BACKGROUND
I chose to enter the NLGL program for a couple of reasons, the main of which was how new and "cutting edge" it seemed. Originally, I had decided to pursue just a Curriculum and Instruction degree, but soon realized that that degree just didn’t seem to be enough for me. With how interested I was in technology, its use in my classroom, global education and 21st century skills, I was attracted the NLGL’s programs and courses.
As I became more involved in the program, I began to think long term as to what my compelling question was going to be. This is something I tossed back and forth for quite some time and in all honesty, never truly decided upon until just this year. It was difficult to examine just one particular concept or idea I wanted to pay close attention to, for I became so much more self aware of my teaching, both the good and the bad, throughout this program. The question I decided to focus on, “How can teachers effectively use 21st century skills to engage their students both today, as well as in preparation for their tomorrow?” looks at a wide spectrum of topics we have covered in the NLGL program.
We have learned how to be teacher leaders and discovered ways to show our students how to be leaders in and out of the classroom, a tool essential to their success at any level. Through research, we have found ways to check where we are as teachers and to recognize the need for change in order to best serve our students. Learning about and demonstrating our knowledge of Web 2.0 tools and other technologies that can enhance the learning experience for our students, as well as exposing them to tools necessary for life in the real world. Finally, learning about and understanding how we are globally connected to the world around us, and letting our students see the big picture of education and life, and how trans-national our schools really are. All of these core ideas and beliefs have helped me to gain valuable insight into my teaching and determine what my role is in helping our students now, and for tomorrow.
"Everyone here has the sense that right now is one of those moments when we are influencing the future." Steve Jobs
As I became more involved in the program, I began to think long term as to what my compelling question was going to be. This is something I tossed back and forth for quite some time and in all honesty, never truly decided upon until just this year. It was difficult to examine just one particular concept or idea I wanted to pay close attention to, for I became so much more self aware of my teaching, both the good and the bad, throughout this program. The question I decided to focus on, “How can teachers effectively use 21st century skills to engage their students both today, as well as in preparation for their tomorrow?” looks at a wide spectrum of topics we have covered in the NLGL program.
We have learned how to be teacher leaders and discovered ways to show our students how to be leaders in and out of the classroom, a tool essential to their success at any level. Through research, we have found ways to check where we are as teachers and to recognize the need for change in order to best serve our students. Learning about and demonstrating our knowledge of Web 2.0 tools and other technologies that can enhance the learning experience for our students, as well as exposing them to tools necessary for life in the real world. Finally, learning about and understanding how we are globally connected to the world around us, and letting our students see the big picture of education and life, and how trans-national our schools really are. All of these core ideas and beliefs have helped me to gain valuable insight into my teaching and determine what my role is in helping our students now, and for tomorrow.
"Everyone here has the sense that right now is one of those moments when we are influencing the future." Steve Jobs