Week 1

The first week's assignments for this class include videos/articles about TPACK, ISTE standards, 21st century learning, and maximizing the impact of 21st century learning.

After viewing and reading the content provided by Dr. Legler, I found the TPACK video to be very helpful.  TPACK is one of the teaching methods presented in several classes I've taken throughout my masters program and this video has been the best and easiest for me to understand the relevance of technology use in the classroom.  I feel the best way to use the TPACK strategies in the classroom is to use the knowledge that I have as a teacher and combine it with the pedagogical methods I use daily.  Using that as a base, I then can add technology effectively into my lessons to assist students in their learning.

The 21st Century framework model is a new concept to me.  Though I have always believed that I am teaching students 21st century skills, I have never seen the model presented in this class.  I feel there are many benefits to this framework, however I am certain there are many challenges as well.  The biggest challenge for me, as an administrator, is getting teachers to follow through effectively in teaching 21st century learners.  There may be some teachers who do it well and others who start out great, but loose their momentum.  Then there are always those teachers who don't feel the necessity to change their ways of teaching to accommodate 21st century learners.  Making it difficult to give every student the best possible education and skills that they will need in today's world.