Educators need to act as 21st century classroom managers. To take on this challenging role, they have to adopt a contemporary teaching approach.
Effective 21st century classroom management is not just about installing the latest technology in classrooms. Effective 21st century classroom management is about integrating 21st century skills into technology-enabled, subject-based teaching and about creating collaborative learning environments. As always, communication and collaboration skills play an important part in this.
In the 2.0 Digital Competence Framework, communication and collaboration competency is defined as a key component of digital literacy - the ability "to interact, communicate and collaborate through digital technologies while being aware of cultural and generational diversity. To participate in society through public and private digital services and participatory citizenship. To manage one’s digital identity and reputation."
Certainly, educators need to become aware, define and grow into their new role. They are no longer the holders of the key to knowledge but have to act as visionaries, learners, role models, adapters, collaborators, communicators and facilitators.
Subject knowledge and 21st century skills are clearly interwoven. Communities of practice can offer an ideal environment for learning '21st century classroom management' as they support educators and their stakeholders in developing and improving their new role and practice.
From the TalkShop 2CG® Series: Professional Development for the 21st Century