21 Things Every 21st Century Teacher Should Do This Year

A new school year always brings about new ideas and hopeful ambition for teachers. However, it’s almost 2023. Gone are the days when we can use the excuse that “we don’t do technology”.  Part of being a teacher in the 21st century is being creative in integrating academics and learning into student’s digital lives. With access to content being ubiquitous and instant in student’s out of school lives, we can either reject their world for our more traditional one, or embrace it.

While some of the ideas that follow may seem a bit trendy, it’s never hurts to model ways to interact with all this new media as a covert way of teaching digital literacy and citizenship.   The great news is, you don’t need every student to have a device to make these happen. Heck, in most cases all you would need is a single smart phone.  All you need is an open mind and some student-led creative thinking.

And so, I present the 21 things every 21st century teacher should try in their classroom this year:

1. Post a question of the week on your class blog

One of the best ways to engage student (and family) interaction with your classroom is to have a class blog.  While these are becoming more common, I like the trend of having a weekly student “guest author” write up the ideas and learning objectives discussed in class.  This is also a good place to discuss appropriate commenting behavior on blogs and websites.

2. Have a class twitter account to post a tweet about the day’s learning

Just like a blog only smaller.  Nominate a “guest tweeter” and have them summarize the day’s learning in 140 characters or less. Then ask parents to follow the account so they can also get a little insight into the happenings of the school day.

3. Make a parody of a hit song

The ultimate form of flattery is imitation.  The ultimate form of stardom is when Weird Al makes a parody of your song.  Why not take that to an creative level and have students re-write lyrics to their favorite hit or a popular tune?  Sure, this might take more time than it’s worth academically, but the collaborative sharing and engaging aspect of producing such a thing can be a positive.  Who knows, maybe someone in history class will remake “Chaka Khan” into “Genghis Khan” or something like this classic:

4. Create an infographic as a review

Those clever little graphics are appearing everywhere from popular mechanics to Cosmopolitan. Why not make one as a way to help visual learners review and remember information?

5. Go paperless for a week

Depending on your grade level, this might be harder than you think. Even in a 1:1 district we still print or have need to print things from time to time.  The idea behind this challenge is see if you can figure out ways to make things more digital.  Maybe instead of a newsletter you print and send home, you write a blog or send a MailChimp?  Or instead of asking kids to write and peer-edit each other’s papers, you ask them to share a Google doc?   If your students don’t have devices, then challenge yourself to try this personally for a month.

6. Have a “No Tech Day” just for nostalgia’s sake

And then have your students blog about the experience.

7. Create your own class hashtag

Tell your students and their parents about the hashtag and have them post ideas, photos, and questions to it.  It’s a great way to get people from not only in your class but also around the world to contribute to your class conversation. You can also use this with your blog posts (#1) or classroom tweets (#2). Bonus points if you use something like visible tweets to display your posts in your class.

8. Create a List.ly list to encourage democracy in your class.

It could be as simple as a list of choices for a project or something as grand as what is one thing you want to learn about this year?  Whatever the choice, use List.ly  to create a crowd-sourced voting list and let your students have some say in their learning!

9. Integrate Selfies into your curriculum

This one might take some outside the box thinking,  but I’m guessing that there are students in your class that could come up with a creative way to do this.  Maybe take a selfie next to a science experiment? Or a selfie with an A+ paper? #SuperStudent

10. Curate a class Pinterest account 

Pinterest is a great visible way to curate resources but why not create a class account that has a different board based on projects throughout the year.  Add students as collaborators and let them post their projects to the board.  You could also have a board on gathering resources and information for a topic which would be a good time to mention what is and what isn’t a valid resource?

11. AppSmash Something

Besides just fun to say, you should definitely take multiple apps on whatever device you use and smash them together into a project.  

12. Participate in a Twitter Chat

Twitter can be like drinking information from a fire house at times, but finding a good twitter chat on a topic and participating can be a great way to learn and grow as a teacher.  

