Real World Problem Solving

Problem solving is such an important skill.  Today my student were working on a collaboration activity.  They had a little difficulty with their problem solving.  I would not solve their problems for them which was clearly not what they wanted.  The first "floor" of the elevator requires an activity's primary purpose to be problem solving.  Students need to learn how to answer real world problem solving situations so they can build upon their skills.  Education has moved away from question and answer learning to problem solving.  I can't say that my students are working on substantive real-world problems but they are at a good starting point.

Use of Technology for Learning

I think the use of technology for learning is the topic that I am really the most excited about.   I think this is really the skill we as teachers need to push our students in.  We need to take the computer class instruction from how to type and how to change fonts to how to use technology successfully and productively in the classroom. 

I learned many great ideas for incorporating technology.  I really like the idea of students taking the responsibility for researching and planning the execution of their projects.  I also like that they are required to construct their own knowledge.  I really feel that these self driven technology skill will be of the greatest benefit to students. 

That being said, I need to incorporate more technology during my activities.  I use my ActivBoard but I really have gotten away from the students using the technology and seem to be using the sage on the stage method.  I need to empower my students to take a greater roll and to direct their own learning. 

Skilled Communication

Skilled Communication is a very important skill in the changing face of education.  Students need to be able to communicate in a manner that most teachers are not themselves proficient with.  I can say that I am probably better then most but that is not saying a whole lot. 

Overall, I found the sorting activity to be interesting.   Even the lowest level requires students to use extended or multimodal communication.  Quite frankly having a coherent message alone seems to be a giant step for my students let alone a coherent message that uses multiple tools to communicate.  The second floor of the elevator requires students to provide evidence.  This has been and will continue to be a major focus of my grade level.  This is a skill that students will increasing need as the move onto older grades.  I think it would be helpful to continue working on this with my students but to begin to implement the multi-modal communications.

My Journey Begins

As a learner, I'm aware that I like repetition and clear expectations.  This leads to comfort issues but we know that to learn you need to be uncomfortable.  I think that I am definitely feeling a little uncomfortable....so I must be learning.


I really don't know a lot about student learning in connection with the 21st century learner.  I know that the six traits are collaboration, knowledge construction, real world problem solving, use of technology for learning, self regulation, and skilled communication.  However, I am really looking forward to learning how these concepts work together and begin using them in the classroom. 

After listening to webinar on collaborations.  I feel it is an area that I have put some focus into lately.  I have been having my students complete projects as a team.  Each student is responsible to a part and they come together to make a final project.  I think that the next step would be for more student direct projects or the inclusion of technology.


At this time, I don't feel that I am using the 21st century learning to a high level.  I am no on the up the elevator though.  I think that I have a lost of room for growth.