Purpose

Research Question:
How can the College's Graduate/Professional Studies programs be enhanced or reconfigured in order to meet the changing needs in Northeast Ohio?

This is an attempt to capture my research process and to share my research findings with as many people as possible. My project goal is to research workforce needs and economic development projections in Northeast Ohio in order to provide recommendations for program enhancement, particularly in Graduate and Professional Studies.

I chose to conduct my project in this public manner in order to explore one aspect of the type of technologically integrated learning for which I am advocating. I have not blogged before, so bear with me.

Early posts merely reflect information gathered. As I progress, my later posts will be more analytical and synthetic. I invite any and all comments, thoughts, musings, questions, and connections. The more personal input I receive, the more meaningful my recommendations will become.

If I have learned anything in the past few weeks, it is certainly that there are many important things that I just don't know, so help me out if you see the need.

Please click on the links that are in (almost) every post to get detailed information from the source itself.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

21st Century Skills

From the 21st Century Skills, Education & Competitiveness Resource and Policy Guide

Our ability to compete as a nation—and for states, regions and
communities to attract growth industries and create jobs—demands a
fresh approach to public education. We need to recognize that a 21st
century education is the bedrock of competitiveness—the engine, not
simply an input, of the economy.

And we need to act accordingly: Every aspect of our education
system—preK–12, postsecondary and adult education, after-school and youth development, workforce development and training, and teacher preparation programs—must be aligned to prepare citizens with the 21st century skills they need to compete.

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My take:
It is easy to find information about he importance of bringing technology and associated 21st century skills into K-12 classrooms. What is not as easy to find is information on best pratcices for revamping higher education curricula to integrate 21st century skills into core programs and particular areas of study. Yes, everyone should know how to use a computer in this day and age, but genuine 21st century skill competency is much more than that. Yes, STEM education needs to be increased because these disciplines will shape the future economic success of our nation and of our Northeast Ohio region, but STEM education does not and should not replace liberal arts, business, or other professional studies.

So where are the best practices for integrating 21st century skills into college classrooms, into education, liberal arts, business, philosophy and other degree programs?

Colgate's strategic plan for implementing 21st Century Skills is here

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