21st Century Skills

Some common themes that I observed in the videos about 21st Century Skills were: technology/digital generation, engagement, sharing information, creativity, and self-directed learning. 21st Century Skills mean problem-solving, innovative thinking, creative expression, the ability to adapt to change, and using technology. These skills are vitally important for today's learners because most of them will have jobs that do not even exist yet. Educators must prepare students to be able to adapt, achieve, and compete in our fast-paced and ever new emerging age. The role of technology is HUGE. 21st Century learners are of the digital generation, as educators, we need to embrace this and empower our students to utilize these skills.

Some questions I had, regarding 21st Century Skills, were:

• How do I learn to use these technologies well enough to use them as teaching/learning tools?

• Will I be able to stay abreast of new technologies to engage my students?

• Are some of these new skills making vital social skills unnecessary? (eye contact, conversation, etc.)