What Will Teaching in the 21st Century be Like?

1. Watch the movie Mr. Dancealot (4:20) The central message of this video is that some lessons must be learned by physically trying instead of reading about the subject. In the video the professor primarily read about how to do the dance moves. When the professor provided examples of particular steps he did not take volunteer from the class, he just stood there and did the moves alone. He also danced in a space where his students could not see his feet. When one student stood to get a better view he was scolded for standing during dance class. The author made the case for his conclusion during the final examination in the ballroom. The students were lost on how to put the words from the pages into physical movements. I agree with the conclusion that lecturing is not the best way to teach a physical activity such as dance. I too would need to see a physical example and practice in order to learn a new style of dance. 2. Watch Teaching in the 21st Century (10:45) by Kevin Roberts (John Strange version). Roberts argues that if teachers only give information then teachers are pointless because students have numerous resources for obtain data in the 21st century. He argues that teachers are no longer viewed as an all knowing source of information. The role of the teacher has shifted to instructing on how to validate and utilize the masses of information available. I believe Roberts is correct. Educators must teach students how interpret the information given to them in a consistent manner. 3. Watch The Networked Student (5:10) by Wendy Drexler: Watch the movie. In the video The Networked Student (5:10) by Wendy Drexler there is an animated student exploring his educational network while the narrator describes the journey. The narrator summarizes the numerous ways students access a wealth of information via multiple tools online. The tools included vary from credible search engines such as Google Scholar to social media such as blogs. The narrator posed the question, “Why does a networked student even need a teacher?” The narrator continues to describe the multiple benefits of the guided learning offered by a teacher. A teacher offers guidance in validation of sources and organization of information. I agree with the information presented in the video. I feel that students today need guidance to help filter the masses of information available. 4. Watch the movie Harness Your Students’ Digital Smarts (4:49) by Vicki Davis. In the video Harness Your Students’ Digital Smarts (4:49) by Vicki Davis, Vicki asserts that multiple media should be used for educational purposes. She argues that pencil and paper are a limited media for learning. I agree with Vicki. When multiple forms of media are used for education I believe it increases the retention of information. I learn best when I can see and hear information. 5. Watch Flipping the Classroom (3:49). Flipping the classroom is new to me. I have not encountered a learning experience where teaching was done previous to class. This approach can be useful with students that are interested in learning. This can allow students to learn more information faster. I am interested in this approach to learning.