In my experience of being a moderator, I highlighted several interesting points which I think deserve to be shared. The presenter, Jennifer, explained how the education changes in the 21st century with the emergence of technology.
Obviously, technology and internet have been driving tremendous social changes since their emergence. They change how people interact, communicate, how they live their lives. They even greatly change human’s way of arranging life priorities. Education is a huge part of social life, and technology and internet have done some big modifications in education-related activities. Classroom space is widened by technology. Autonomous learning can be done by anyone, anywhere and anytime. There are so many sources (paid and free, safe and risky) to learn from just at our fingertips. Teachers’ tasks are not limited in delivering lessons in classes. In fact, their tasks are getting more complicated and varied.
Based on my personal experience, 21st century teachers’ hardest challenge is to educate their students in a way where the students could help themselves facing 21st century problems. In my case, filtering the mass information the world offers.
There are 5 skills one needs to develop in order to succeed in 21st century education: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creative thinking and global citizenship. No doubt critical thinking it is the most important skill any student, anyone, has to develop and any teacher needs to nurture for their students. The fact that EVERY information is available online, and they can interact with anyone from anywhere through the screen, make it even more challenging to make sure that the students have the sufficient self-control and content-filtering skill for themselves. With a good critical thinking ability, a student could easily find the technology beneficial for their self development. As for global citizenship, this site is highly recommended.
The questions asked by the audience were mainly about how to develop their English skill in daily life. Jennifer answered by stating some tips, they are:
1. Learn, teach and apply at the same time. Many times, those who do not have English as their mother tongue, find it difficult to practice English when the person they talk to does not understand what they are saying. Jennifer explained how common it is, how this is not a big problem and encouraged us instead to use the chance to teach English lesson we know.
2. Use technology and digital resources.
3. Speak! Grammar is not everything. Communication is. Take every opportunity to speak. Watching video, listening to songs, singing, they are great but not enough.
Last but not least, I would like you guys to know a little bit about Jennifer.
Jennifer Zirbes
Country of origin: Utah, USA
Education
Bachelor degree in English literature, Southern Utah University
Master degree in TESL, Gonzaga University
Teaching career
Peace Corps Panama
(English, community development, youth and gender development, and leadership)
Teaching immigrants and refugees in Spokane, Washington
Teaching high school in Panama
Teaching in Unand as an English Language Fellow
She created a Facebook group where you could learn English directly with her, anywhere and anytime you want. It's English with Jennifer.
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