21st Century Skills

What is the 21st Century one may ask but I ask what isn’t the 21st century? The 21st century is surrounded by a rapid evolution of technology. People use technology on a daily basis whether it’s the use of their cell phones, computers, television, or GPS systems. Technology has been absorbed in so many people’s lives that we wouldn’t know what to do without it. Knowing how to use technology plays a big factor when getting in touch with the 21st century because there are so many advances that make it hard to follow. Being part of the Generation Y it is very easy to follow these advances because we were born and have grown with the use of high-tech technology. As for our grandparents and parents it takes a little getting use to because in the older days everything was done through mail boxes or pen and paper. Schooling can now be taught over computer; you can virtually watch your teaching online and simply turn in assignment through e-mail and not once seeing your teacher or going into a classroom. I am amazed by technology and everyday something new is invented and we have to be flexible because technology is everywhere and to succeed in the future you will have to be able to adapt to these changes.

Being in an advertising major we use technology for everything! Technology promotes advertising. Ads are placed on billboards, television, cell phones, websites, and are simple ways to spread the word about a business or event to people from all over. With the use of technology we are able to send mail advertisements straight to your email that can also then be transmitted to your cell phone. I currently was applying for an internship called the ZOI which is a Greek directory for colleges all over; interns promote their company to businesses and asking if they would like their business to have an ad in their directory. But the thing with the ZOI is they only have one office and that is located in California and all of their employees have to contact them through cell phones. Without the use of cell phones the ZOI wouldn’t even exist across the country unless having to open more offices. Technology allows them to work with their employees and run a successful business. With the use of computers I am able to excel in my ads and make my advertisements more exciting and eye catching to viewers.

The video below "Bringing 21st Century Learning to Your Classroom" expresses how we are coming into a New Age and why educators should care to teach technology to their students. As teachers promote participation through the usage of blogs and wikis, students communicating meaningfully and prepare them to be active citizens in the 21st century. The more teachers allow their students to practice with technology the more their students will grow. They will expand their horizons by being able to connect with others and forming ideas together creating emotional attachment. Students are able to learn opinions from peers based on analyzing their work and progression. I agree with the video that technology should be taught in the classroom because once that student leaves the class everything around them is technology. You want to teacher your students something valuable that will need and you don’t want to trap them by not letting them connect with present day technology.