Schools must change to prepare students for emerging challenges and technology can help students learn and adapt to today's information. For technology use in schools to improve, teachers need to be aware of its benefits and be fully prepared to use available resources. It is important to design learning experiences using technology that provide equitable access and enhance outcomes for all students, including those with special needs. Key elements for 21st century learning include emphasizing core subjects, learning skills, using modern tools, teaching in relevant contexts, and recognizing new content needs.

1. Key Themes and Issues for Using Technology in Your Classroom Chapter 1

2. The 21rst Century Learner Schools must change to prepare students to meet the emerging challenges, and technology tools may be of unique value in meeting these challenges Technology can play an important part in school restructuring. It can help students learn to think and learn to learn. It can provide ways to cope with today’s information explosion

3. Technology use in schools will be slow to improve until teachers are… Aware of the full range of benefits they can gain from technology Fully prepared to use the technological resources at their disposal

4. Standards and Educational Equity Design, manage, and facilitate learning experiences using technology that affirm diversity and provide equitable access to resources Create and implement a well-organized plan to manage available technology resources, provide equitable access for all students, and enhance learning outcomes Design and facilitate learning experiences that use assistive technologies to meet the special physical needs of students

5. Key elements for 21rst century learning Emphasize core subjects Emphasize learning skills Use 21rst century tools to develop learning skills Teach and learn in a 21rst century context Recognize the need for 21rst century content