming, but when they go into the classroom none of that is there and there is this sense of an opportunity we are just not grasping,” explained Mr Kelly, the Federation’s President.

From US to back 21st century learning by Maggie Shiels, BBC News

Home educators are already finding ways to use technology for learning. We encourage our children to play online games, write blogs, “read” audiobooks, and collaborate in virtual worlds.

Every day we find compelling new ways to learn and explore our interests.

Just a Few Homeschooling Online Suggestions:

Is Your Child Computer Literate? – Kids are not learning technology skills at school, but they can learn at home.

Who Is Optimizing Their Reading Potential? – Using RSS Feed Readers.

Reading On The Road – Discuss an audiobook on a road trip.

Thisissand.com – Easy to elaborate virtual sand art projects.

Moodstream: Create a soundboard using images, music, and film footage that fits your mood.

Zipcode Zoo – Identify the flora and fauna in any area, and learn lots about animals.

Green Dimes – Stop unwanted junk mail and share ways to “green up” our world.

Kids Cooking Activities – Ideas and resources to inspire budding chefs.

Wordle – Turn your words into a work of art

Animoto – Create a music video with your photos.

Instructables – Discover instructions for all kinds of projects – from recipes to robots – or post your own.

Mr. Picassohead – Unleash your inner abstract artist.

Hulu – Watch a movie or catch up on your favorite TV shows on your computer. See the good movies on Hulu list.

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Tagged as: Education, FAS, Federation of American Scientists, homeschooling online, Technology