13. Make part of your classroom “Augmented”

Why not make take an app like Aurasma and hide some easter eggs around your room? You could make them about a project or just secret nuggets about you.  It’ll keep kids (and parents during back to school night) engaged and turn dead space in your classroom into an interactive learning opportunity.  Need some ideas?  

14. Create a recipe on IFTTT.com to make your life easier

With all of these tools and social media platforms, it might be a good idea to create some ways to automate tasks in your classroom.  IFTTT.com has some great pre-made “recipes” to combine some of your accounts into simple workflow solutions.  

15. Create a Class Instagram Account 

Have a daily student photographer who’s job is to post an example of something your class/students did that day. If you don’t want to mess with “do not publish” lists, you could ask that it be of an object or artifact, not a person.  This would also be a good time to talk about when and how to ask permission to take someone’s photo.  Mix in your class hashtag(#7), throw in an IFTTT (#14)recipe, and all the sudden you can also auto-post selfies (#9) to your class Pinterest board (#10)

16. Perform in a LipDub Video 

This can be either a solo project or for even greater effect, tie in your parody song (#3) and have your students act out their learning throughout the video.  Don’t forget to hashtag it. Bonus points if said video goes viral like this one:

17. Make a class book

The ease with which you can publish books now is amazing.  Using a tool like Book Creator or iBooks Author, you can publish to the iBooks store or Amazon.  

18. Participate in a Mystery Hangout

This sounds a lot scarier than it is but essentially think of playing the game 20 questions with another classroom somewhere in the world. It’s a great way to increase cultural and global awareness and you could event invite the other class to add to your Pinterest board (#10), vote on your List.ly (#8), comment on your blog (#1) or maybe co-collaborate on an eBook (#17).

19. Produce a class Audio podcast

Have students create a podcast highlighting classroom activities, projects or students. That way mom and dad can listen to the weekly recap while going on their evening walk or driving to work.

20. GHO on Air with an expert

With so many resources and experts available, it only makes sense to bring in someone from “the real world”. This not only creates interest in the topic, it adds an air of authenticity.  Using Google Hangouts On Air means you can record this session on the fly and post it to your class site or embed it on your blog to generate discussion at home.

21. Become an activist for a worthy cause.

If the AI can teach us anything, it’s that sometimes a little creativity is all you need to awareness to a cause. Whether it’s helping a country in need or finding a cure for a disease,  our new connected society can be a powerful thing when galvanized for good.  Participating in a global project gives students perspective on their own lives while helping others with their own life challenges.

BONUS – Let your students drive the learning

While you could do all of these challenges by yourself, the real power comes in letting students own a piece of it.  They have the curiosity and the digital acumen, it’s the teacher’s job to give them instructional focus and empowerment.  We live in wonderfully connected times.  Despite all of technology’s perceived misgivings and the fears that we are losing ourselves as a society, why not use some of this power for good?

Just know that as a teacher in the 21st century you ultimately hold the key to unleash this creative beast.  So try something on the list this year that may force you a bit out of your comfort zone because there is no better way to learn than trying.

Just be sure you blog about it when you are finished as learning in isolation helps no one.

Oh….and be sure to hashtag it.

 

Group discussion - certificates should be given to the school?

Anil Anis Kurup

Conversation starter

On appointment in a school as a Principal or Subject Teacher-is it necessary to hand over the original certificates to the school authorities.

If handed over and if  the said certificates are lost/ misplaced or damaged who will be responsible.❓

Views

1. Original documents must be returned back to the Candidate after adequate verification. The School Authorities cannot keep the Originals unless it is needed for any inspection Body or otherwise. Originals are just like Adhar Card or Pan Card. It is a personal document of any individual. It can be challenged in the Court of Law. In no other profession other than teaching such stupid practices are found.
2. Inspection body can be satisfied by attested copy of documents
3. It's neither required nor right to collect Originals but many institution are practicing in order to retain the employee till the session ends.
4. CBSE doesn't make it compulsory. However some teachers change jobs in between which makes it difficult for the schools to run. If you sign a contract with the school they may add this clause. If you agree to it, you need to follow it. Just be careful while signing a contract with the schools.
5. 1st Question why handed over because it's your asset. 2nd. If you want stability the best thing is to keep one month salary as deposit. Which you can deduct 20% per month or if teachers agree you can deduct in 2 to 7 installments.
6. Even while signing any contract. Nobody make it mandatory. Contract doesn't stand if it's not prepared according to law. Even salary deduction is not legal. Under no circumstances you can keep anyone's salary as security or any such deduction.
7. So if a school has taken originals of a teacher and her notice period is one month still they force her to work and on completion of notice period do not return her certificates what shall the person do?

