February 8 2013

Are you up for the challenge?

What does it mean to be literate in the 21st century?  A nicely presented video from a teacher’s perspective, identifying the various multidimensional interpretations of literacy for the 21st century learner.  Literacy today encompasses so much more than the simple reading, writing and arithmetic of the previous era.  Literacy in the 21st century involves being well versed in many areas in addition to the basics. These areas include, at a bare minimum, computer literacy &/ or technology literacy, information literacy and media literacy.   As one gentleman in the video, so eloquently put it; “Literacy means, to me, being able to understand and read the world”.  There is no doubt that today’s world is online and the classroom needs be connected.

With this new definition of literacy comes a new role for our educators. As the video states, technology is now a part of our everyday lifestyle and this element needs to be incorporated into our schools. Students are often overwhelmed with the volumes of information available. They need time and guidance to identify and absorb what’s vital and toss away the unnecessary. Teachers are embracing a mentorship role and are often part of an active “partnership in learning”.  This new methodology is the key element needed to enable our 21st century leaner to reach the critical thinking stage of their education.

The challenge of the 21st century educator is to provide today’s young people with the knowledge necessary to be a skilled, responsible digital citizen and lifelong learner. Are you up for the challenge?

February 3 2013

Web 2.0 Tools support Information and Media Literacy

BP – Web2.0 Collaborative instruction. Week 2 – Mind42.

The task: Build a mind map “to illustrate your understanding of how Web 2.0 tools can support information and media skills”.  In my opinion, the premise was/is a bit backwards. Without Web 2.0 we would not have a need to redefine information literacy or to create the term media literacy.  Illustrating how Web 2.0 tools support these educational needs is in some ways putting the cart before the horse. Technology is driving society (the cart) and shaping the education of our young people. Web 2.0 tools are not necessarily the result of the consumer’s need for innovative products.

My mind map began as a broad overview of what I felt were essential elements in the implementation of IML in our schools as a reaction to web 2.0 tools. In the Map “IML & Web 2.0”, these thoughts are reflected in branches to the left. On the right, I focused more on connecting the tools to the necessary skills that have been defined and that education systems need to support. I included links to pertinent articles/sources of the information and notes to explain and define the bullet.

Enjoy!

Mrs C.