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What are 21st Century Skills?
| “21st Century Literacy Skills” is a term that is used a lot
these days. What does it mean? Several similar definitions from
different sources have emerged. Three definitions follow. All three
definitions point to the same goal: that being ICT literate is much
more than just having good technology skills. It is learning core
subjects with application of these learning skills and communication
tools. |
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Digital Transformation; A
Framework for ICT Literacy |
Published by Educational Testing Service (ETS),
Digital
Transformation; A Framework for ICT Literacy identifies these skills
as the ability to:
- Collect and/or retrieve information
- Organize and manage information · Interpret and present
information
- Evaluate the quality, relevance, and usefulness of
information
- Generate accurate information through the use of existing
resources
http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/Information_and_Communication_Technology_Literacy/ictreport.pdf |
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Learning for the 21st Century |
Learning for the 21st Century which is
designed to articulate a vision for learning in the 21st Century and
provide guides for creating a framework for action is prepared by
Partnership for 21st Century Skills,
a unique alliance of education, business and government leaders formed
in 2002 working to fully address the education needs and challenges of
work and life in the 21st century. Their definition of six key elements
for fostering 21st century learning is excerpted and adapted from
Learning for the 21st Century
- Emphasize learning skills
Information and communications skills;
Examples: Using communication, information processing, and
research tools (such as word processing, e-mail, groupware, presentation
software, and the Internet) to access, manage, integrate, evaluate,
create, and communicate information). These skills include information
and media literacy skills.
Thinking and problem-solving skills;
Examples: Using problem-solving tools (such as spreadsheets, decision
support, and design tools) to manage complexity, solve problems, and
think critically, creatively, and systematically.
Interpersonal and
self-directional skills
Examples: Using personal development and
productivity tools (such as e-learning, time managers, and collaboration
tools) to enhance productivity and personal development. These skills
include accountability and adaptability skills
- Use 21st Century tools
to develop learning skills
Use digital technology and communication
tools to
Access, manage, integrate and evaluate information;
Construct
new knowledge
Communicate with others effectively.
Examples: Using 21st
Century tools (such as word processing, e-mail, presentation software,
the Internet, spreadsheets, decision support programs, design tools,
e-learning, time management programs, and collaboration tools) combined
with learning skills in core subjects equals 21st Century Skills (ICT
Literacy)
- Teach and learn in a 21st century context.
Learn academic content through real-world examples;
Learning must expand beyond the four classroom walls
- Teach and learn 21st century content
(3 emerging content areas)
Global awareness
Financial, economic and business literacy, and
Civic literacy.
- Use 21st Century Assessments that
measure 21st Century Skills
High quality standardized tests
Classroom
assessments for teaching and learning
http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/downloads/P21_Report.pdf |
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NCREL North Central Regional Education Laboratory
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NCREL North Central Regional Education Laboratory
identifies broader
21st Century
Skills as achieving 21st
Century Learning through
Basic, scientific,
economic and technological literacy
Visual literacy and information
literacy
Multicultural literacy and global awareness
Adaptability and managing complexity
Self-direction
Curiosity,
creativity, and risk taking
Higher-order thinking and sound reasoning
Teaming, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
Personal, social, and civic responsibility
Interactive communication
Prioritizing, planning, and managing for results
Effective use of real-world tools
Ability to produce relevant,
high-quality products
http://www.ncrel.org/engauge/skills/skills.htm
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