Design Thinking is broadened thinking of a problem. It is a diagnosis, analysis through a collection of qualitative data such as direct observations. The steps include empathize with the challenge, define the problem, ideate a possible solution, create a prototype of the idea, and finally test the idea for its effectiveness. As I worked with my group to identify a challenge we determined that as educators we strive to be 21st Century educator who recognize the value and need for technology as a staple in todays learning communities. With this acceptance comes the challenge of fostering and maintaining an expectation of good digital citizenship in a global learning community. The question that came to mind was: How do we foster good digital citizenship? My group collaborated to determine who the end users would be, as well as, listing what we assumed about them. Each group member contributed to the conversation from a perspective of their students' age group. I am a first grade teacher, Andrea is a middle school teacher, and Jon teaches high school through an online charter school. I can't wait to see the interview results as our interviews will stretch across the three levels of education from primary, intermediate, to high school. This is a relevant topic to today's students at any level.
As I reflect upon the P21 Framework for 21st Century Learning and the process of design thinking, I considered what my vision statement would include. My vision for today's learners includes working to create a learning space which promotes global learning through technology. Learners will be taught the skills to engage and share responsibly as a global digital citizen. Learners will have experiences in thinking critically, problem solving, and collaboration. Reaching that goal will include a school-wide commitment to:
Providing equal access to technology with an emphasis in collaboration for all learners.
Ensuring equity, student choice, and student voice in student learning and culture
Exposing students to Common Core Standards to promote college and workforce readiness.
Overall, my vision encompasses 21st century learning to meet the needs of 21st century learners in a world where technology is the tool to research, experience, analyze problems, and problem solve.
Currently, my school site promotes the use of technology and 21st century blended learning. We have begun focusing on digital citizenship, as well as digital literacy and a focus on college readiness by including a relevant level of rigor and demand of academic language used in learning experiences. I would like to see a shift from traditional learning spaces to a space that is clearly a 21st century learning space that promotes personalized and project based learning that encompasses real world problems and design thinking attempts at reaching solutions. A focus on communicating their results to an authentic audience is also a necessary skill that will promote college and career readiness. All in all, I feel that my site is towards creating a learning environment that will promote these ideas. It may be at a slower pace than I would like to see, but moving forward at any pace is movement nonetheless.
As I reflect upon the P21 Framework for 21st Century Learning and the process of design thinking, I considered what my vision statement would include. My vision for today's learners includes working to create a learning space which promotes global learning through technology. Learners will be taught the skills to engage and share responsibly as a global digital citizen. Learners will have experiences in thinking critically, problem solving, and collaboration. Reaching that goal will include a school-wide commitment to:
Providing equal access to technology with an emphasis in collaboration for all learners.
Ensuring equity, student choice, and student voice in student learning and culture
Exposing students to Common Core Standards to promote college and workforce readiness.
Overall, my vision encompasses 21st century learning to meet the needs of 21st century learners in a world where technology is the tool to research, experience, analyze problems, and problem solve.
Currently, my school site promotes the use of technology and 21st century blended learning. We have begun focusing on digital citizenship, as well as digital literacy and a focus on college readiness by including a relevant level of rigor and demand of academic language used in learning experiences. I would like to see a shift from traditional learning spaces to a space that is clearly a 21st century learning space that promotes personalized and project based learning that encompasses real world problems and design thinking attempts at reaching solutions. A focus on communicating their results to an authentic audience is also a necessary skill that will promote college and career readiness. All in all, I feel that my site is towards creating a learning environment that will promote these ideas. It may be at a slower pace than I would like to see, but moving forward at any pace is movement nonetheless.