How do 21st Century Teaching and Learning Practices Relate?

The Standards of Practice for teaching include: a Commitment to Students and Student Learning, Professional Knowledge, Professional Practice, Leadership in Learning Communities and Ongoing Professional Learning.

The purposes of the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession as noted in the document are:

-to inspire a shared vision for the teaching profession;

-to identify the values, knowledge and skills that are distinctive to the teaching profession;

-to guide the professional judgment and actions of the teaching profession; and

-to promote a common language that fosters an understanding of what it means to be a member of the teaching profession.

The Ethical Standards for the teaching profession include: Care which includes compassion, acceptance, interest and insight for developing students' potential. Respect in which members model and show trust and fair-mindedness in relation to concepts such as cultural values and freedom. Trust isrepresented through fairness, openness and honesty. Integrity is embodied by members through honesty, reliability and moral actions.

Similar to the Standards of Practice the purposes of Ethical Standards for teaching as noted in the OCT document are:

-to inspire members to reflect and uphold the honour and dignity of the teaching profession;

-to identify the ethical responsibilities and commitments in the teaching profession;

-to guide ethical decisions and actions in the teaching profession; and

-to promote public trust and confidence in the teaching profession.

21st Century teaching and learning practices can be directly related to the Standards of Practise and Ethical standards for teaching in many ways in and outside of the classroom. As teachers we have the responsibility of not only teaching the curriculum to our students but to do this in the best ways possible. This is evident in specifically the ethical standard of care in which as members we should make sure to express our commitment to students' well-being and learning through our compassion and knowledge. We should always be looking out for their best interests and helping them achieve their goals to their greatest potentials.  In this day in age technology has become a major asset to accomplish just that. These responsibilities are evident in the ethical standards outlined to teachers. We need to be caring and respectful to our students and in turn they will be reciprocal.

Overall, Student learning is not created through the use of technology but as the 21^st century is progressing so are the means of information and processing. As students learn with the aid of different resources, so we must learn with them. The Standards of Practice for teaching include: a Commitment to Students and Student Learning, Professional Knowledge and Ongoing Professional Learning. We must be dedicated to in our care and commitment to students learning and must make sure to strive to provide the best learning strategies possible for students. This means constant change and development with the times. As SmartBoards are being introduced into the classroom along with iPads and E-readers we must allow students to learn with them.

The Professional Advisory provides a context for the responsible, professional use of electronic communication and social media in which students and their lives are intertwined with across all ages. Education is broadening with the use of these types of media and with this so does the misuse. As teachers it is important to not only teach your students of the dangers and implications when using these types of media but to also know yourself as a professional. The advisory goes over profession vs. private distinctions, vulnerability we may be subject to, as well as ways to minimize the risks. Social media is a great way to share information over the internet and involve and connect with your students as long as you are aware of your boundaries and act professionally.