Okay, so if our students are different, does that mean we need to be different, too? What might a 21st century teacher look like?

While swimming in the thoughts and ideas of Bonk’s (2009) text The World is Open, many things come to mind, but without any hesitation I can say “yes” teachers need to be different than traditional educators in order to find success with 21^st century learners. Three key elements of this “new” teacher that come to mind are technology, collaboration, and flexibility. Technology goes without saying --- it was the premise for Bonk’s (2009) text. 

Moving forward students will continue to immerse themselves in new technology without hesitation. Teachers must do the same. I noted collaboration because the classic lecture model for the classroom, a one-way street, is no longer relevant.  Educators must embrace collaboration with their students for a two-way learning experience. I’ll make one final point regarding flexibility --- teachers need it.  Throw the control and plan away!  21^st century learning is much more varied and spontaneous. I’m not implying that we stop planning; no on the contrary, I am insisting that we plan well as teachers, but plan for a different type of 45 minute class period then what our predecessors may have done. Now, there are multiple, even many paths to comprehension and learning; not just the one you planned. Students need room to constructively discover your content even when it wasn’t your original plan.

Flexibility is actually a huge umbrella topic for teachers. It’s enormous because it undoes all the traditional ideas of perfection and control that our culture thinks teachers should have. Shouldn’t the students be somewhat in control of their learning too? This is the direction we’re headed in and while it makes me nervous (because I am a control freak), I know it is best!