Patty Cantrell's Page

I have spent the last few days reading about how we need to re- define instruction for the 21st century. I think the better question is, how do we learn in the 21st century? Today, it is not about how teachers teach and students process that information. It is about how each of us receives that information and what is done with the information received. We are no longer passive recipients of information that is handed down from the experts but actively involved in creating the… Continue

Every day I walk down the hallway to my office and see a black and white poster that reads,



“The illiterate of the 21st century

will not be those who cannot read

and write, but those who cannot

learn, unlearn, and relearn."

Alvin Toffler



To me, this statement gets to the core of what needs to change in education today. We cannot teach if we ourselves are not 21st century learners. Teacher’s first need to learn with today’s technology. They need to… Continue

In an earlier post I talked about the power of learning from the “Thing Itself”. The classroom environment is usually a permanent place inside a building where outside excursions require more money and resources than available to most teachers. Since time travel isn’t possible, just yet, there is a program available that is the next best thing. This program provides a way for students to experience the “Thing Itself” without leaving the classroom.



I am referring to the Library of… Continue

It‘s almost comical how long it has taken me to become a contributor to the online community. To the online community I would be referred to as a lurker. The word “lurker” sounds evil but in reality a lurker is someone who reads and observes social networks but rarely contributes. I compare it to the student in the back of the classroom that never participates in the discussions but knows the content as well or better than those students participating. Apparently, I haven’t been alone but times… Continue

I just got back from a trip to Yellowstone National Park and it took me back to the days I worked at Colorado State Parks. I presented campfire talks, guided nature walks, designed visitor center displays, and developed environmental educational curriculum and programs for various school districts. You will find this type of instruction, which is referred to as interpretation, at parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, and historical sites. I know the word interpretation has different meanings but the… Continue