Learning in the 21st Century: How to Connect, Collaborate, and Create Book Review

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Homeschooling families this day and age have a broad range of resources and opportunities to choose from. In fact,  there are so many options out there, we just have to know how to find them, especially with technology on our side.

I just recently was given the opportunity to read an amazing book that I think you as a homeschooling parent could utilize in your homeschool as a parent resource.  It’s called: Learning in the 21st Century: How to Connect, Collaborate, and Create by Ben Curran and Neil Whetherbee. (Perspectives in Gifted Homeschooling Series) It’s a very easy read yet full of important and very useful information that I am excited about.  Though I already utilize a few of the recommended resources as a mom blogger, I was excited to find new ideas that I will most definitely be checking out.

Here is a summary as seen on the back cover of the book:

“The world has transformed on an epic scale, but education has barely budged.  How can you incorporate all the creativity technology has to offer into your learning experiences, even if your technological abilities are limited?  How can online tools help students, especially gifted and twice-exceptional students, connect with others from around the block or around the world to collaborate on  projects?

Ben Curran and Neil Whetherbee of Engaging Educators give you step-by-step instructions to get you started using technology in your learning experiences.  Discover new online tools geared toward collaborating and creating.  Try out projects specifically designed with these tools in mind.  Create a positive and interesting online portfolio to share with college recruiters and potential employers.

Regardless of educational choice, Learning in the 21st Century: How to Connect, Collaborate, and Create, will fill you with ideas and inspiration that will revolutionize how you approach learning.”

I am so excited about the online portfolio.  I have been searching for something to this effect that will not only keep track of everything learned, but also be impressive to future colleges and employers.  Though my girls aren’t of that age as of yet, I will definitely tuck this resource away for future use.  An online portfolio even for the younger years is a great way to showcase everything your child has learned.  We as homeschoolers most definitely want to jump on board for what technology has to offer us.  It’s the sign of the times.

What else does this resourceful book contain?  Here is what is listed in the Table of Contents of Learning in the 21st Century: How to Connect, Collaborate, and Create:

Connect

  • Subscribing to Blog with Google Reader
  • Using Twitter
  • Blogging with Blogger
  • Social Bookmarking: Diigo

Collaborate

  • Google Drive
  • Voicethread
  • Wikispaces
  • Edmodo

Create

  • Part One: Creation Tools
  • Screencast-o-matic.com
  • Xtranormal.com
  • Animoto.com
  • Prezi.com
  • Edu.glogster.com
  • Part Two: Ready-Made Projects
  • Blog

Are you curious of some of the resources mentioned?  I know I was.  I am more eager now than ever to really research what is out there for us as homeschoolers.  To celebrate this new book, the authors and Homeschooling and Detroit would like to give away a copy of Learning in the 21st Century: How to Connect, Collaborate, and Create to one of our readers.  Just enter through Rafflecopter below.  Be sure to read the terms and conditions before entering.

You can currently purchase this book on Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

Happy Homeschooling!

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