Summary

The technology implementations described on this site for each core research strategy not only allow for development of skills such as identifying similarities and differences and utilizing nonlinquistic representation but also promote the growth of 21st century skills. These skills, as described by the [|Partnership for 21st Century Skills], represent the knowledge and expertise students should possess in order to succeed in work and life in the 21st century.

The largest component of the 21st century skills model is the Core Subjects and 21st Century Themes. Students must master core subjects such as English, reading, language arts, world languages, math, science, etc to be successful in the 21st century. The lessons described for each core strategy serve a dual function. Many of the lessons not only implement a research-based strategy but also may be used to deliver content area information as well. For example, for the strategy of Homework and Practice the Giggle Poetry website is suggested for students to be introduced to poetry and to practice their interpretation of poetry. As a result, students are utilizing technology to further their understanding of a core content area and, at the same time, the teacher is implementing a the research-based strategy of homework and practice.

21st century skills also require that students are pushed beyond just basic competency in core subject areas and are exposed to higher levels of thinking. One of these higher levels as explained by the Partnership for 21st Century Themes is global awareness. In order to meet the goal of global awareness, students learn from and work collaboratively with individuals representing diverse cultures, religions, and lifestyles. For the core strategy of Summarizing and Note Taking students will use an online tool called Voicethread to post commentary online that summarize a written passage. Students who post their comments may also read or listen to comments made by other students. Furthermore, it would be possible to open the Voicethread up to the public and allow others, perhaps students in other states or countries, to post their comments as well. This implementation allows the sharing of ideas and collaboration with the school community and the larger world community - a vital 21st century skill. Also, in the implementation of the Hypotheses core strategy, students will use blogs to document and share their hypotheses. Using blogs is a powerful way of working collaboratively and achieving an important 21st century skill.

Many of the lessons also directly address the 21st century skill category of Learning and Innovation Skills. Specifically, within this category, creativity and innovation are described as needed by the 21st century student. Demonstrating originality and inventiveness in work and developing, implementing, and communicating new ideas to others are hallmarks of the creativity and innovation area. As explained in the providing feedback core strategy lesson, podcasts could be used for both teachers and students to create original works and share them with each other. Podcasting allows students to express their originality and inventiveness and can be used as powerful communication tools. This use of technology directly addresses the important 21st century skill of creativity and innovation.

Learning and Innovation Skills also encompasses critical thinking and problem solving skills. The lesson ideas in the simulations and games area helps meet these skill requirements. As students use software to build a roller coaster, they will be using critical thinking and problem solving skills to create a safe and fun roller coaster while applying important physics knowledge.

According to the 21st century skill framework, students will also need to be educated in the areas of information, media, and technology skills. For the Similarities and Differences core strategy, students will use InspireData software to record and chart weather and precipitation information from across the globe. Both the research necessary to collect this data and the organization of this data using the InspireData software directly aligns with the 21st century skill of Information Literacy and teaches students how to access information efficiently and effectively and evaluate information critically and competently. Also, in the cues, questions, and advance organizers area students will be researching and organizing information for use in research. This method will provide students with exposure to various forms of media and will create an opportunity to teach students how to use this media in an effective way.

The final component of the 21st century skills framework, Life and Career Skills, is also addressed in many of the lessons explained to implement the core research-based strategies. For Flexibility and Adaptability, which explains the need for students to adapt to varied roles and responsibilities and to be able to work effectively in a climate of ambiguity and changing priorities, lessons in the reinforcing effort and nonlinguistic representation strategy areas help meet these goals. As students use both video and still digital cameras for these lessons, they will learn how to adapt to a variety of factors. When using digital video or photos, environmental factors such as lighting and sound can impact the quality of the finished product. Also, scheduling of time to take pictures and/or create videos requires a student to adapt to other people's schedules. These skills will be vital in the world of work.

21st century skills are an important set of skills that today's students will be required to possess in order to be successful beyond their school careers. The lessons explained for each research-based strategy use technology to not only reinforce the strategy itself but also provide a means of enhancing 21st century skills.