Background+on+21st+Century+Learning

=Digital Native Students and the 21st Century Classroom: Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age=

With the twenty-first century launching life and learning into new modes of digital interaction and productivity, it is essential that we reexamine traditional teaching philosophies and practices in light of the skills necessary for today’s students to be successful in their futures. Educational research clearly establishes that constructivist-based teaching strategies that integrate technology-rich learning experiences impart skills significant to active participation in the twenty-first century.

The digital age has brought on a need to shift outmoded educational paradigms. In order to illustrate the research behind this issue, I have created a PowerPoint presentation below as part of my Master's of Arts thesis (completed 2007). It is designed to be a staff development program that provides the information and tools necessary to: (1) recognize the cognitive needs of the digital native learner; (2) apply constructivist instructional strategies and models to teaching practices; and (3) integrate technology into the learning environment.

__Presentation__ To view the presentation, download it by clicking on the link:

Research shows that students today have brains that are wired differently than other generations because of ever-present digital technologies and media. Literally, students think and process information in ways unique to this era. By shifting away form outmoded educational practices and by employing technology-rich, collaborative, and constructivist teaching models we can provide students with the skills necessary to compete and succeed in the 21st century.