EDUC 9 Module 2 Handouts BUILDING AND ENHANCING NEW LITERACIES ACROSS THE CURRICULUM PDF

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EDUC 9BUILDING AND ENHANCING NEW LITERACIESACROSS THE CURRICULUMMODULE 221st Century LiteraciesIntroductionWith the wealth of information that can be easily accessed through various media - the Internet, TV, radio, printed materials, formal and informal instruction - how do we guide our students in ...

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EDUC 9

BUILDING AND ENHANCING NEW LITERACIES ACROSS THE CURRICULUM

MODULE 2 21st Century Literacies

Introduction With the wealth of information that can be easily accessed through various media - the Internet, TV, radio, printed materials, formal and informal instruction - how do we guide our students in learning skills or competencies that have great use for them to adjust to the demands of the 21st century? As a 21st century teacher, you must be familiar with the new literacies, or new areas of learning, that you have to emphasize and prioritize when handling teaching and learning activities. But first, you need to develop these literacies yourself before you can impart them to your students. Intended Learning Outcomes At the end of this module, you are expected to: 1. explain the features and critical attributes of the 21st century literacies; and 2. express your understanding of the lesson through a poster.

A. 21st Century Literacies and Skills 21st Century Literacies 1. The Arts and Creativity This literacy can be manifested in creative ways of problem-solving and expressed through the production of various art works. Teachers and students need to be more adept in the arts and manifest creativity in various activities.

2. Eco literacy This entails acquiring knowledge about climate change, pollution, loss of natural habitats and biodiversity as well as the impacts of environmental problems on human lives. Moreover, solutions on how these environmental problems could be addressed must also be practiced. Teachers and students need to develop awareness of the environment. 3. Cyber-literacy/Digital Literacy (Information and ICT Knowledge) This competency is based on the reality that societies and workplaces have now become more information-driven. Workplaces of the 21st century rely heavily on electronic (digital) forms of data storage and management as well as in the area of communications. Teachers and students need to develop familiarity and skills in the use of computers, the internet and other information technologies. 4. Financial Literacy Teachers and students are expected to be knowledgeable about the basics of economics and financial management. This way, you as a teacher, can extend the skill into livelihood activities, entrepreneurship, and wise handling of personal finances. 5. Media Literacy Teachers and students are expected to be knowledgeable and skilled in the area of communications particularly the media. Teachers and students must learn how to discern news and information based on the form and content as to how these information being transmitted via various forms of media. 6. Social/Emotional Literacies You and your students need to acquire social skills that are attuned to the norms of your current society. Emotional intelligence must also be developed to be able to effectively manage the stresses of a fast-paced 21st century society. 7. Globalization and Multicultural Literacy You and your students need to develop a culture of respect for cultural diversity. There is value in having a perspective as a global citizen whose local actions can have an impact on the wider global arena. You also have to understand how world events may also affect you and your community at the local level (http://iflex.innotech.org/GURO21/module1/l1_25.html).

21st Century Skills The term 21st century skills refers to a broad set of knowledge, skills, work habits, and character traits that are believed—by educators, school reformers, college professors, employers, and others—to be critically important to success in today’s world, particularly in collegiate programs and contemporary careers and workplaces. Generally speaking, 21st century skills can be applied in all academic subject areas, and in all educational, career, and civic settings throughout a student’s life. The following list provides a brief illustrative overview of the knowledge, skills, work habits, and character traits commonly associated with 21st century skills: 1. Critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, analysis, interpretation, synthesizing information 2. Research skills and practices, interrogative questioning 3. Creativity, artistry, curiosity, imagination, innovation, personal expression 4. Perseverance, self-direction, planning, self-discipline, adaptability, initiative 5. Oral and written communication, public speaking and presenting, listening 6. Leadership, teamwork, collaboration, cooperation, facility in using virtual workspaces 7. Information and communication technology (ICT) literacy, media and internet literacy, data interpretation and analysis, computer programming 8. Civic, ethical, and social-justice literacy 9. Economic and financial literacy, entrepreneurialism 10. Global awareness, multicultural literacy, humanitarianism 11. Scientific literacy and reasoning, the scientific method 12. Environmental and conservation literacy, ecosystems understanding 13. Health and wellness literacy, including nutrition, diet, exercise, and public health and safety https://www.edglossary.org/21st-century-skills/ B. Globalization and Multi-cultural Literacy Global Literacy aims to address issues of globalization, racism, diversity and social justice (Guo, 2014). It requires awareness and action, consistent with a broad understanding of humanity, the planet, and the impact of human decision on both. Global Literacy also aims to empower students with knowledge and take action to make a positive impact in the world and their local community (Guo, 2014). According to the Ontario Ministry of Education (2015) A global citizen should display most or all of the following characteristics:

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Respect for humans no matter their race, gender, religion or political perspectives.  Respect for diversity and various perspectives.

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Promoting sustainable patterns of living, consumption, and production.  Appreciate the natural world and demonstrate respectful towards the rights of all living things.

