21st Century Learning: a challenge to WSSU faculty and students

I had the opportunity to attend to the Advancing Online Learning Conference II / AOLC II, a conference hosted by the Virtual High School—VHS (Nashua, NH, April 9-11). 21^st Century Learning was the central topic of the conference. The framework of the conference was secondary education. However I felt that all the ideas mentioned were very relevant in the frame of UNC Tomorrow, since WSSU is required to assume a significant role preparing professionals for 21^st century learning.

The kick-off conference by Dr. Mark David Milliron shared ideas about the new generation of learners ( see power point). He commented on the needs and opportunities that diverse generations and new technologies bring into education, and the challenge to create sustainable learning environments. He explored interesting topics such as blending, mobile technologies, gaming, social networking, Internet 2 and high engagement technologies, and the human touch that is needed to really benefit from these opportunities

There was a keynote panel to discuss how online learning specifically provides opportunities for 21^st century learning. The panel discussed results from Learning in the 21^st Century: A National Report of Online Learning (see report and power point), based on surveys completed by 232,781 K-12 students, 21,272 teachers, and 15,316 parents as part of Speak Up, a national research project facilitated by Project Tomorrow. Based on report findings panelists highlighted that using the power of technology, decision makers and teachers have an opportunity to engage students, prepare teachers, and connect with parents in a personal and individualized way. It was also underscored that both technology and curriculum and instruction departments must be on board with online learning to achieve success. They emphasized that technology reliability is as essential as teacher preparation and support.

I was enthusiastically surprised that, at the state level, there are initiatives that promote that all high school graduates ought to have taken at least one online course, several blended courses (online and onsite) and participated in global projects supported with technology. This is Michigan’s case, presented by Robert Currie (see power point).

What about us? What can we do to at WSSU to prepare our students to become 21^st century learners, and our faculty, to become 21^st century learning facilitators? I invite to discuss this, press COMMENT to share your ideas.

Alvaro H Galvis