Day: September 1, 2012

Bedtime Reading

My 12-year-old son’s choice for bedtime reading tonight? Three TED talks on the iPad.

While I don’t like him using the iPad before bed (makes it harder to fall asleep), he has learned about three very different concepts from these talks from three inspirational speakers. We had a great discussion about the videos (I didn’t watch them) — content including visualizing music, schizophrenia and why gay and lesbian people shouldn’t be discriminated against in society.

That’s what 21st century learning should be about. Learning isn’t limited to the time between 9-3:30.

Now we’ll see if he falls asleep.

Link

9 Characteristics of 21st Century Learning

Awesome blog post, “9 Characteristics of 21st Century Learning” today.

I am presenting a session at a museum conference about 21st century learners. This post is perfect! You can bet I’ll be referring to it (with attribution, of course.)

This infographic is excellent:

Infographic about 21st Century Learners

Infographic about 21st Century Learners. By Terry Heick, TeachThought. Blog post at http://www.teachthought.com/learning/9-characteristics-of-21st-century-learning/.

Crash Course

Ok, how have I not seen these Crash Course in World History videos before? These are truly magnificent. I think I learned more about the Industrial Revolution in this 10 minute video than I ever learned in a college class…. or at least this video made it more memorable!

These videos are a brilliant example of how to engage 21st century learners:

  • The videos are obviously very visual, relying on sophisticated graphics and historical imagery.
  • They are short, only 10 minutes. (They sure pack a punch in 10 minutes!)
  • They relate the past to the present, creating a real world learning situation.
  • The videos ask critical thinking questions that could lead to class discussion and more.

I could so easily see how these could be incorporated into history classes. The content is delivered very rapidly, and is actually a pretty good level. You could use these with middle school with support, and easily with high school.

World History Textbook

Does this look enticing for a 21st century visual learner?

Remember when I posted pictures of the textbook my daughter is going to use in her World History this year?

I’m not saying these videos should be the sole curriculum of the class, but geez, which method of learning do you think most students would engage with more? I certainly hope that I hear that her AP World History class is using other media BESIDES the photo at right.