Today’s generation of students are growing in a digitalized world in which they are constantly exposed to digital technology. Technology has become a major source to receive and disseminate information, communicate, and connect with others. The world around us is constantly changing, but for the most part education has remained almost static, and the need to make some changes is evident. Many recent studies are focusing on the need to integrate technology in the classroom to foster 21st century skills and core curriculum. As the world continuously evolves and technology increasingly plays a more important role in everyday activities, the need to address 21st century skills in schools becomes more and more critical. Teachers are …show more content…
In response to those demands by the EETT, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) developed the Long-Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020 (LRPT) to establish statewide goals, which are measured using the School Technology and Readiness (STaR) chart survey. The yearly survey, in which all Texas teachers participate, is used to assess technology integration in Texas public schools. The survey assesses four main areas: teaching and learning, educator preparation and development, leadership administration and instructional support, and infrastructure for technology. The results of survey demonstrates that between 2002 and 2010 very little improvements have occurred in the teacher and learning …show more content…
The six same skills conform the elementary Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Technology Applications.
Rotherham and Willingham (2010) draw attention to Plato’s writings about critical thinking and different levels of intelligence in the 3rd century, and that problem solving skills have allowed civilization to progress throughout history. They reason that critical thinking and problem solving are skills that need to be taught more intentionally expand students’ learning. Through the integration of technology these skills can be elevated to new horizons. Charles Kilfoye (2013) emphasizes these are not new pedagogical skills introduced in the 21st century, and discusses John Dewey had already predicted technology changes would have a power impact in education. Although those might not be new skills, we have new digital tools that facilitate those