On vacation this week in Orlando and of course, this is near Tiger Woods home. Tiger has been THE story since the beginning of the month and along with that has been the controversy of “do we drop the Tiger association” by companies because of bad press?
So what does Tiger Woods and his issues have to do with education or technology much less the two put together? I know, taking advantage of the story of the moment…read on tech types.
Recently there has been some “less than favorable” press regarding the coalition for 21st century skills and if perhaps there might be some things that have not been above board. Say it’s not so! A group of individuals who form an organization that seeks to guide a common purpose and they come under scutiny with someone funding a fault. Hmmm. That’s unusual he write’s sarcastically.
I have been thinking about something however before the issue arose that something may be amiss at the organization. Do we really need to continue to call technologically filled classrooms “21st century classrooms” or the ability to use technologies “21st century skills” anymore? I am not trying to ditch the moniker at the first sign of trouble, we are after all 10 years into the 21st century.
Here’s my thought, rather than using the 21st century name as if it represents the Holy Grail of education, how about we just call them “digital classrooms” and/or “digital skills?” Maybe even “current” skills? Current might be reaching since the skill set required to be current changes so frequently that even digital native and Twittermaster Ashton Kutcher might not even be able to keep up.
I welcome your thoughts and hope all have a great holiday.
Mike
The Ed Tech View from Here... 
Mike,
I think that part of the ‘bad press’ or confusion comes from people not understanding that ‘digital’ skills are part of 21st century skill set, and are not ’21st century skills’ onto themselves.
In other words, those ‘digital’ skills like information literacy, media literacy, and ICT Literacy as part of the skill sets within 21st century that also include skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.
Much too often, I have found that when people refer to 21st century skills they are referring exclusively to ‘digital’ skills, narrowly defining 21st century skills while ignoring the wider scope of skills necessary to prepare our students for their future (e.g., creativity / innovation).
I agree that we should not be caught up with terminology, as long as we are teaching those relevant skills that prepare our students for the 21 century.
Moreover, I also agree that there is a place for ‘digital’ classrooms (e.g., classrooms with the latest technological innovations) that together with exceptional teachers serve as the catalyst for engaging our students, preparing them to become productive members of our society, to include making them more ‘digital’ literate.
For a brief discussion of 21st century skills, please refer to the following post on my blog, TechEdCáfe:
http://coachrivera.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html
Victor