21st Century Schools & the Teachers They Need

With all of the research that has been happening regarding learning, teachers are more equipped than ever to help their students achieve maximum potential. What has been learned is that there is not one single way of teaching. Teachers more than ever need to present material in many different ways to ensure that students grasp concepts and ideas. Teachers must also be comfortable with technology and the continual creation of new technologies. They must aware of the advancements being made in these fields and adapt them for classroom use. By doing this, teachers reduce the gap between technology immigrants and natives. I personally feel like a blend of immigrant and native. I grew up without a computer in the house, no cell phone until late high school and no texting or instant messaging until my senior year. Although I am more familiar with the internet and computers more than my parents and certainly more than my grandparents, my 5-year-old sister is able to work my iPhone almost at the same level as me. In general, teachers should be anticipating the changes within their pedagogy from year to year (even within the school year) to help keep up with the students' needs in the classroom.