Video by Wendy Drexler

Knowing you are one of many teachers a student like this will have in their educational career:How connected are you? Are you a 21st Century learner, teacher or both? What role do you play in supporting the 21st Century student?

How connected am I? Well, after watching the video I realize I have a long way to go to be truly connected. Technology has changed a lot during my lifetime. I’m sure it will continue to change. It changes so much that I sometimes feel like I’m always just trying to catch up. I feel that because we are teaching 21 century learners that we really, as teachers, should be on the forefront of technology. Then why are schools often the last place to get upgraded technology? I really think that technology classes should be a requirement for our license renewal. Times have changed and so should the way we teach. I think that we are making good progress and I am happy that I teach in a school district that values technology and how students are using it.

Am I a 21st Century learner, teacher or both? I would say that I am more of a 21st Century learner, but working toward being more of a 21st Century teacher. Of course you have to learn before you can teach. I am doing more today than I ever have, hopefully I will keep learning and adding more technology as I go.

What role do you play in supporting the 21st Century student? My role is to expose students to everything that is out there to the best of my abilities. I also think my role is not only to show students how to use technology, but to do it safely.

I can’t wait to see where this technology ride will take us next.