Computer Class is about more than learning how to use specific programs and navigating websites and involves so much of the 21st Century Skills that are necessary for our kids as they learn and grow. I frequently use PowerPoint as an example. Is it useful? Yes. Do millions of people worldwide use it to communicate ideas? Yes. There are many, many more presentation tools available, though, and it may not necessarily fit the audience or purpose of every topic. In fact, there are some free tools that may communicate better, faster, or in a more appealing way. My job, therefore, is to expose my students to a variety of tools and show them how to choose their tool based on the audience and the purpose of the task, as well as give them the opportunity to stand in front of a group of their peers and share their knowledge. Among other skills that are embedded in what we do in Technology class, and specific to this project-based lego project are:
- Critical thinking and the ability to ask the right, good questions
- Collaboration across networks
- Agility & adaptability
- Creativity & innovation
- Effective oral & written skills
- Accessing & analyzing information
- Curiosity & imagination
For more information on 21st Century Skills and Digital Literacy, check out The Partnership for 21st Century Learning, my professional website, Digital Fluency in Education, or read more about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).