6. Bcz at any point you can't force a person to work against the will, if he or she has followed all the rules.

8. Teachers are one of the most exploited community. They don't have an authentic fraternity of their own to stand for them. Very sad.
9. Go for legal process . And before submitting  the documents take colour Xerox and submit as your acedmics documents  keep original with you
10. Teachers can hand their certificates and credentials over to the management by the acknowledgement given by the school as follows:

Dear [Employee],

We value your commitment to [School Name] and appreciate the dedication you bring to your role. In order to streamline administrative processes and ensure a smooth transition, we kindly request that you leave your certificates and credentials with the school.

This measure is in place to facilitate any necessary documentation procedures and to maintain a comprehensive record of your qualifications during your tenure. Rest assured, this is a standard practice, and your certificates will be promptly provided to you whenever needed.

We believe in fostering an environment of mutual trust and respect. Therefore, should you need to leave your position for any reason, we encourage you to communicate your intentions with proper notice and adherence to the terms and conditions outlined in your employment agreement.

Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated, and it contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our school operations.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

6. No need of submitting originals at all. Self attested is sufficient. None of the unit is higher than constitution and as per that even government use to take self attested documents. So why a society or trust require original. Matter of fact is that they pay less so all such tantrums to make teacher a forced labour.

Pay according to structure then staff will definitely sustain with the system. Lust play no role in education. It stand on the pillar of ethics.

11. In my school, 7 teachers so far left their job in between the session and our students are suffering... as their course is getting pending each time.

In such case what do you expect the management to do?? That's why the certificates are taken.

No.. it's not true.. Nowadays vacancies of teachers is available all the time. Few teachers leave because of getting good increment in their salary. They don't even bother for their students.

6. Look middle class people move out from their home for job n to earn. If management pays well "keeping themselves within constitutional limits" definitely staff will sustain.

12. Nobody leaves the job or profession. Just a bad management. If recruitment was proper and confident, then none would leave in the middle.

11. What about the commitments they do while giving interview?

Here nobody is talking about those students who left depriving of studies because of the teachers.. Very sad!!!

6. With all due respect if management bother about student. Then first thing to teach is to respect our constitution. And by doing illegal activity we are teaching the same so.

13. Nowadays, those who do not get any jobs, end up as Teacher. That is the misery of this profession.All time availability of teaching vacancies reflects the outflow.

8. The concerned areas are..

1. Whether the schools pay teachers as per 7th pay commission salary fully.

2. Whether teachers are eligible for 12% deduction of salary against PF as employer contribution.

3. Whether teachers are given gratuity as per norms.

4. Whether they are allowed for 15 casual leave and 15 earned leave in one session.

5. Whether group insurance against mediclaim is there as a system.

6. Is there any plan for encashment against balance EL at the time of retirement/leaving.

7.Whether school follow extratime stay occasionally or daily and for how long...

And most importantly

WHETHER MANAGEMENT GIVES ONE MONTH/THREE MONTHS SALARY/NOTICE AT THE TIME OF TERMINATION.

If we pay peanuts, we will get monkeys

I think no one deserves to open school in the of social service if you do not have funds to pay full salaries of staff..How can school wala can open many branches in only few years of the conception of mother school. Management is having money for everything except paying salaries to the staff

6. Actually people forget that it's for betterment of society not for business. Sooner they realise better outcome will get.

14. Pls don't ask about salary to teachers

8. No teacher will leave institution if have proper welfare system in the school

14. In one of my known school, employees gave a notice to Management for gratuity and they had to pay it

They paid too

6. Illegal approach is only seen  where team leader is incompetent. Hence to suppress incompetence certain nowhere rules where comes in action.

