I am currently at the CMI 2010 conference looking at curriculum design for the 21st Century. This is the first of a series of posts related to that process - specifically as it relates to the necessary redesign of accompanying support systems.
Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs explains how students move from the 21t Century and into the 19th Century every time they grace the halls of their local school. The charge to "upgrade" the curriculum and in order to prepare students for the world in which we live is both appropriate and necessary. However, if we neglect to think in terms of systems throughout this process we will simply engage in tinkering change. Let me explain...
Our current education system is based on an antiquated 19th Century model. We use limited networks built on proximity, linear learning models, homogeneous students and teacher grouping patterns, and we rely on physical environments. These are all in stark contrast to the realities of the 21st Century. Our world is one of global collaboration, non-linear thinking and learning, mass social production and networking, all within an interconnected virtual world. So what does this mean (here's where you come in)?
I invite your comments as I continue to explore this idea. Upcoming posts will address the ideas of system design for the 21st Century. That is, what should 21st Century school systems look like? Rather than tackling specific teacher practices, I will focus on specific structural issues surrounding this transition. I invite your ideas and comments as I move forward. Happy reading!!
UPDATE...
Check out Alan November's resources. He has a great understanding of the disconnect between system structure and 21st Century teaching and learning.
I just took a class dealing with a similar topic. This class was specifically regarding composition and teaching methods, but the ideas that our teaching methods and strategies need to evolve with the world around us are the same.
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