This shift has been necessary to prepare students for the modern world and workplace. There are complex challenges facing our society that K-12 students will be coping with. The special set of skills they’ll require go beyond rote memorization and standardized testing. There are essential 21st-century skills that K-12 students need to cultivate to thrive in the dynamic and interconnected world they are inheriting – and technology has provided an avenue for delivering the complex skills outlined below.
Information is everywhere and always accessible. In fact, students are inundated with information. What they need is the ability to think critically, learning to sift through the information that reaches them in order to determine fact versus fiction. Being able to solve problems requires developing analytical skills, assessing information critically, making informed decisions, and using those skills to solve real-world problems.
Effectively communicating and collaborating with others are crucial skills in today’s interconnected world. Today’s K-12 curriculum, in addition to teaching the basics, is also charged with helping students develop strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and digital communication. Helping students build their collaboration skills and improving their cultural awareness so that they are able to work with and communicate with diverse groups will help to prepare students for the collaborative nature of many contemporary workplaces.
Innovation is the driving force behind societal progress. To thrive in the modern world and workforce, K-12 students should be encouraged to think creatively, explore new ideas, and embrace innovation. Nurturing creativity involves allowing students to express themselves through various mediums, fostering an environment that values diverse perspectives, and teaching them how to adapt to change with resilience and ingenuity.
K-12 schools are eager to equip their students with the skills to navigate the digital tools, platforms, and software that will prepare them for the future. Teaching coding, digital citizenship, and encouraging familiarity with emerging technologies will prepare students for the tech-driven nature of the 21st century workforce.
The world is more connected than ever, and K-12 students will need to develop a global perspective and cultural competence. By encouraging an understanding of different cultures, global issues, and promoting empathy students will be prepared to navigate diverse environments at work and in society.
K-12 students need more than just academic knowledge to thrive in the 21st century. Cultivating modern skill sets will prepare these students to be leaders well-prepared for the dynamic future that awaits them.