8. I m heading an institution where few teachers left even government jobs

14. Is der any petition for salary to teachers?

Across India

6. Basis is if income is above 1 cr 7th pay should be paid. And society has to maintain a rule of investing 85% of income in welfare. Only 15% can be utilised for infrastructural developer

8. No basis for full salary sir...It is compulsion on the part of Management to pay full salary

6. So collaboratively if we will see it's very easy to maintain rule and regulation as per constitution.

13. Teaching profession is a service to our society. Don't make it a mere profession of earning money.

8. Best welfare system for staff and professional work culture is a key factor for any any institution to prosper..

1. What changes could you bring in *(Today's Society)*??? Particularly in today's youth? I am talking about the values.

6. If any teacher need any help I am always there to help them. Even legally we have started a free legal consultation on the same for this fraternity.

1. TOP AGENDA

NO COMPROMISE ON SALARY OF STAFF IN ANY INSTITUTION.

14. Most important Empathy.. Nowadays, our young generations is devoid of it. Honesty, sympathy, respect towards others and their belongings too.

8. This will come from us....whether we own these values genuinely. Let the light emerge from within. Let us be the animators of all virtues and values. The easiest task is to change ourselves first...

14. Ji

But bhukhe Bhajan Naa hoye Gopala

And why teachers only should sacrifice?

And who the hell values our sacrifice?

No rule in favor of teachers. Teachers can' t take tution also as per rules. No rule supports us. Pathetic condition

8. A driver can drive a vehicle ANYWHERE

A businessman can sell his product ANYWHERE

A lawyer can fight case in ANYCOURT

A police person can check unlawful activity ANYWHERE

BUT A TEACHER CAN TEACH ONLY IN SCHOOL

If we want India to be developed and sustained country then EDUCATION AND HEALTH services should be best in the world.

15. Less pay and more work.

This is the condition of teachers.

They are literally exploiting us.

16. I was a teacher and a part of management in my past experiences.

I truly believe that both side is responsible for this mess.

But at the same time condition of teachers is pathetic in India unfortunately.

No one will ever want to make their son or daughter a school teacher I can bet.

Management always use this situations as their advantages.

Not all fingers are same  at the same time.

But we talk always for majority.

Teachers should always be the last to be blamed , I believe..

Management has always options but teachers don't atleast in India.

The worst career option in todays time.

8. My humble request to all the members in this group is that if you are in leadership role then please ensure utmost welfare including full salaries of staff. And if you are owner of the institution I pray please pay full salary and happy working environment to the staff. I am sure staff will make your institution one of the best in the segment. I promise.

AND PLEASE KEEP IT IN THE MIND YOU ARE NOT DOING ANY SOCIAL SERVICE IF ANY PENNY OF EARNED MONEY OF THE SCHOOL IS DIRECTED TO ANY ACTIVITY BEYOND THE PURVIEW OF SCHOOL.

17. Good evening everyone

Sir where is law in schools have any standing order to follow the rules & regulations by the school or by the employees is they notified or certified by the government authorities? No there law is there own law they can change it time to time according the situation.

Why MNCs are not asking for original documents or salary deposit rather then they are paying very high.

Here is need to make proper law in schools for both employer & employee need to be setup proper HR & Administration

6. Yes orders are their but due to non availability of strong governing authority. Usually school owners are into malpractice. Else they have to follow state norms.

1. I agree with Mr. Ghanshyam, Pay high get high, pay low get low. Schools have to go a long way to truly be professional.

18. For this management should have gap over arrangement teachers ready and meanwhile make use of other additional teachers to cover up the syllabus but requested not to go against the law which states no institute can ask for originals of the employees so unnecessarily invite trouble in case anyone approaches court. In my personal opinion I would rather suggest to have the appointment letter signed with conditions for resigning i.e one month notice or salary in lieu of the same. Moreover if you provide good remuneration, good Professional growth and healthy atmosphere at the work place then I don’t think they will even think of leaving unless or until it is inevitable  due to personal reasons.

