Do Virtual Schools Produce 21st Century Outcomes?
Virtual schools inherently are well-equipped to provide expanded and innovative learning opportunities.
Mastery of 21st century skills occurs through intentional instructional design, direct instruction of quality curriculum and meaningful assessments- regardless of whether the students complete courses online or in a brick and mortar building. Virtual schools inherently are well-equipped to provide expanded and innovative learning opportunities. It is critical that virtual school leaders embrace a 21st century skills vision for all those who are teaching and learning online to build on their strengths and achieve outcomes that matter for their students.
Virtual school leaders, in course design and quality standards, should include 21st century skills directly, intentionally and measurably. Many programs use high quality course design standards. Ensuring that 21st century skills are included in the standards is essential.
Imagine a geography course online. The assignment requires students to work in teams to identify the best possible location for a new public park in a given city, using GPS mapping software and online research databases.
Students must collaborate with their team members online, delegate tasks and co-author a PowerPoint presentation making their case. They are assessed not only on factual knowledge, but also on being able to analyze information, solve problems, collaborate and communicate effectively. Formative assessments build toward the final project.
Imagine, now, a "traditional" teacher interested in acquiring the skills to facilitate such an exciting and supportive learning environment for students. Perhaps this teacher would collaborate with a middle school or high school language teacher. Both teachers would require professional development in how to move into the online environment, to successfully facilitate students to work together, to develop content knowledge and application, and to develop thinking skills that are not limited to a single content area.
Professional development of current teachers and preparation of future teachers requires re-thinking in order to ensure student success in life and work.
By The North American Council for Online Learning and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills
From Virtual Schools and 21st Century Skills -- Download the PDF
Mastery of 21st century skills occurs through intentional instructional design, direct instruction of quality curriculum and meaningful assessments- regardless of whether the students complete courses online or in a brick and mortar building. Virtual schools inherently are well-equipped to provide expanded and innovative learning opportunities. It is critical that virtual school leaders embrace a 21st century skills vision for all those who are teaching and learning online to build on their strengths and achieve outcomes that matter for their students.
Virtual school leaders, in course design and quality standards, should include 21st century skills directly, intentionally and measurably. Many programs use high quality course design standards. Ensuring that 21st century skills are included in the standards is essential.
Imagine a geography course online. The assignment requires students to work in teams to identify the best possible location for a new public park in a given city, using GPS mapping software and online research databases.
Students must collaborate with their team members online, delegate tasks and co-author a PowerPoint presentation making their case. They are assessed not only on factual knowledge, but also on being able to analyze information, solve problems, collaborate and communicate effectively. Formative assessments build toward the final project.
Imagine, now, a "traditional" teacher interested in acquiring the skills to facilitate such an exciting and supportive learning environment for students. Perhaps this teacher would collaborate with a middle school or high school language teacher. Both teachers would require professional development in how to move into the online environment, to successfully facilitate students to work together, to develop content knowledge and application, and to develop thinking skills that are not limited to a single content area.
Professional development of current teachers and preparation of future teachers requires re-thinking in order to ensure student success in life and work.
By The North American Council for Online Learning and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills
From Virtual Schools and 21st Century Skills -- Download the PDF
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Beyond the basics, students will need 21st century competencies to survive and thrive in the future. They will have to know how to think critically, apply knowledge to new situations, analyze information, understand new ideas, communicate effectively, collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. School districts are looking for ways to help students acquire these new skills while they also address NCLB mandates.
This 21st Century Connections site links students, teachers and administrators to the latest resources, creative tools and educational leaders behind digital learning. Provided by Lenovo, Adobe, Intel and Futurekids, the site is hosted by Technology & Learning, NewBay Media.
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Almost ten years into the 21st century, schools try to promote new ways of teaching and learning and then evaluate how well their efforts have led to results. New insights emerge from research and observation all the time. ![TechLearning.com [Logo]](/files/u9/tllogo.jpg)