The label of “21st Century learning” is vague, and is an idea that we here at TeachThought like to take a swing at as often as possible, including:
–weighing the magic of technology with its incredible cost and complexity
–underscoring the potential for well thought-out instructional design
–considering the considerable potential of social media platforms against its apparent divergence from academic learning
Some educators seek out the ideal of a 21st century learning environment constantly, while others prefer that we lose the phrase altogether, insisting that learning hasn’t changed, and good learning looks the same whether it’s the 12th or 21st century.
At TeachThought, we tend towards the tech-infused model, but do spend time exploring the limits and challenges of technology, the impact of rapid technology change, and carefully considering important questions before diving in head-first.
The following take on 21st century learning developed by TeachThought is notable here because of the absence of technology. There is very little about iPads, social media, 1:10 laptops, or other tech-implementation. In that way, it is closer to the “classic” approach to “good learning” than it is the full-on digital fare we often explore.
The size of the circles on the map are intended to convey priority.
9 Characteristics Of 21st Century Learning
1. Learner-centered
2. Media-driven (this doesn’t have to mean digital media)
3. Personalized
4. Transfer-by-Design
5. Visibly Relevant
6. Data-Rich
7. Adaptable
8. Interdependent
9. Diverse
Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!
Terry Heick
09/02/2012, 10:10 am
Nice list, i would add
Opportunity to play, develop passion, find purpose,
Opportunity to be creative and innovative
09/03/2012, 08:40 pm
I agree with Noreene’s two suggested additions. And I would add self-assessment and refinement.
09/03/2012, 11:57 pm
Love the suggestions. Many of these bleed over into the “learning habits” concepts we’re working on as well–kind of a thin line (at times) between standards, habits, curriculum, models and characteristics. What revisions would you recommend specifically–simply adding a characteristic, or broadening one to include ideas such as play or self-assessment/metacognition?
09/08/2012, 07:25 am
Thanks for posting this creative visualisation; I love the concept.
Some kind of feedback loop to establish notions of process underway would be my constructive suggestion (similar to self-assessment/ reflection from Terry), but to illustrate continual nature of adjustments in learning.
Valerie Hannon at the recent ACER conference spoke about an ecosystem of learning; keynote linked here http://sboswellhyde.visibli.com/share/1BX20s. I like “ecosystem”!
09/08/2012, 05:34 pm
Love the suggestions here. We’ll get started on a 2.0 of this model next week–maybe add some clarification/strategies as well.
09/29/2012, 10:07 pm
Thoughtful graphic. Perhaps implied by the Interdependent and/or Visibly Relevant circles, but it seems important to articulate a connection to the common good or a larger purpose as well as empathy. And hurray for adding play/innovate.
10/06/2012, 05:10 pm
Great list for schools who want to stretch teaching/learning, but lack technology for each student. However, the point of 21st Century Learning is the technology. It’s, “how can we do what we’ve done before, but use technology to improve it.” The three biggest circles are: learner centered, media driven, and personalized. Each of these three are enhanced with technology. For example, for learner centered, the student will want to explain what they want to learn, why, and how they are accomplishing this goal. So, creating a blog, tweeting, a wiki all makes this more effective. Media…. that’s obvious. Personalized, heavily linked to learner centered, so all that applies, but also, the assessment piece. Using online tools to assess can help pinpoint areas of interest and weakness for further learning.
So, love the list. It’s something I can use for all teachers, but the inherent definition of 21st learning is enhancing learning via technology.