There is no doubt that the 21st Century has indeed arrived. In everything that we do, developments in technology have, in one way or the other, helped improve the way we live.
All industries are experiencing massive changes in the way they do things. The so-called "4th Industrial Revolution," deemed to revolutionize the way industries shape our world concerning new technological discoveries, is now happening. Innovations and advancements in technology, with words like "Artificial Intelligence," "Nanotechnology," "Bioengineering," "Renewable Energy," "Quantum Computing," to name a few, have profound effects on the many facets of our lives that several years ago were deemed impossible. To be able to take advantage of all these developments, we need to start collaborating to form communities who would nurture each other and prepare the future generation for what the modern times bring.
Every era produces a wave of people with a different mindset. Education, as the pillar of what forms a society, has a critical role in making sure individuals are ready to maximize opportunities that the future holds. It can make nations thrive during era shifts by nurturing learners with the skills, talent, and mindset to push forward. While leveling up content, enhancing programs and techniques are essential, it is the active cooperation by different sectors to contribute to learning can the goal of preparing a fully equipped individual can be achieved.
COLLABORATION IS KEY
No man is an island. That has never been truer especially when we talk about education. The call to assist in character building and information sharing to learners is no longer just limited to educational institutions and teachers. Families, communities, governments and private industries are encouraged to join this endeavor. Every touch point of a learner from the moment he or she wakes up at home, interaction and encounters that they have as they go through the routines of their day, their whole environment and ecosystem contribute to their growth. Through collaborative partnerships among different stakeholders, we may be able to supply a holistic learning experience that would equip future leaders and professionals with the foundation needed to make nations prosper in the 21st century and beyond.
RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION
While primary subjects are essential in the formation of a learner, it is in its application that real relevance is built. It is no longer enough to merely know the basics of the language, maths, and sciences. Current times call for students to apply these fundamental learnings to understand trends, political landscapes, global happenings, and economies. Higher levels of discussion are encouraged to apply theories learned to the practical realities.
CONTINUOUS SEARCH FOR INNOVATION
Learning never stops. Not just in the 21st century. Breakthroughs are being discovered every day that is in not enough to settle with the what we know today. Information is available everywhere and learners should be taught how to take advantage of it. The future generation should be equipped with the open-mindedness and critical thinking to process this readily available information through different mediums. Innovation and disruption are born from new ways of thinking. Students of today should be encouraged to do just that to be able to champion the 21st century.
That's why Partnerships for 21st Century Learning (P21), a recognized global organization who aims to be the catalyst for 21st century learning, created the Framework for 21st Century Learning. It emphasizes that priority should be given to developing learning competencies such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. These learning proficiencies can prepare students for future challenges and opportunities that this new era brings. REX has continuously enhanced and leveled up to provide the right support to all partners - educational institutions, teachers, families, communities, individuals, and governments - so they can better assist students to meet the demands of current times. Efforts are currently being done to make each stakeholder understand their role in shaping the future generation beyond the four walls of the classroom. This is the future that the 21st century brings.
As REX continuously innovates and finds ways to assist in creating a set of ready generation for the future, it also poses a challenge to each today -- how do you contribute to shaping the future generation? Find out more about the essentials of 21st-century learning and join us in the conversation. Visit
www.21c.rexbookstore.ph.
