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21st Century Learning and Innovative Environments - Final Thoughts

...for now!

Through this e-portfolio assignment, I have learned that there can’t just be one way to look at future learning - it’s not just about the technology, or just about the fancy furniture - its about a whole change where everyone is up for the challenge to work together for the student’s future. As I looked for resources for this blog, I was faced with different types of learning and approaches to the current and upcoming new era.

I am not saying one is better than the other or any of them are wrong but I believe that at the end of the day, as educators, we need to pick and choose the appropriate times when to use technology, when collaboration is needed, or when attention needs to be on us. Yes, the point is not to be teacher-led, teacher-first but we should remember not to just drop our position as the educator, supporting the children’s learning.

Education and learning should definitely come before technology, making sure that the current curriculum is what is best for each student, whether brain-, inquiry-, project-based etc. If we invest not only in technology but the learning spaces as well, then we can definitely bring out the best in our students and find the talents and strengths they may not have found in traditionally constructed curriculum.

For the future of public school boards’ curriculum, I think they should be reconstructed to fit the new generations that have been growing up surrounded by technology and radical thinking. Taking inspiration from current research, 21st century learning spaces/environments and directly from the children’s opinions/voices I believe as community of educators, caregivers, and role models we can jump on this new and positive change!

I definitely think as the educators need to listen to the students’ voices more often - after all we’re trying to build skills for their future.

To end it off with a quote I grew to love throughout this process, we need to never forget to involve the students of all ages/grades! After all, it is the people creating and using the spaces that create the overall atmosphere of the environment. 

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An article that talks about the different types of schools that the students want - further explaining the different types of schools mentioned in a previous post about the competition.

Read the article here!

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An online paper by The North American Council for Online Learning and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. It explains what ‘virtual schools’ are, why they are important, and how they are tied to 21st Century Outcomes/Skills. Although they are based in the U.S., I believe the information can still connect with other areas.

“Online learning through virtual schools is one of the most important advancements transforming education in the U.S.  It is imperative that 21stcentury skills be incorporated into the design, delivery and implementation of virtual schools.  By expanding access to high quality, rigorous academic courses teaching 21st century skills, we can expand the opportunities for all students.“ -p21.org

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School with No Walls: Sweden (via Pinterest)

Schools without walls are learning environments that allow the students to be in open spaces, comfortable areas to collaborate with others or alone, and stay focused on the subject without feeling like they’re trapped in classrooms. This video quickly shows some examples to how a school without walls can look and feel like.