PROBLEMS WORTH SOLVING
Creating Solutions & Solving Problems
We live in a more ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse world than ever before. Likewise technology is creating diversity and
gaps in society. In this new 21st century, the use of technology has changed and continues to change everything and the way we do the most basic things. It is incumbent for educators to become facile with technology and its usefulness in education and especially for educators in urban setting, with urban populations, and concerns. Today, every on track student in high school or lower was born in the 21st century. All of the teachers and administrators were educated in the 20th century or by 20th century educated educators.
The thinking of the 20th century is substantially different from the 21st century in many ways. Here are some examples, 20th century prized stability of job versus 21st century which celebrates change. 20th century education was “chalk and talk”. 21st century is technology and the internet. 20th century teachers may be heard saying “these student just can’t concentrate.” Yet the same 21st century students can and do concentrate for hours on video games or their cell phone. Teachers struggle to adjust from being the “sage on the stage” “to being the guide on the side.” Neither alone will work for the 21st century. We have the new way.