P21 Resources for Educators

Instructional materials have to include technology within the framework of

existing learning theories and models. Additionally, we should be careful not
to make the instructional system fit the technology but make the technology
fit the instructional systems and formats. Technology itself has got no
importance but it supplies a forum for effective learning (Lawless & Brown,
1997).
Technology usage and digital software in educational platforms are
substantially scientists area of interest nowadays and in my point of view;
debates will continue since education and our new era requires technology in
every field of our life.
Generating a purposive framework for 21st century teaching/learning needs
to be expanded with technologic environment. An organized system should
be included in to education equipped with usable directions. Functional and
critical thinking skills should be supported with such media tools. I do not
agree with the idea that all acquirements have to be donated technologically
but;

they

should

be

aided

with

multimedia

implementations.

Learners/Educators are in the great want of digital media. As mastery of

core subjects are stated in p21 framework definitions;
English, reading or language arts
World languages
Arts
Mathematics
Economics
Science
Geography
History
Government and Civics
I agree with the idea that those lessons should be related with 21st century
interdisciplinary themes. But the hard knot for me is to make teachers

conscious of 21st century skills since some of them especially older ones are
not even aware of computer usage. They persistently use their own way to
teach and learners do not want to pick up the subject that they have to
acquire. Some coordinations about 21st century skills may be obtained to
attract attention of both teachers and learners. I believe that without
realization of innovations it is impossible to teach/gain information.
In www.p21.org, resources for educators and schools have been given in a
detailed way. When I checked especially the 21st century skills English map; I
saw that teachers, business leaders from all over World have been
contributed to it. 21st century skills English map demonstrates sample
outcomes for problem solving and critical thinking. It will be a collateral tool
for all of Us.
ICT literacy maps are also available in www.21stcenturyskills.org which
combines learning and thinking sample student (4th grade,8th grade,21th
grade) outcomes and multimedia communication. I am quite sure that those
materials for teachers are of the first order of importance in educational area.
Sharing ideas and experiences in digital platforms contributes to educators
cognitive development and connectivist thoughts. P21 century skills web site
presents many materials to us. I think it should be handiness and we also
should go over it with a fine tooth comb.
Are the guidance and technological equipment sufficient for educators? How
will we be sure that digital spotlight shines on learning? Will it be possible to
arrange formative/summative assessments during/at the end of the terms?
How will be the learner adapted to engage in activities that he/she has not
encountered yet?

Resources
www.p21.org
Lawless, A.K and Brown W.S. (1997). Multimedia learning environments:
Issues of
learner control and navigation. Instructional Science, 25(2), 117-131.