The double-edged sword of competency assessment

Educators face an uphill battle when attempting to embrace 21st century teaching models. Regardless of the technical accommodations in a particular classroom, the instructor tasked with using those tools must be trained to apply them effectively. They must be equipped to create and adapt lesson plans to impact student learning.

How do educators avoid a negative-feedback loop, whereby a deficiency in training is only discovered once a piece of technology or an emerging concept is encountered? Often, the answer is pre-assessment of technology literacy. By determining the best areas in which an individual could focus training time and energy, professional development is made more efficient. Overall technical effectiveness is increased. 

The Forgotten 21st Century Skill

This morning I presented the topic, "Becoming 21st Century Ready" to a group of teachers and administrators from international schools around the world. We started the presentation by discussing what everyone thought of when they heard the term "21st century skills." To my delight, this group developed a list that was directly in line with the skills that Atomic Learning promotes. "The ability to research," "living a balanced life," "the ability to use technology," and "the ability to communicate" were just a few of the skills shouted from the group.

But as we went on to discuss the topic more, Mrs. K from the audience brought up an interesting point. She said, "I think we have forgotten an invaluable skill that we, as teachers, need to develop in our students.

Project Red educational technology survey

Technology use in schools is gaining momentum. To fuel this growth, educators need data. With your help, we can present the real-world picture of 'what works' to others to help them avoid pitfalls and be successful.You understand the power of technology to transform. We need your help so everyone else will.

Go to survey

An intriguing, frustrating conundrum

This morning I was repeatedly reminded of a dilemma professionals in many fields encounter. On one hand, an employee is expected to keep up with the latest technological tools available to them and relevant to their job. On the other, they may already feel overwhelmed with what's on their to-do lists.

Take teachers, for example. There's a transformation occurring in schools around the world right now. It's being driven by technology--or rather the use of it by kids. Children come to class natively fluent in social media, entertainment, and information channels. They don't know a world without it. And the teachers are being asked to catch up, and then get a step ahead of them.

Updated Content Alert: Projects and Workshops for the UK

All 21st CS projects are now UK localized along with the Web Resources Workshop. The UK versions can be accessed by changing the language preference to English (United Kingdom) in the My Profile & Settings area atop any AL Web page.

21st CS Projects – Revoiced
Comic Science
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_comicscience_pc

Cyberbully? No Way, Not Me
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_cyberbully

Internet Safety & Networking
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_safetynetwork

Myth & Lore We Share
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_mythlore_mac

Water Works! (Mac)
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_water_mac

Water Works! (PC)
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_water_pc

What's for Breakfast? (Mac)
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_wbreak_mac

What's for Breakfast? (PC)
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_wbreak_mac

Wiki Math Mindmaps (Both)
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_mathmindmaps


21st Workshops – Revoiced
Web Resources Workshop – Search, Evaluate & Use
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_webwkshp

Recent website enhancements and new features

The following website updates and enhancements are now live on Atomic Learning:

• To make product selection and purchasing simpler, we've created a new Subscription Options page. Start here to compare products and request a quote.
  
  
• For customers who have purchased the custom training package, site administrators can build a custom training series to which custom content can be added.
  
  
• Users within your organization can access their custom training from within the Atomic Learning system, through the standard search and browse, or in the My Training area if it has been assigned, recommended, or set as a favorite.
  
  
• The custom training feature has recently been updated to allow for individual items to be hidden or deleted.  In addition, an entire custom training series can now be deleted.
  
  
• Several enhancements have been made to the assigned training feature as well.  Administrators with the appropriate privileges can easily modify training assignments.  The assignment name, due date, and list of users who have been assigned training can be changed.  Tutorials and other training items can now be added or removed from previously saved assignments.
  

• Three new how-to videos are available for administrators working with custom training.
  

21st Century PD and Tech Integration Custom Package
Tech Skills Support Package
Assistive Technology Collection
Compare packages

It's time! Vote for your favorite AL mascot design now.

The designs are in for our contest to help create the new AL mascot. Thank you very much to those who participated. We've chosen the finalists, and they're on display here.

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