Tonight, I will be speaking with Lisa Durff and the gang over at EdTech Talk Live- It's Elementary (9 PM ET). I am a long-time listener, and first-time guest, so I am excited on many fronts.
The topic for tonight's discussion is : 21st Century Literacies
In a Google Search, the term 21st Century Literacy gets 2.8 million results and is being discussed on blog sites, wikis, magazines, radio, et al — so there is a lot to say! Yet,with all the chatter around the topic, there is still confusion and ambiguity on just exactly what the heck a 21st Century Literacy is.
I approach the topic from a more practical stance. When I think about literacy, the ability to read, write, speak, listen, view, investigate, collaborate, and communicate, what contexts will our students be engaging in those practice in the twenty first century?
What kinds of means and mediums will they be doing this complex work on: traditional text, multi-media images. audio, video, news, health, and content area matter
As I consider the work, it helps put into perspective the kinds of competencies, habits, and attitudes (Habitudes) I need to develop and nurture as a 21st Century teacher.
Here's my short list:
- Listening – the start of collaboration and connecting starts here, don't you think
- Questioning – there is no good search, without a good question. It is our questions that allow us to make meaning, you discern what is important and what is not, to analyze, validate, and seek out what is most critical
- Self Awareness – am I confident in this opinion and I willing to take a stance, do I realize whem I need others help, and I am aware of who I should seek to strengthen my weakness
- Adaptability – the relaxation that the only constant is change, It is literacy my ability to Read complex, multi-genre, multi-modal work that supports me in that change, My ability to investigate the variables that help me manage that change, and my open-minded attitudes that allows one to handle the ambiguity that comes along with not knowing the future
- Connecting – in this complex world, engagement is enhanced with connection. Our brain needs connection to make sense of the work. It's a big plus to have a personal learning network (PLN) to help me. Strength comes in numbers – teaching students to find, connect, and collaborate with others is vital to their future — and ours.
What do you think? What am I missing?
I wold love for you to join us tonight for this critical conversation, If you cant make it, leave your thoughts on my blog or yours.
Here are some resources and definitions of 21st Century Literacies:
- NCTE Definition of 21st Century Literacies
- A Global Imperative: The Report of the 21st Century Literacy Summit
- Redifining Literacy for the 21st Century (David Warlick)
