The Methodological Context in Higher Education

Given the limited number of documents addressing methodological context in higher education with a rigorous approach, this chapter comprises a document drawn up in order to clarify methodological concepts. It emphasizes the importance of the teaching-learning process and the significance of placing the student at the center of all actions. The educator's mission changes from being a mere transmitter of information to being a conductor and organizer of the learning situation. To achieve this, several methods must be combined, requiring a balance between the theoretical and practical classes. Likewise, they can be benefited by carrying out complementary activities. This combination is intended to face the great challenges of higher education in the 21st century, which are driven by changes in the way students learn. The emergence of technologies means that the protagonist in the collective construction of knowledge is the student, responding to their digital and participatory demands.

Innovative Instructional Methods Integrating 21st-Century Competencies in Mathematics Education

Rich exploratory, visual tasks foster opportunities conversations in math class. Clear mental models build the foundation for deeper conversations and foster a class culture where all voices are heard by providing opportunities to take risks and reflecting on beliefs about student ability. Teachers and students can learn the value of engaging with different perspectives. Reflecting on instruction for teachers and learning for students improves retention and understanding. A teacher's role is as facilitator and modeling behavior and communication. Professional development and frameworks are needed to adopt the competencies effectively. Researchers evaluating efficacy of rich tasks and 21st century competencies must reexamine beliefs about ability, consider the impact of societal barriers on student learning, and focus on how instruction can adapt to be more effective for all learners. More research in all of these areas is needed.

Innovative Instructional Methods Integrating 21st-Century Competencies

Innovative instructional methods integrating 21st century competencies need to be taught strategically by educators in virtual, hybrid, and traditional classroom settings. Several challenges with engaging students in virtual and hybrid environments have emerged. However, findings have indicated that implementing innovative technology tools and teaching methods can enhance student engagement. Addressing students' social-emotional needs before expecting them to master the 21st-century competencies is crucial; therefore, understanding synchronous and asynchronous instructional tools is necessary to enhance student engagement. Because the digital divide among students living in poverty continues to grow during the pandemic, developing global connections is critical. Therefore, high-quality professional development is essential to supporting teachers to become innovators.

Four Barriers to Facilitating 21st Century Competencies Through Digitalization

The purpose of this chapter is to identify and offer solutions based on four barriers to facilitating 21st century competencies through digitalization. The first barrier includes the technological challenges faced by families, including devices and reliable broadband internet. The second barrier explores the training and support needed by teachers in implementing digital tools and instructional technology. The third barrier is a pedagogical shift from teacher-centered to student-centered teaching and learning, especially in remote environments where this approach is needed for student engagement. The fourth barrier is training for parents and families to become familiar with the technology and digital tools that their children are using. Practical solutions backed by research are presented by the author for consideration by teachers, administrators, and the school community. Prompts for reflection and discussion based on identified barriers and real-life examples are presented by the author at the conclusion of the chapter.

Digitalization of K-12 Teacher Training

This chapter explores the need for reform in teacher training and professional development of K-12 teachers. Barriers caused by traditional models of professional development courses will be addressed. Information from a phenomenological study investigating teachers' attitudes, perceptions, and motivations regarding blended professional development will provide guidance and insights on the value of blended learning methods. An author-created theoretical framework for blended online professional development, which combines the convenience of online learning with face-to-face learning communities, will be shared. The chapter concludes with recommendations for school system leaders on how to meet the needs and desires of teachers, as well as for the digitalization of teacher training to reform professional development practices and promote 21st century skills for both staff and students.

Barriers to Correctional Education in the Age of Digitalization

The purpose of this chapter is to describe educational barriers confronting incarcerated college students in the age of digitalization. This chapter will also explore how to mitigate barriers to developing 21st century competencies. Many incarcerated college students are academically disenfranchised due to the lack of access to essential modern learning modalities for traditional college students. Failure to provide incarcerated students with adequate 21st century competencies may impede their successful reintegration into society.

Trauma-Informed Leadership in the 21st Century

The 21st century has been marked by war, migration, racial and political tensions, and the COVID-19 global pandemic. The impact of these events on communities is evident in research findings on trauma and education in the 21st century. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the impact of trauma on the learning environment and the ways which trauma-informed leadership may mitigate its effects in the classroom. A literature review will present existing research on trauma, learning in the classroom, educator performance, and trauma-informed relational leadership. A description of the physiological effects of trauma, examples of manifestations in the classroom, and leadership and educator mitigation strategies are provided. The chapter ends with recommendations of leadership's role in modeling trauma-informed practices and mitigation strategies.

Identifying and Applying the Information Technology Competence Framework in an Online Teaching Environment

This study aims to identify the information technology (IT) competence framework to propose the requirements and procedures for use tools and resources in online teaching, and point out barriers to the application of IT in the online teaching environment. This study survey was conducted on sample space (n = 527) and 45 expert opinions. The reliability of the competence framework scale was calculated by using Cronbach's alpha and expert opinions. The experimental results demonstrated that the competencies in the experimental questionnaire were reliable. An overall alpha score for the pilot data was found at high (r = 0.792), which indicates a high reliability of the instrument. This study used the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The results will contribute to the theoretical and practical pedagogy of technology in education and online education.

Assistive Technology to Promote Adaptive Responding and Reduce Challenging Behaviors in Children and Young Adults With Rare Genetic Syndrome

Children, adolescents, and young adults with rare genetic syndromes, neurodevelopmental disorders, and multiple disabilities may experience significant problems while dealing with everyday life environmental requests. Besides extensive motor impairments, intellectual disabilities, and communication difficulties, they may exhibit challenging behaviors. Clinical conditions may be deleterious on their social image, status, and quality of life. A practical way to tackle this issue is represented by assistive technology-based interventions. A narrative review on the newest empirical contributions available in the literature over last five years (i.e., 2015-2020) was presented. Nineteen studies were reviewed. Five main categories of studies were identified, namely (1) adaptive responding, (2) executive functions, (3) communication, (4) gait and locomotion, and (5) challenging behaviors. Results were satisfactory although occasional failures were evidenced. Some helpful insights were emphasized, and future directions for both research and practice were critically discussed.

The Four C's, Constructivism, and Digitizing Curriculum

It is estimated that by 2055 humans will have entered the fourth industrial revolution, a period where technology devices will replace or redefine the human workforce. In preparation, countries around the world have transitioned their educational practices to address the needs of the ever-changing global economy and technology advancements. This shift towards preparing a technology literate workforce is frequently referred to as 21st century skills, the implementation of curriculum which meets the projected needs of learners in the future workforce. Although educators are encouraged to integrate technology in training to better equip the learner in navigating the continuously evolving digital workspace, how this is done is less clear. The purpose of this chapter is to share an inclusive method of how educational systems can digitize constructivism with 21st century skills to ensure all students are prepared for the global workforce.