6. Law,rules all are there. Lack of knowledge and persistence leads to this.

17. Correct, but if you know the law you are not a suitable candidate for their school

3. In our school in Indore,

They get resignation from every teacher before 5years to avoid Gratuity Law. Why should a teacher then not leave if he gets a better opportunity.

19. Relevant concern affecting lives of Teachers and School Management raised yesterday

We spent quality 20 hours in discussing for the same and reached No where.

Needy applicants will keep accepting, suffered Management will keep tweaking their tricks for running thier Sessions, every Session.

Let us now kindly focus on Agenda of the group.

Regards

Are we making teaching and learning more enjoyable

JOURNALISM OF COURAGE

My Dear Students | Let’s reflect on the classroom teaching experience; has it lost its value?

'Are we making teaching and learning better and more enjoyable?' asks Nuggehalli.

'Why do we need classes on jurisprudence?

My dear students,

Today I want to give you some idea of what I have been telling my students about the value of classroom teaching. We are packing you like sardines in cans for hours on end; at the very least we must reflect a bit on what you and I, teachers and students, are getting out of it. I don’t mean I get a salary and you get a job at the end of it. I mean to ask if we are making teaching and learning better and more enjoyable or are we just sticking to something that has outlived its value. I am teaching legal philosophy this term. This is what I am telling my students. There are some references below that are specific to legal philosophy but I don’t think that will come in the way of your reading

Welcome to jurisprudence. I suppose we must begin by asking why do we need classes on jurisprudence? You can get your readings from the internet. You have talking heads on YouTube and Instagram delivering lectures on jurisprudence. Why do you need to sit in a collective physical space and why do you need me? If we don’t answer this question, we will not utilise our time properly in this term.

You need me because the texts will not speak for themselves. I won’t be doing my job unless you come out of the class with some insights into the texts you did not have before you entered the class. This is the challenge for me: to try to get you to think about things you wouldn’t have thought of if you were left alone with the texts. Hopefully I can get you to think about the text from different viewpoints, point out what the author is trying to get at, how that fits into the rest of the literature, how it adds to the existing state of knowledge, how you might want to agree and disagree with it, and why it’s interesting enough to warrant your attention and mine.

You don’t need only me though. You need each other. This is an even bigger problem than convincing you that you need me. I find that many of you have very little faith in your ability to contribute to class discussions. Perhaps it’s because you think you haven’t prepared enough or read enough. But, at least in jurisprudence, you will be made to do plenty of reading in the class. At that time, please have some faith in yourself and in your friends that you will come up with insights that will invigorate the discussion in the class. You will understand what’s been taught better because you will build on each other’s insights. Is this so hard to believe? Will it help if I tell you that in previous batches this has worked very well, that students who were seemingly diffident came out with perspectives and thoughts that helped everyone—me, their friends and themselves — navigate jurisprudence better.

You still don’t believe classroom discussions add value? Let’s take the example of just the last two classes. I asked you to look at the Speluncean Explorers case and tell me what the judges thought of the nature of the law and the relationship between law and morality. Some of you answered that if authority is the essence of the law, then necessarily morality can’t play a role in identifying legal propositions, because we need to maintain the sanctity of authority. Some others in the class said that it is precisely because authority is integral to law that people who apply law, such as judges, use moral principles while applying the law. The actual solution to this issue is not important right now, it’s just that I really liked the way many of you responded to the issues. You were thinking through the problem and you were using the classroom as it was meant to be used; as a forum for shaping thoughts, debating different points of view, and working with and off each other to arrive at insights you probably won’t get on your own. 

The most boring thing you can do is just sit tight and listen only to me. There is a certain point of time after which I find it difficult to listen to myself and so I have no hope that you will listen to me for more than a few minutes if I start on a soliloquy. Here’s what I would like you to do. Keep aside your previous years in law school. Perhaps you lost interest in some of your classes or you have gotten used to your more garrulous classmates intervening in the class discussions all the time. Let’s make a fresh start. You start listening to me and to each other. You have nothing to lose. You might even gain something. At the very least, you won’t be bored.