Doug Patterson is an instructor at the University of Windsor who teaches Computer Studies. Patterson has taught data processing, accountant, and mathematics at the secondary level. Patterson wrote an article about why tablets are so significant and what is the big deal of tablets if you cannot do everything on a tablet. Patterson mentions when he was in high school how typing was considered computer class and beneficial, but now children have auto-text and typing is insignificant. Patterson does not dismiss the fact that tablets do come in handy and can be used for small task, but still question if tablets are considered a tool for larger task because most tablets does not have a type of word document.
After reading the post, some of Patterson's ideas were similar to my own concerns. I love tablets and find them very useful when wanting to surf the web, read a book or listen to music. However, as Patterson mentions tablets are not great devices for typing papers or blogging, so what is the big deal. If someone purchase a tablet, which I am guility of, then why not just purchase a mini laptop or netbook, that has documents for composing writing assignments or composing a lengthy blog. Tablets and iPads are great tools to use in the classroom to assist learning in the classroom, but I believe if they are going to cost as much as a laptop, then tablets should allow a person to compose documents and blog easily.
Got 20 Minutes
Three of the Most Important 21st Century Skills
Patterson shares a video by Ken Kay on how children should be critical thinkers, problem solvers, creative, and innovative. Kay explains how children in the 21st century should be able to think outside the box and given the chance to show their creativity. Kay starts his presentation by introducing each of his three children and telling a story about how his children were allowed to think outside the box. Kay believes that in the near future students will be required to think critically and apply critical thinking skills and problem solving instead of mote memorization. Kay also shares a picture of a butterfly drawn by a first grader that a teacher does not give the child any directions, but seven other students to guide the child to drawing the perfect picture of an artist. The child collaborated with the other members in his group to finish the assignment, just as students in the 21st century do with blogging and Wikis. Kay suggest that teachers, administrators, parents and the community should create a school environment that allows students to think critically, become self-directed, creative and innovative students that can communicate and collaborate with others. If children are skilled in each attribute, then they will be ready for the 21st century.
I enjoyed Kay's video and agreed with every attribute he suggest children should have to be successful in the 21st century. Most students memorize information in order to pass a test; however, memorizing information in the 21st century will not get students anywhere. In order for students to be successful in the 21st century, students must be able to think critically and solve problems instead of memorizing information. The 21st century is a world of technology where students will have to be self-directed because no one is going supervise a child all day to make sure they are doing what they are suppose to be doing. If a person cannot be self-directed or collaborate with others on a job, that person will not be employed long. Parents, administrators, teachers, and the community should work together to make sure we are preparing children to be successful in this challenging world.
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