Connection and Collaboration

Connecting students over networks and promoting collaborative efforts is an essential life skill for students.  These skills should be introduced in elementary school and developed throughout the rest of their educational experience.  Whenever I read someone’s list of required “21st Century Skills,” there is always push for facilitating student connections and collaboration.  Two sources for 21st century skills are listed below, but it seems like many experts are compiling similar lists associated with learning for today and tomorrow.  

At the same time, teachers must engage in teachers must explore a variety of instructional strategies that utilize the skills presented below.  Professional development opportunities must cause teachers to become 21st century learners themselves.  Practice these skills with a “safety net.”  Ask a co-worker to practice using collaborative tools and attempt to perform the same tasks you expect from your students.  Engage in 21st century practices and become a digital learner yourself.  

Global Read Aloud