The+21st+Century+Classroom

==What is your vision of the 21st Century Classroom? How does it look? What are the tools available to students? ==

How does it differ from the old model of a school?
There is a spirit of collaboration both internally and externally. Censorship of technology tools doesn't exist, instead responsible usage is taught and enforced with consequences for abuses. There is equity in terms of what is available and allowed. The building is wireless throughout allowing all devices to connect anywhere. Cell phones are used for teaching and learning as are ipods and other portable systems. Twitter and Facebook have been employed as powerful communication tools that are easy to use. Staff collaborative time isn't just for meetings but are for dynamic interactive sessions with teachers working together in connected wireless communities, with teachers from our district and experts from the world. Teachers are trusted as experts in their field and are well trained in the diverse and varied array of technology tools. (Jeanne)

Classrooms are paperless or close to it with most of the learning and connecting being done in person or virtually online. Multiple choice, true/false and other one answer assessments are a thing of the past, instead formative assessments involving problem solving and critical thinking are used. Many of these assessments involve the use of online social networking sites as they are collaborative and authentic. All students write daily on their blogs, tweets and nings, learning socially responsible ways to communicate online. Students work in learning teams that may include students who aren't from our district, but are from around the world who have been connected to the conversation and process in that classroom. The emphasis is not on having technology (because everyone would have it) and finding answers, but on how to use the tools already in place to learn how to learn. The 21st century and Web 2.0 are about what you intend to do with the tools! How will you interact? (Jeanne)