21st Century Classroom Series
The 21st Century Classroom Series is designed to provide teachers with new ways to create motivating and engaging learning experiences for students.
21CCS focuses on the effective use of instructional technology to foster the development of a broad range of 21st Century skills. To some extent, this means helping teachers become comfortable with and find useful classroom applications for hardware tools like laptops, document cameras, digital cameras, interactive pads, or software from PowerPoint and Inspiration to Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, Wordle, Moodle and more.
But perhaps more importantly, it means using those tools along with research-based teaching strategies in a way that helps students develop the attributes of a Future-Ready Student (see our list and NCDPI's future-ready graduate, "Nicky").
Here are some of the seminars and workshops that make up the 21st Century Series:
Transforming Classrooms for the 21st Century
21st Century Learning is active, engaging and occurs in a technology-rich environment. QTL’s approach to
creating the 21st Century Classroom examines how the elements of teaching practice, learning theory, and
current technology can work together to ensure student success. Understanding how to utilize web 2.0 and
other technology tools is just the beginning. Educators must also understand how to use these tools to effectively
impact learning and increase student achievement. This session can be delivered to a large audience. It provides the foundation for the 21st Century Classroom series and sets the context for the practices and applications
included in the other modules.
Engaging Students in Meaningful Learning Experiences
21st Century Learning technologies have the potential to captivate and engage students. Learning itself is a
complex process. QTL’s strategies for engaging students represent a comprehensive approach to instruction based on the manner in which the brain learns most efficiently and effectively. This session models application of brain-based learning in the 21st Century Classroom and explores the impact on student engagement.
Developing Future-Ready Learners
In the 21st Century Classroom, skills are not separated into isolated elements. Learning is presented in methods that are meaningful, active and purposeful to students. This type of instruction is carefully designed to lead students to discover necessary curriculum content, meet critical learning objectives, and develop higher order thinking skills. This session will help teachers use and adapt online resources to create effective lessons, incorporating classroom technology tools with strategies that engage students at higher levels.
The Role of Assessment in the 21st Century Classroom
Understanding the relationship between ongoing assessment and instruction is the key to designing lessons that are matched to student needs. Formative
assessment informs instructional decisions and empowers teachers to set high expectations for all students. The goal of this session is to understand the concept of formative assessment and its relationship to effective differentiated
instruction. Participants will learn how various methods of formative and informal assessment enable teachers to evaluate their own practices in addition to
individual student growth. The session activities include the creation of a
mini-project using 21st Century tools, self and peer assessment using rubrics,
and group discussion using protocols.
PLCs That Work
What organizational structures and cultures foster effective professional learning communities? What processes improve professional learning, teaching quality, and student learning? There are many challenges in implementing high quality job-embedded professional learning, and creating a school-wide culture of collaboration. This session illustrates the five dimensions of successful PLCs identified in Shirley Hord’s research: (1) supportive and shared leadership, (2) shared values and vision, (3) collective learning and application of learning (4) supportive conditions, and (5) shared personal practice. Activities include small and whole group discussions using protocols, interpretation of research through the use of Web 2.0 technology, and small group mini-projects.
