What does it mean to be literate in the 21st century?

What does it mean to be literate in the 21st century?

1. Literacy defined

   • Literacy encompasses the four strands of language – reading, writing, speaking and listening. It comes in many forms, such as print, digital texts/medias and conversation. To be literate is to be able to express and understand meaning, emotions and ideas both independently and cooperatively using the four strands of language. It is not solely about concrete knowledge but the ability to adapt to modified language that occurs throughout time and new forms through which literacy is present.

2. What 21st century literacy looks like

   • Using technology efficiently and easily, learning quickly when the technology changes
   • An interest and awareness in other language and cultures reflective of our global community
   • Create and share information using a variety of formats (wrtiten, audio recording, video recording etc.) for a variety of audiences (differences in age, culture etc.)
   • Understand, create, analyze and critique multimedia texts
   • The ability to multitask
   • Ethical responsibilities related to cultural diversity within communication
   • Critically evaluate the validity and make use of information sources, particularly online
   • Basic reading, writing, speak and listening competenciess
   • An ability to debate effectively, in person and online, regarding beliefs, politics, etc.
   • An awareness of an "online footprint"

3. Implications for teachers

   • Incorporate technology into the classroom effectively
   • Teach critical thinking skills, potential pitfalls of online communication
   • Must be aware of technologies, comfortable using them, consider technological change and learn about changes in online literacy
   • Consider technology's role in classroom learning so it is not a distraction
   • Consider ways in which to help children become literate in programs and language not yet created
   • Teach lessons and create assignments that use a variety of multimedia formats (blogs, e-portfolios, podcasts, websites)
   • Educate students about their global community
   • Consider the ways in which curriculum fits in with 21st century literacy
   • Teach, promote and encourage traditional literacy skills
   • Make use of both traditional and modern forms of language communication (use books as well as e-books, speeches as well as vlogs)
   • Teaching the language needed to communicate about media and online communication formats