Teaching in the information age has changed the dynamics of how students learn and how teachers teach.   There has been a major shift in the classroom from students as the "receivers" of information and teachers as the "givers" of information to students directing their own learning and working more cooperatively, while teachers take on the role of facilitators or coaches.   I believe that this is because the workplace is demanding that they receive people who can problem solve and work in groups cooperatively in order to achieve a task. 

     Learning is a interactive process between instructors and students; among students themselves; and between class members and the curriculum being taught.  Cooperative group work needs to be a strong part of the classroom so that communication skills and problem solving skills are learned.

     Students learning needs are as diverse as the personalities and prior knowledge that they bring into the classroom therefore multiple learning opportunities have to be provided for them.  Various teaching techniques need to be utilized from class discussions, lectures, video, group work, guest speakers to name a few.  A good teacher is aware of his/her students needs in the learning environment and provides ample opportunities for the student to succeed in retaining the curriculum.  Student performance needs to be assessed in a variety of ways to also reflect the different learning styles.  Students need to be challenged in their learning and if this means reteaching a concept then so be it.

     In order to achieve this a teacher needs to be a facilitator - allowing students to take charge of their own learning.  This means letting go of the process and letting students determine what it is they wish to learn.  A good facilitator can guide students along the path.   The path of course is to become productive successful adults in the working world and in their personal lives.

     Technology needs to be a part of the curriculum.  It should be infused in the learning process and enhance the curriculum.  It should not be an add on, but should enrich the subject matter being taught.  The student should be able to see the relevancy of the application being taught.  Technology should also be used to enhance the curriculum.   Teachers need to utilize it to be more productive as well as use it as a tool to streamline their work.  Grade programs, to creating of worksheets should become an everyday occurrence with teaching staff.

    Students need to develop the skills to become life long learners, problem solvers as well as collaborators with their peers.  Technology needs to be an integral part of this process as this is what our students will face in the working world.  Since all student are different, many learning opportunities need to be used in order for all students to be successful.

    Teachers as well as students need to be able to adapt to the many changes that are occurring in our world today - the classroom is the place to start.  As technology changes, the teacher and the student needs to have the skills and abilities to make these changes and effectively use the new tools available.  It is up to the educators of today to prepare the students of today to take on the challenges of technology and skills needed in the workplace as well as their everyday worlds.