The Virtual Environment
As we move further into the 21st century we are seeing substantial growth in online, or virtual, education. These experiences are becoming increasingly available to people of all ages, from young children to K-12 students, university students and adults already in the workplace. Formats vary widely.
Education itself is being redefined as technologies become more advanced as well as more widely accessible. The definition of an educated person is morphing, and the traditional credentials, such as university degrees are gradually giving way to credentials which simply demonstrate what a person is able to do with the knowledge they have acquired.
At the university level students/learners anywhere in the world now have access to a growing number of courses from the world's top ranking universities - free of charge - through a consortium known as edX.org.
K-12 students in the United States also now have full, free access to online courses, and can complete their entire K-12 educational program virtually - from anywhere. Private organizations as well as school districts are creating and offering online courses for K-12 students as well as online professional development courses for teachers and administrators.
So what are the critical attributes of a high quality, 21st century, virtual learning environment? It is more than simply uploading assignments and quizzes to a web site. That is essentially a digital version of the physical, factory model learning experience - read the chapter, do the questions at the end (still lower level factual, basic questions), submit your assignments online. The paradigm of this educational experience remains the same as the factory model of the 20th century. The focus is on acquiring knowledge - period.
To create a 21st century educational experience virtually requires a paradigm shift; it is more than making the paper/pencil curriculum from the brick and mortar classroom into an online experience. The 21st century virtual learning experience becomes truly 21st century when the pedagogy becomes 21st century. This may be accomplished by using the 3 Compass Roses for 21st Century Education when designing the experience.
To be 21st century the learning experience must be focused on more than simple acquisition of basic content knowledge and skills. It must be designed and implemented in a way that is:
a) Rigorous, Relevant and Real World
b) Global Classroom
c) Integrated and Interdisciplinary - as appropriate for the purpose of the course
d) Student-centered - differentiated and personalized
e) Project-based and research-driven
f) Support students in Adapting to and Creating Personal and Social Change
g) Meaningful integration of Technologies and Multimedia
The course should include opportunities for the student to develop essential Multiple Literacies for the 21 Century:
a) Ecoliteracy
b) Financial Literacy
c) Media Literacy
d) Physical Fitness and Health Literacies
e) Arts and Creativity as Literacies
f) Emotional and Social Literacy
g) Global Competencies
The course should also include opportunities for students to develop the 7 Survival Skills for the 21st Century:
a) Accessing and Analyzing Information
b) Effective Oral and Written Communication
d) Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
e) Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
f) Collaboration Across Networks and Leading by Influence
g) Agility and Adaptability
h) Curiosity and Imagination
Watch for details on specifics for creating dynamic and powerful virtual learning environments for K-12! Coming soon!
Education itself is being redefined as technologies become more advanced as well as more widely accessible. The definition of an educated person is morphing, and the traditional credentials, such as university degrees are gradually giving way to credentials which simply demonstrate what a person is able to do with the knowledge they have acquired.
At the university level students/learners anywhere in the world now have access to a growing number of courses from the world's top ranking universities - free of charge - through a consortium known as edX.org.
K-12 students in the United States also now have full, free access to online courses, and can complete their entire K-12 educational program virtually - from anywhere. Private organizations as well as school districts are creating and offering online courses for K-12 students as well as online professional development courses for teachers and administrators.
So what are the critical attributes of a high quality, 21st century, virtual learning environment? It is more than simply uploading assignments and quizzes to a web site. That is essentially a digital version of the physical, factory model learning experience - read the chapter, do the questions at the end (still lower level factual, basic questions), submit your assignments online. The paradigm of this educational experience remains the same as the factory model of the 20th century. The focus is on acquiring knowledge - period.
To create a 21st century educational experience virtually requires a paradigm shift; it is more than making the paper/pencil curriculum from the brick and mortar classroom into an online experience. The 21st century virtual learning experience becomes truly 21st century when the pedagogy becomes 21st century. This may be accomplished by using the 3 Compass Roses for 21st Century Education when designing the experience.
To be 21st century the learning experience must be focused on more than simple acquisition of basic content knowledge and skills. It must be designed and implemented in a way that is:
a) Rigorous, Relevant and Real World
b) Global Classroom
c) Integrated and Interdisciplinary - as appropriate for the purpose of the course
d) Student-centered - differentiated and personalized
e) Project-based and research-driven
f) Support students in Adapting to and Creating Personal and Social Change
g) Meaningful integration of Technologies and Multimedia
The course should include opportunities for the student to develop essential Multiple Literacies for the 21 Century:
a) Ecoliteracy
b) Financial Literacy
c) Media Literacy
d) Physical Fitness and Health Literacies
e) Arts and Creativity as Literacies
f) Emotional and Social Literacy
g) Global Competencies
The course should also include opportunities for students to develop the 7 Survival Skills for the 21st Century:
a) Accessing and Analyzing Information
b) Effective Oral and Written Communication
d) Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
e) Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
f) Collaboration Across Networks and Leading by Influence
g) Agility and Adaptability
h) Curiosity and Imagination
Watch for details on specifics for creating dynamic and powerful virtual learning environments for K-12! Coming soon!
