Chapter 1 “New World, New Web, New Skills” from Web 2.0 New Tools, New Schools by Gwen Solomon and Lynne Schrum

Web 2.0 New Tools, New Schools by Gwen Solomon and Lynne Schrum
One of the main purposes of our education system is to prepare students for the working world. The Web has changed how, when, and where people work. The skills that our students need to succeed in many careers have changed to include new technology that schools in other countries are embracing in a more meaningful way. Businesses can use this to employ people around the world (through a few different time zones) to be working around the clock. Employees in other countries are many times willing to work for far less than U.S. employees. If students in our country are going to be able to compete, our education system needs to not just change what we teach, but how we teach.
Teachers need to not only know that new technology is out there, but must be comfortable enough to use it. Teachers need to be well trained and supported to be able to teach 21st century technology skills. Teachers need to give assignments that are project based and require students to use information from multiple disciplines, but also all levels of Blooms taxonomy. The specific technology tools used are less important than the content that is being taught through technology.
Regardless of what a student does after high school, all students must have these 21st century technology skills to be successful in the work place. Students will need to have greater global, financial, and civic literacy than in the past because of their interconnectedness with people from all over the world. They will need to be self-directed, creative, and able to communicate and collaborate effectively.
Students today use technology comfortably and effectively. It is the education systems job now to use those tools to prepare students to be effective employees in a worldwide job market.