21st-Century Learning - A SLMS's Perspective

From Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs, “Educators can now bring topics to life through web-based assignments that incorporate a multitude of online resources, including subject-related photographs, video, and audio.” - this sentence makes an excellent point. Recently I’ve been discussing the implications of technology within the learning environment. Some educators may struggle to find value in technology as an instructional tool and see it as a replacement of face-to-face, physical instruction.

Technology, however, is not a replacement but a supplement and now an integral component of 21st century learning. It is about advancing students from the foundational core and extending their learning beyond the classroom to connect with real-world concepts.

I can’t say it any better than the following:
“Perhaps a better way to think of 21st century learning environments is as the support systems that organize the condition in which humans learn best—systems that accommodate the unique learning needs of every learner and support the positive human relationships needed for effective learning. Learning environments are the structures, tools, and communities that inspire students and educators to attain the knowledge and skills the 21st century demands of us all.” (Partnership for 21st Century Skills 2009)

“Students who can (and do) read and inquire with thoughtfulness and curiosity are empowered to push their own learning to deeper levels and wider vistas.” What are we doing to promote this? Are we asking students to read, are we providing them with challenging material to analyze, are we inspiring them to think using multiple literacies (digital, visual, textual, and technological)?

The 7th Common Belief regarding Standards for the 21st-Century Learner: “The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable then to learn on their own.” This is another essential concept for educators to consider. It is sometimes hard for teachers to get out of the driver’s seat and step into the passenger’s seat, yet it is so very important that we find a balance and allow students the responsibility to drive their own learning... while we update our own skill sets and learn right along with them! If the only learning that takes place between student and teacher is in the classroom and stays in the classroom and is directed solely by the teacher's objectives, then we have served our youth an injustice. Their learning should continue beyond our school’s physical boundaries and continue each and every day because of our facilitation. I believe it is important to recognize that students have the capability to learn from more sources than the bits of wisdom each teacher attempts to embed in the minds of our learners. 


It is a delicate balance that takes careful consideration, and each educator will have a different answer that fits into the curriculum and teaching style of that unique individual.