Deep learning: ICT and 21st century skills

One of the key challenges confronting Catholic Education is improving educational quality. A key indicator of improved educational quality is improving student-learning outcomes so that students acquire the skills needed for 21st century learning. These skills include creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking as well as being productive users of technology. The acquisition of 21st century skills requires the development of personalised learning that is broader than simply an acquisition of the basics. Leaders have a crucial role to play in understanding student learning and in facilitating a teaching and learning program which moves from surface to deep learning. The use of information and communications technology (ICT) is fundamental for the kind of personalised learning needed for the development of deep learning but, as the SAMR model makes cl ear, simply using technology does not guarantee that deep learning will occur. What is crucial is the transformative use of ICT for learning. This paper is designed to link understandings about deep learning with the appropriate use of ICT to enhance learning.