Members of the REMC Instructional Technology Specialists (RITS), along with pilot teachers from the across the state, have created 21 Things 4 Students (http://www.21things4students.net ) to provide project-based activities aligned to the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS- S), the Michigan Educational Technology Standards for Students (METS) and the Framework for 21st Century Learning (Partnership for 21st Century Skills).

This REMC Association of Michigan funded project is a virtual classroom for students in grades 6-12. In this classroom, students utilize web tools, instructional videos, and online activities to create a digital portfolio of project based learning activities. Students satisfactorily completing the 21things4students course are deemed proficient for state reporting in 8th grade technology.  The Teacher Resource pages provide course administrators with supporting documents, materials, rubrics for evaluation, and additional activities for enrichment and reteaching.

Although the website can be freely used to teach any of the "things" independently, ensuring that all students are proficient in technology requires district planning.  Districts can tailor 21things implementation in a variety of ways, including multi-year/grades, integration into current curriculum/content, or by offering a dedicated course.

Model 1-Multi-Year/Grade Plan
Each grade level is responsible for integrating and teaching certain "Things" across the curriculum.Example:  Complete "7" things in each grade 6-8.

Model 2-Dedicated Course(s)
The school offers a course focused on teaching all 21things using a project based learning approach.

Model 3-Curriculum Integration
Sample: Each content area integrates certain "things" into their course content. Students are exposed to all 21things within the four core/required area courses.

The course can be followed from the website (www.21things4students.net) and is also available in Blackboard and Moodle. Contact your local REMC for the course export.

What People Are Saying About 21Things4Students

"21things4students" presents real-world skills that students will be able to take with them to business or IT careers." Scott Husken, Teacher, Anchor Bay Middle School South - Grades 6-8

"21things4students is an engaging, interactive program that makes learning vital technology concepts fun! My students loved it!" Kathy Campau, Teacher, Richmond Middle School, 5-8 Technology

"21things4students is the only open source resource that I have found that provides information, web links, and activities for students and teachers that cover the National and Michigan Technol- ogy Standards. Teachers in all subject areas can now be better equipped to integrate the technol- ogy standards regardless of their technology proficiency. 21things4students is powerful, ever- changing, and engaging; I look forward to seeing the transformation in education!" Renee Jorae, Teacher, St. Johns Middle School, 6-8 Technology

21things4students Flier (.PDF, 324 KB)