What+does+a+day+look+like?

21st century in the classroom and //beyond//...
This year students used netbooks instead of textbooks, they learned math using online differentiated instruction materials that were targeted to their specific needs. Students also had access to scaffolding to assist them every step of the way. Self- directed learning was a new concept and not all students excelled at first, but the choice was available to them, freeing up the teachers to work with smaller groups. This delicate balancing act was constantly monitored during the year to make sure that all students had every opportunity to learn at the pace that best suited them.

Creating their own study tools using web 2.0 tools allowed this year's sixth-graders to take control of their learning instead of just learning from their teachers or textbooks. They communicated with other students around the globe about current events and shared their creative writing pieces. Learners kept track of their own progress in many subject areas using online assessments and by keeping digital portfolios.

Students worked in groups all year long, even while sitting across the room from each other. The delivery method of education transcended the classroom setting by allowing student netbooks to go home. Teachers received email notifications of student work outside of school hours to reinforce this concept and further the goals of the Talent 21 initiative.