In viewing a website dedicated to the skills and tools needed for success in the 21st Century, there were a few things that peaked my interest:
1) I really enjoyed the colorful graphic that represented the site's framework. I thought it was interesting that the "core subjects" (Green box) was holding up the "essential tools and skills" (red, yellow and blue boxes) in the graphic. Usually, in today's schools, it's vice versa. I agree with what this site has, because the core subjects should be used as a scaffold for the skills they will need when they are out of school.
2) I thought it was interesting that many of today's top corporations also have a hand in the establishment and support of this site. Those involved with technology especially.
3) I was surprised to see that New York, a leading state in education, was not listed as a state taking the initiative to use the tools and resources of this site and take a proactive approach of using it.
4) The P21 FAQ feature was very helpful in educating myself about the website's initiative, goals and steps taken to progress educators and non-educators for tomorrow.
Overall, I really enjoyed the website and what it has to offer to educators and non-educators.
I think that for my students to grasp what is expected of them once they leave school, they will find meaning and appreciation for what they are doing in class, for they see the dynamic shift the world constantly goes through.
I did not even think about your second point when I was reading through the website. It is a little telling that technolgy corporations might be the one's driving this. I can believe that there are many in the tech community that are anxious to see our education system driven towards the use of more technology and skill sets that might benefit them in those fields.
ReplyDeleteIs this big (tech) business finding a way to push their products so that more money can be made? Are they looking at it in a way that will have schools producing workers that fit the mold of what they are looking for? There isn't a conspiracy at work here, it's just business being business. Rarely have large businesses and corporations thought of anyone other than themselves and their bottom line when pushing for change.
I can only hope that isn't the case this time.
I hope the students are the one's that come out the winners.