The Partnership for 21st Century Skills Website

The site looks like it has a definite agenda of providing a world class education for all students. Only a few states seem to be represented and they are actively pursuing membership. There is also an online store for educational resources. Everything appears legit to me and I do not see anything wrong with what they are trying to do. I think this site is trying to challenge the educational system that we have and will challenge educators to step up to the plate and deliver the education our kids deserve.

The 21 century skills set needed for all students in this organizations opinion mirrors the views of Dr. David Thornburg and are as follows.

1. Information and communication skills (information and media literacy skills; communication skills)

2.Thinking and problem-solving (critical thinking and systems thinking; problem identification, formulation and solution; creativity and intellectual curiosity)

3. Interpersonal and self-direction skills (interpersonal and collaborative skills; self-direction; accountability and adaptability; social responsibility)

4. Global awareness

5. Financial, economic and business literacy, and developing entrepreneurial skills to enhance workplace productivity and career options

6. Civic literacy

The founding companies that helped start this entity along with the Department of Education are impressive and include:

AOL Time Warner Foundation
Apple Computer, Inc.
Cable in the Classroom
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Dell Computer Corporation
Microsoft Corporation
National Education Association
SAP

Blogs in the Classroom

I'm excited about the different ways blogs can be used successfully in the classroom. This next school year will be the first time I will use this technology in my classroom and I'm hoping to get some great ideas from fellow teachers all over the world. Blogs can serve many purposes in education from what I've seen and heard and the possibilities seem endless. The first function a blog serves that comes to mind is a place to showcase work and interact about content. Also, I feel it will be a great outlet for shy students that normally don't want to speak out in class. Any tool that will get students thinking, communicating and opening up is wonderful and will enhance learning.

Above all, I think blogging will increase the level of communication between students, parents and teachers. Blogs can be accessed anytime, anywhere and anyplace which makes them all powerful. This communication that can occur outside of regular school hours is important. I plan on using blogs for discussion topics and journals.

I'm a high school business ed teacher. 

My question for fellow educators is how are you successfully using blogs now in your classroom and what tips can you give a novice blogger to use next year.