Erin Dudley

ISTC 301-005
21st Century Learners

For decades, educators have been mindful of students differences in learning, taking into
account Gardners Multiple Intelligences and the three different learning styles which are
auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Teachers have also been made aware of the variations in race,
culture, and beliefs within their classrooms. A factor affecting students learning that has become
a topic of discussion today between educators is the societal attributes of the 21st Century. The
defining attribute of todays society is that of technology. The advancements of technologies has
stirred senses of fear, excitement, and quite honestly, confusion. These advancements have also
caused a shift within learning in the classroom; the technology of today has become a central
focus of the new generation and has become increasingly integrated into the classroom causing
not only a shift in learning, but also a shift in the role of the teacher. Educational lessons have
deviated from teacher centered lectures to student centered kinesthetic learning with the
assistance of technology; the teacher is now merely a facilitator. As a 21st century learner myself,
I believe technology should be greatly integrated further into the classroom to enhance learning
for students of all learning styles with the goal and purpose in mind of preparing students for
their role in society in all aspects of life.
Technology is at every turn in our society, guiding so many of us through our lives. Some
were born into the technology-driven world and others learned to become technology-driven
later in life. I, myself, am a Digital Native and I certainly see the aspects mentioned throughout
the articles in my own life as well as in the lives of others around me. For example, the author of
Born Digital, discusses that the digital generation of today is more likely to send instant
messages than talk on the telephone to arrange dates and events. This is something I do almost

every day. I use instant messaging on my cell phone to communicate meetings and such with
others rather than calling them. Technology definitely has a presence in some manner in each and
everyones lives, small or large. However, I do not believe that the overall purpose of education
should change. The main goal of education has always been to educate students to gain
knowledge and grow as an individual so that they are prepared for their role in society in all
aspects of life. Despite the growth of technology, the goal should not be altered. Instead, the shift
should be prevalent in how this goal is achieved. Students of today learn differently than in
previous centuries; their education should reflect that.
As mentioned, todays students are different from past students. This difference also
suggests that the characteristics and needs have shifted as well. Both inside and outside of the
classroom, technology is a force that affects students learning. The overwhelming use provides
opportunities for the students to grow and gain knew knowledge both in content and about
experiences. No longer can students retain large amounts of information from simple lectures.
Students of today need more than that and integrating materials they already have so much
knowledge in can enhance their learning. They can take the information and skills they know and
are familiar with, and then build upon them. Integrating technologies into the classroom allows
for this. Students can use technologies to research, collaborate, and inspire creativity. This also
provides a path towards a more student-centered classroom in which the teacher can become the
facilitator. This is a critical aspect in many students learning. They should be the focal point in
which they can make decisions, solve problems, and connect with other students.
As an aspiring teacher, the technology epidemic certainly raises concern for me as the
educator. Although I am a digital native, I am not as well versed in the technology as many of the
younger students. In one instance, as a student teacher, I was given a lesson to teach that required

me to use the smartboard. Having very little experience with a smartboard, the students, only five
and six years old, were guiding me through it, showing me how to do it. I need to learn more
about the different kinds of technologies and different ways that they can be integrated so that I
can become more comfortable with the technology. To me, technology has become more and
more complicated, but it can do some many wonderful things, especially in the classroom.
Understanding variations of technology and different uses of them is the next step for me as a
future teacher in the 21st century.