The curriculum taught in schools can no longer be content driven in a society where there is rapid change occurring in all aspects of life. Opportunities must be given to students to engage in authentic learning that is not based on static content, but is participatory and self-directed (Wheeler & Gerver, 2015). To do this, teachers need to engage in pedagogical practice that allows students to engage with content in ways that opens pathways for them to work collaboratively with both the teachers and other students. It is only through changing from teacher-led to self-directed learning that students will gain the competencies and skills required to succeed in the modern global society (Scott, Sept 2015).
Producing through interaction and creativity, rather than focusing on consuming builds active learners who are engaged and invested in their learning. Knowledge is deepened through allowing collaboration and critical thought processes involved in producing responses that allow for students to display creativity (Mills, February 19, 2019). As teachers, we must engage with our students, modelling best practise when it comes to using digital citizen skills. Through exploring new forms of collaboration, communication and production, we not only expose our students to valuable skills and competencies that will take them into their future world, but we build our own capacities as 21st Century learners.
Mills, K. (February 19, 2019). Technology and learning in the classroom: six tips to get the balance right. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/technology-and-learning-in-the-classroom-six-tips-to-get-the-balance-right-111430
Scott, C. L. (Sept 2015). The futures of learning 1: Why must learning content and methods change in the 21st century? Retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0023/002348/234807E.pdf
Wheeler, S., & Gerver, R. (2015). Learning with ‘e’s: Educational theory and practice in the digital age. Retrieved from Proquest eBook Central