Over the past 10 years, access to the internet has expanded dramatically in schools, homes and communities. While early internet access was limited, today's internet allows for rich social interaction and collaboration through technologies like social networks and Web 2.0 tools. Research shows that students are using these technologies extensively for social and educational purposes outside of classrooms. However, many teachers have not adapted their instructional practices to incorporate these new technologies and ways students interact online. Effective 21st century educators need to embrace technology, use collaborative tools, and engage students in higher-order thinking to prepare them for learning in today's digital world.

1. In the past 10 years, Web access, the nature of the Web, and contexts for learning have been transformed, along with the emergence of desired technological competencies for learners, teachers, and administrators. Internet connectivity in schools, homes, neighborhoods, and communities has become increasingly pervasive. Since the mid-1990s, the percentage of public schools connected to the Internet exploded from 35% to 100%.(Greenhow et al., 2009)

2. A Network of LearnersMichelle J. Gibson Herman

3. The BeginningFace-2-Face EnvironmentFacilitator focusedLimited to brick and mortarFirst generation Web or Web 1.0 was limited in accessInformation only (read only)Not interactive

4. CurrentlyFace-to-face classroomsFacilitator focusedTechnological advancementsSocial interaction amongst groupsBlended classroomsAllows for collaboration of ideas Ability to have face-to-face contactOnline classroomIncorporation of social networksParticipation in various Web 2.0 environmentsGlobal community of learners

5. Three C’s Essential for the21st Educator

6. What is Current Research Finding with Current InstructionLevin et al. (2002) surveying 3,000 public school students, identified a “digital disconnect” (p. v) between students and their schools, with students claiming their teachers had not yet shifted their teaching to respond to the new ways students communicate and use the Web beyond their classrooms.National School Boards Association (2007) reported that students’ online sharing in social network sites involves education and learning. Sixty percent of students surveyed reported using their social network sites to talk about education topics.

7. Research QuestionsWhat is the learner participation and identity as it relates to competencies, practices, and policies of learning institutions? Is the way information that is being delivered virtually, quickly changing and affecting the way learning is being learned? What value does the facilitator provide in the way learning is being learned?

8. My Research Interests Technology driven futureInteractions of learners and facilitators using:Cloud ComputingSocial Operating Systems Relevant Delivery SystemLearners Educationally beneficialEase of access and contentFacilitators Effective communicatorsEffectively guide and direct collaboration amongst groups

9. Application: Research to InstructionComputer Applications MethodsCore fundamentalsKeyboardingOffice SuiteInclusion of Web 2.0 toolsTechnological devicesInteractive whiteboardsTabletsiPodsothersAccounting MethodsCore fundamentalsTechnological devicesInclusion of Web 2.0 toolsStudent PortfoliosExample:http://sites.google.com/site/gibsonhermaneportfolio/

10. Preparing the Future TeacherNeeds to embrace technologyNeeds to incorporate collaborative toolsRelevant to learner of todayPreparation: the tools of a successful facilitator of learnersNeeds to continue to incorporate fundamentals into curriculumNeeds to engage learner to higher level of thinking

11. Key to the learning process are the interactions among students themselves, the interactions between faculty and students, and the collaboration in learning that results from these interactions. ~Palloff and Pratt. Questions?