What would a school of tomorrow be like? Students need skills of leadership, discernment and judgment to help them succeed during a time of rapid change. They need a new model.  “Listen for the collective.” “Ask for a fluency that much of technology does not have. You need to help people develop that fluency.” (Kristina Woolsey)

The question of who will thrive in the 21st century makes me pause in reflection. America can excel as a competitive force in our economic global market if the next generation of innovation learns to blend very advanced specialties. "Today's graduates need to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and effective communicators who are proficient in both core subjects and new, twenty-first-century content and skills as well as great collaborators." according to "Results that Matter: 21st Century Skills and High School Reform," a report issued in March by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. The new work environment requires responsibility and self-management, as well as interpersonal and project-management skills that demand teamwork and leadership which students learn in Project Based Learning (PBL) for example. But the work force is not the only motivation for the shift.

A nationwide poll conducted in September 2007 by Public Opinion strategies and Peter D. Hart Research Associates was given for the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Students need more than just the basics. Schools need to incorporate a broader range of skills into core academic content. Different kinds of skill sets critically important today are not yet taught well in school. There is a large disconnect between skills we recognize as valuable and the preparation students are getting.

In the 1990’s schools were pushing the “back to basics” movement. Today 74% of the public believe schools should put at least an equal emphasis on 21st century skills and basic skills.  Few think schools are at fault for failing to teach these skills. Most think schools are doing a great job on what they are “tasked” to do which is mainly develop basic skills. We need to think of 21st century skills as an integral part of teaching and learning, not as add-ons to the curriculum. The basic skills and 21st c skill are complementary. The U.S. needs to deliver on these skills outcomes. They are robust, rigorous and relevant for our students.

World is Flat author Thomas L. Friedman struck a note for me when he said, "Help is not on the way."

Now how does that relate to Second Life? Second Life is a 3D digital world created by its Residents. It is easy to imagine how to take advantage of the multimedia and social-networking possibilities within its program. With a rich interactive and expressive component built in to the environment, the opportunity to learn and teach through the use of avatars lends itself to explaining the concepts of the 21stcenturyskills.org and offers everyone the chance to participate, not jut comprehend. Support in a more real life setting can give the visitors the confidence they need to start incorporating the new framework we are hoping to help put in place in our educational institutions.

I hope you will check back as I intend to keep you up to date on the island as we build it from scratch. We will have our open house on February 28th at 4:00 p.m. EST for one hour. To come to our very first event and to visit the island, go to Second Life and search for Island P21. It is categorized as Education but can be found from any general search. See you there and stay tuned for news on a way to join us on the 28th without being in Second Life.