Literacy in the 21st Century

Literacy, the ability to read and write. This definition of literacy has taken on new meaning in the 21st century. In Curriculum 21, Frank Baker, adds that "Today, being literate also means understanding wiki's, blogs, nings, digital media, and other new and emerging technologies." Learning is not just about reading a book, listening to a lecture, or writing an essay. We have the capabilities to expand learning worldwide. There is a great deal we can learn when we go beyond the walls of a classroom.

Baker added that "Unfortunately, many K-12 educators have yet to realize the benefits of teaching students with and about non-print media, what is today recognized as an important part in 'media literacy.' " Technology has drastically changed and improved over the past 50 years, yet many of us are reluctant to embrace these changes. What has worked in the past, will work for the future, right?...wrong! Technology continues to change everyday. Technology allows educators to reach students of all learning styles facilitating their success in school. More students are excited about and engaged in the learning process. Lectures and essays are a thing of the past; blogs, podcasts, games, etc. are at the forefront of education. Instead of reading about the life of Eskimos in Alaska students can initiate an online chat with an actual Eskimo who lives in Alaska while using Google Earth to pinpoint their exact location. In addition, assessments such as multiple choice exams have been replaced with simulation exercises, student produced movies and plays, interactive websites, etc.  Do multiple choice tests and quizzes truly evaluate a students knowledge and ability to comprehend specific curriculum content? Incorporating technology into the assessment process allows educators to evaluate their students in real-world situations which prepares them for their future.

Technology allows the learning process to be limitless. Overall, technology has changed the field of education. Embracing technology is the key to success. Terry Heick agrees, technology has changed education and the way students learn by increasing the access to resources, erasing physical boundaries, and changing rules of communication. Communication is now in the form of texts and tweets. Educators must educate themselves on the current technology and resources available, therefore, they can pass on the knowledge to the next generation of learners and future educators which will help us adapt the definition of "literacy" to reflect the 21st century.

Think about it...How do you define literacy in the 21st century???