Edutopia lists 15 characteristics of a 21st Century Teacher
1. Learner-centered classroom and personalized instructions
2. Students are producers
3. Learn new technologies
4. Go global
5. Be smart and use smart phones
6. Blog
7 Go digital
8. Collaborate
9. Use Twitter chat
10. Connect
11. Project-based learning
12. Build your positive digital footprint
13. Code
14. Innovate
15. Keep learning
Retrieved: https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/15-characteristics-21st-century-teacher
As an educator, I find each of these recommendations beneficial. As an individual, I find a few of them causing discomfort. I do not consider myself technologically inclined, and yes, coding seems like a difficult and time consuming task. But as I look at other items such as Twitter chat, PBL, and continuous learning, I am reminded that I must be a model in my classroom and to my colleagues. I have been comfortable with students teaching me before, coding should be a good addition.
As I look at this list, I also see opportunities for connections and collaborations for success in my school. I utilize project based learning and consider my classrooms to be learner centered, however, there are always opportunities to collaborate to improve these practices. Twitter has been invaluable for transparency in my school (#SISrocks), but creating and participating in Twitter chat can help with learning, discovering new technologies, connections, and innovation.
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Meaghan- I know we have been urging and living the "21st Century" skills in education for a while now. I appreciate the honesty that you struggle with certain aspects. As an educator there are so many options out there to share, learn from, and use it is overwhelming in some aspects. I often wonder how much overload we place upon the kids to absorb and adapt with these as well.
Hi Meaghan. I'm intimidated by coding as well. I found a free PD course on coding essentials here: https://www.edx.org/course/html5-coding-essentials-and-best-practices and a resource for teaching computer science here: https://csfirst.withgoogle.com/s/en/home Microsoft also offer some coding courses that appear to be free: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/students/code/default.aspx https://mva.microsoft.com/training-topics/imagine-learn-to-code#!lang=1033
Great list of topics to consider for expanding my professional skills in the area of instructional technology. Great post!