Friday, October 30, 2009

NETS

The NETS standards and performance indicators... a little redundant I know, are linked below and on the PBWorks site.

These standards exist to ensure that the children with whom we interact, learn the skills that will propel them into the future. If you look closely, however, many of the skills are equally important in everyday non-techno life as they are when working with technology. In fact, not one of standards implies that someone must work in isolation or at a distance in order for a skill to be attained or mastered.

As we dive into NETS, 21st Century Skills, and STEM... we must remember that learning to interact in a social setting (face to face), chewing with your mouth closed, not interrupting, understanding the body language of others, and quite simply, being respectful are all skills that can never be replaced by any form of technology. As educators, we must continue to model and provide time to practice and hone these skills; thus, allowing the children with whom we interact to become confident, respectful, and responsible communicators regardless of their means of communication.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Did you know... Powerful Video

Just watch and think. The world is a rapidly changing place... different technologies are leading to the necessity of new skill sets unlike any we have seen before. How will we prepare children for their future? That is our job... to prepare children to do things that they don't know about and to solve problems that don't yet exist.