21st Century Skills vs. 20th Century Schools

In a nutshell, this article painted a picture of today's "Net Generation", students who grew up in the digital age, are comfortable with technology and enjoy instant access to information. This poses an interesting question to traditional education, because curriculum and pedagogy reflect the learning styles of previous generations who are accustomed to direct instruction, learning content from text and library research. However, students on the Net Generation are visual learners who respond to images and video and need to be visually stimulated to process information. I was particularly intrigued by this passage in the article stating that,today's students brings a consumer orientation to education, which is viewed as a commodity to be consumed, acquired and accumulated." (Taylor,2006) Does this mean that students learn only what is pleasing to them or that is easy to access? Should teachers teach lessons in short sound bites with visual images constantly on display. Excuse me for being cynical, but as I read further, I thought to myself, should teachers even teach students how to read, given the fact that students respond to visual imagery better?

Ok, ok, all cynicism aside. The part of the article I found most useful described how teachers can augment their lessons to integrate technology and address the learning styles of this generation. The description of the WWII lesson where geotracking was used to click on different areas and bring up a visual with related information, was innovative and interesting. Definitely this method of instruction would truly engage students and give them the opportunity to truly connect with a historical event. I also liked the portion of the article where they make the argument for project based learning and delayed gratification. Students need to understand that learning is a process, and that it exists in stages, where skills are learned and applied to complex problems.

On a personal note, we need to find a balance, students and teachers in integrating traditional instruction and learning with the 21st century skills required today.