Challenge Based Learning

Challenge Based Learning is Apple's answer to teaching in the 21st Century.  With increased access to information and informal learning, the "sit and get" style of teaching doesn't work anymore.

According to Apple...

Challenge Based Learning is an engaging multidisciplinary approach to teaching and learning that encourages students to leverage the technology they use in their daily lives to solve real-world problems. Challenge Based Learning is collaborative and hands-on, asking students to work with other students, their teachers, and experts in their communities and around the world to develop deeper knowledge of the subjects students are studying, accept and solve challenges, take action, share their experience, and enter into a global discussion about important issues.

In typical Apple fashsion, their CBL website is full of engaging videos.  I recommend spending some time exploring the site

Key Components: http://ali.apple.com/cbl/components.html 
Process: http://ali.apple.com/cbl/process.html

Any my favorite, the Challenge Based Learning Pilot Schools: http://ali.apple.com/cbl/pilot.html  Featuring my former boss, Scott Smith, CTO for Mooresville Graded School District.

21st Century Teachers via NCDPI

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/profdev/repository/teachers/

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction recently published their repository of Professional Development. They broke teaching into 5 strands, which you can see below. Each strand is then broken down into specific items. When you click on the specific items you are present with professional development opportunities.

For Example, Strand 1 is Teachers Demonstrate Leadership and if you click on Leads in the school, you are presented with 10 opportunities.

The strands are a pretty good example of what 21st century teachers look like.

STANDARD 1: TEACHERS DEMONSTRATE LEADERSHIP
A: Leads In the Classroom
B. Leads In the School
C. Leads the Teaching Profession
D. Advocates for the School and Students
E. Demonstrates High Ethical Standards

STANDARD 2: TEACHERS ESTABLISH A RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENT FOR A DIVERSE POPULATION
A. Provides and Environment that is Inviting, Respectful, Supportive, Inclusive and Flexible
B. Embraces Diversity in the School Community and in the World
C. Treats Students as Individuals
D. Adapts Teaching for the Benefit of Students with Special Needs
E. Works Collaboratively with Families and Significant Adults in the Lives of their Students

STANDARD 3: TEACHERS KNOW THE CONTENT THEY TEACH
A. Aligns Instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study
B. Knows the Content Appropriate to the Teaching Specialty
C. Recognizes the Interconnectedness of Content Areas/Disciplines
D. Makes Instruction Relevant to Students

STANDARD 4: TEACHERS FACILITATE LEARNING FOR THE STUDENTS
A. Knows the Ways in Which Learning Takes Place, and the Appropriate Levels of Intellectual, Physical, Social, and Emotional Development of Students
B. Plans Instruction Appropriate for Students
C. Uses a Variety of Instructional Methods
D. Integrates and Utilizes Technology in Instruction
E. Helps Students Develop Critical-Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
F. Helps Students Work in Teams and Develop Leadership Qualities
G. Communicates Effectively
H. Uses a Variety of Methods to Assess What Each Student Has Learned

STANDARD 5: TEACHERS REFLECT ON THEIR OWN PRACTICE
A. Analyzes Student Learning
B. Links Professional Growth to Professional Goals
C. Functions Effectively in a Complex, Dynamic Environment

Principal Kappy Cannon Fosters Technology Innovation and Teamwork

Kappy Cannon, the South Carolina 2010 Principal of the Year, encourages master teachers to innovate with new technologies and work together to share their skills with the entire staff.