How relevant are the NETS for teachers and administrators for being a good educator today?

The classroom of tomorrow is already here. In it, students are exploring real-world problems using digital tools and online resources. In many ways, the classrooms of today resemble current global networks. In the classroom and in the outside world, networks of informed and committed people are studying real-world issues and solving authentic problems. Thus, the NETS are highly relevant standards to preparing students for their lives once they leave the classroom and enter the world beyond.

One of the hallmarks of real-world networks is constructing knowledge in collaborative groups. Of course, that is also one of the NETS. In today’s NETS-based classrooms students are provided numerous opportunities to construct their knowledge working collaboratively with others. In fact, the power of many digital tools is that they are tailor made for people working collaboratively.

An important part of working with others in both in the classroom and the real-world is the safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology. Students need to understand copyright laws and fair use standards and follow and respect them in their work just as adults do in the real-world.

Finally, a critical element for members in global learning networks is trust. As network theorist Karen Stephenson has written, “It takes twenty years to build trust and two minutes to destroy it.” Therefore, students really need to learn how to be responsible in their social interactions while working in classroom collaborative groups and online networks. Thus, NETS standards are not only relevant to teachers and administrators, they are a critical element in delivering an education that prepares students for the world that they will enter after the classroom.

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