Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Digital Literacy: The discussion continues

At our Secondary School teaching staff meeting this week discussion became lively concerning the topic of Prensky's notion of Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants. We started to look at the implications for educators, the responsibility we have to adjust, as necessary, our content and methodology to cater for the digital literacy needs of the 21st century. We listened to a podcast between myself and Sam about teaching and what teachers could be aiming for.

We considered the need to not overlook basic literacies and to develop awareness and integration of information literacies using digital technologies in the teaching and learning process. We do not have the answers to all of the questions posed at this meeting, we are already struggling with time constraints and other daily issues in a school that are not conducive to exploring new territories and ideas in education, particularly if they threaten our comfort zone. Despite the words 'digital' and 'technology' still continuing to be alien to many educators in terms of how to create a curriculum focused but integrated program that enhances learning outcomes for all, as a teaching faculty it is encouraging that we do set aside time to explore and develop our 21st century approach.

The following resources provide further reading and exploration on this topic. I challenge all educators to keep exploring, pondering and discussing this vital topic as it is not going to go away and we will see major changes in education as the digital natives start to become more powerful as adults.

Just to get you started.........
The enGauge website states:
The following skill clusters, when considered within the context of rigorous academic standards, are intended to provide the public, business and industry, and educators with a common understanding of—and language for discussing—what is needed by students, citizens, and workers in the Digital Age.

Digital-Age Literacy

  • Basic, scientific, economic, and technological literacies
  • Visual and information literacies
  • Multicultural literacy and global awareness

Inventive Thinking

  • Adaptability and managing complexity
  • Self-direction
  • Curiosity, creativity, and risk taking
  • Higher-order thinking and sound reasoning

Effective Communication

  • Teaming, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
  • Personal, social, and civic responsibility
  • Interactive communication

High Productivity

  • Prioritizing, planning, and managing for results
  • Effective use of real-world tools
  • Ability to produce relevant, high-quality product
Finally, have at look at this great blog for teachers and blogging and education called Blogging Ballet
I look forward, as usual, to your comments on this eLearning blog.

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