As I visited the website I observed some really good informative content. I also like the fact that if you like what the site offered you can subscribe to their email updates. The of the things the site also talked about was bridging the gap between how students live using technology and how they learn with it at school. While at home students are learning and teaching themselves how to use Ipods, cell phones, computers, video games, and other technology devices. With that being said, I believe we are failing are students by not bridging the gap here at school. The website mentions the keys to the 21st Century learning. I find there is a big problem with these keys because our schools are built around the 20th Century curriculum as well as our technology. How as teachers are we supposed to teach this new age of technology, but follow the 21st century curriculum. However, I so agree that the 21st Century offers new and exciting challenge.

I found the six elements of 21st Century education very interesting. One area in particular that took me by surprise was the 21st Century content. I truly believe the content mentioned in this section: global awareness, financial, economic and business literacy, and civic literacy should be the goal of our education system. Now, I do understand the need for students having basic skills in the core subjects, but the main goal of schools should be for students to apply these basic skills to the 21st Century content. As I read, what surprised me the most is I do not feel schools really teach students global awareness, financial, econmic and business literacy, and civic literacy, which is really what students need to be a successful and responsible citizen. Instead, schools teach to the test and unfortunately, tests do not accurately measure real world applications.
There was only one thing on this site that I disagreed with, and it was more implied then stated. The website makes it seem as if it is an easy task implementing these strategies. Teachers are constantly struggling to get through all the required material, ensuring student understanding, and finding funding for new programs. I do agree with Learning for the 21st Century, but I do feel it would be quite a challenge to implement the suggested strategies and ensure student understanding.


Learning for the 21st Century has several implications for both students and teachers. Students would graduate from high school being better prepared for the workforce and life in general. It would give students a firm foundation for college employers to build upon. I believe students would see a purpose to learning and would answer the perpetual question “When will I ever use this? ” Teachers, on the other hand, would have new challenges, most of which I mentioned previously. Teachers would have to be creative and design lessons that would focus on core content knowledge, and show its real world application. Teachers would have to resist the temptation of teaching to the test, and teach meaning of the content. Although teachers may have to put more time and effort into new lessons, the payoff would be well worth it!