Is Learning Just for the Classroom? Literacy in the 21st Century Explained
Literacy is more than just reading in the 21st century. As technology has advanced our literacy skills have become more diversified: information, media, and technology literacy.
Information literacy: “Understanding facts, figures, statistics, and data.”
In an age when there are so many sources for information, it is important to teach students the difference between credible and non-credible information. When students see facts and figures, teach them to think critically on how that information was gathered and if the numbers are accurate or backed with research based information.
Media literacy: “Understanding the methods and outlets in which information is published.”
This is more relevant than ever. In no other time did we have more ways to get information from the media. With the internet, television, magazines, social media, and all the areas where we gather our news and what is happening in the world, it is important to do thorough research before reciting information as facts.
Applying information literacy to media literacy is an important crossover. Within the media there are fact pieces and opinion pieces. It is important to remember that just because information is being stated on a credible news outlet, one needs to pay close attention to whether it is an opinion piece or based on backed primary source information.
Complete research on media outlets and see how they get their information. Are they going out and discovering this information first hand and sharing primary sources? Or are they using secondary sources that they did not discover first hand? If you have ever played the game telephone, you know that oftentimes information changes with every person it goes through.
Technology literacy: “Understanding the machines that make the Information Age possible.”
In the last 20 years alone, technology has made tremendous strides. Staying up to date with technology and constantly learning the newest advancements is necessary for most jobs.
Consider all of the technology we use in one day. Being able to use technology and use it effectively is an expected trait for any job or in society in general. Outside of our professional life, we are expected to use and understand technology. An example of this is a traffic light. We understand that green means go, red means stop, and yellow means slow down. When we step into an elevator, we know to push the button with the floor we want to go.
This all seems like common sense but at one point this was a skill that was learned. These are skills that you don’t put on a resume but are expected by all individuals. For example, talking and texting on a phone, knowing how to open and reply to an email, and understanding the basics of using a computer are all examples of technology that we are expected to use and use well.
Applying literacy into life and business
Learning isn’t just for school. The best way to continue to be literate in technology, information, and media is to to actively participate in what is happening around us. Engage in a range of news outlets, research new technologies and participate in advancements, and never stop learning!