Multicultural Literacy consists of the skills and ability to identify the creators of knowledge and their interests (Banks, 1996), to uncover the assumptions of knowledge, to view knowledge from diverse ethnic and cultural perspective, and to use knowledge to guided action that will create a humane and just world (Boutte, 2008). Multicultural Literacy then, brings attention to diversity, equity and social justice to foster cultural awareness by addressing difficult issues like discrimination and oppression towards other ethnicities (Boutte, 2008). According to Boutte (2008) education for multicultural literacy should help students to develop the 21st century skills and attitudes that are needed to become active citizens who will work towards achieving social justice within our communities. Because of the growing racial, language and ethnic diversity in our country, Multicultural Literacy needs to be transformed in substantial ways to prepare students to function effectively in the 21st Century (Boutte, 2008). By making small changes within the classrooms, it can create big changes globally (Boutte, 2008). As diversity grows, there is a need for the emergence of multicultural education that is more representative of the students in today’s classrooms. By teaching students to be advocates for multiculturalism, we are also sending a message of empathy and tolerance in schools as a need to develop deeper understanding of others and appreciation of different cultures (Banks, 2003). With this being said, in order for students to develop these attitudes and skills, it requires basic knowledge prior to teaching students how to question assumptions about cultural knowledge and how to critique and critically think about these important cultural issues, which is what essentially makes Multicultural Literacy a 21st Century Literacy (Banks, 2003).

How are Multicultural and Global Literacy Interconnected? Every classroom contains students of different race, religion, and cultural groups. Students embrace diverse behaviors, cultural values,

patterns of practice, and communication. Yet they all share one commonality: their educational opportunity (Guo, 2014). Teachers should teach their students that other cultures exist and that these deserve to be acknowledged and respected. Integrating a variety of cultural context into lessons and activities, teaches students to view the world from many angles, creates a respect for diversity and enables students to learn exciting information. As classrooms become increasingly more diverse, it is important for educators to acknowledge an address diversity issues and to integrate multiculturalism information into the classroom curriculum (Guo, 2014). Globalization and Multicultural Literacy It is knowledge of cultures and languages. We live in multicultural societies, teach in multi-cultural settings, and our students interact with those who come from a different place. Awareness of and sensitivity to culturally determined norms promote understanding. In fact, when students embrace the principle that difference does not equal deficiency, they gain an appreciation for the wealth of diversity that surrounds us. Surry County Schools is located in a rural community. In order for their students to achieve success in the 21st Century, they provide opportunities for them to be bilingual and to interact with other cultures. Surry County Schools is developing bilingual students through the use of: 1. Rosetta Stone-This bilingual program was purchased for all elementary and middle schools in the district. Elementary school computer lab teachers set up a wonderful learning environment for elementary students. In the middle schools, students are learning multiple languages through the use of Rosetta Stone on their laptops through the 1:1 Laptop Initiative. Students are learning to speak Spanish or Mandarin Chinese in the elementary grades and any chosen language in the middle grades. 2. Virtual High Schools-(North Carolina Virtal Public High School)-is committed to raising achievement and closing learning gaps with 21st Century innovations. The mission is to provide skills, student support, and opportunities for learners to succeed in a globally competitive world. Seventytwo (72) courses are provided including world languages. In this spring 2010 semester, the school district has 60 students enrolled in almost 40 different courses. Over 200 students have taken courses from the NCVPHS since its inception. 3. Skype-This technology is utilized throughout the school district to allow students to gain experiences about other cultures by contacting and seeing other people from different countries. They are putting their language skills

to the test. Skype is also used for in-house and school-to-school communication as well. C. Social Literacy Social literacy is a student’s successful performance and understanding of social Skills, organizational skills, and communication skills. It is the student’s ability to connect effectively with those around them. Social literacy spans across interacting with peers, family, coworkers, teachers, and even people we may not have met face to face. Social literacy is so crucial in a person ’s success. The ability to communicate and voice opinions and thoughts, as well as listening to opinions and thoughts of others, is essential in learning. Firmly grasping social cues and norms is extremely beneficial. In literacy every single setting of our lives: school, home, work, clubs and activities, interacting with people (whether face to face or behind technology), we use our social literacy. We play so many roles every day and we socially need to understand how to play those roles appropriately. For example: I would speak differently with my friends than I would my mother, or I would chat on Facebook differently than I would while e-mailing a professor. Without an understanding of this communication, one cannot function with success in society. Social literacy means the presence of social skills, knowledge and positive human values that support ability in human beings to act positively and responsibly in range of complex social settings and their ability to successfully and deliberately mediate his/her world as family member, worker, citizen and lifelong learner. D. Media Literacy Media Literacy is a 21st century approach to education. • It provides a framework to access, analyze, evaluate and create messages in a variety of forms - from print to video to the Internet. • Media literacy builds an understanding of the role of media in society as well as essential skills of inquiry and self-expression necessary for citizens of a democracy. Media literacy, therefore, is about helping students become competent, critical and literate in all media forms so that they control the interpretation of what they see or hear rather than letting the interpretation control them. To become media literate is not to memorize facts or statistics about the media, but rather to learn to raise the right questions about what you are watching, reading or listening to. Len Masterman, the acclaimed

author of Teaching the Media, calls it "critical autonomy" or the ability to think for oneself Why Teach Media Literacy? Why teach media literacy? Here are ten good reasons: 1. Media literacy encourages young people to question, evaluate, understand and appreciate their multimedia culture. It teaches them to become active, engaged media consumers and users. 2. Media education brings the world into the classroom, giving immediacy and relevance to traditional subjects such as History, English, Health, Civics and the Creative Arts. It serves as a perfect bridge for subject integration and interdisciplinary studies. 3. Media education embodies and furthers current pedagogy, which emphasizes student centered learning, the recognition of multiple intelligences, and the analysis and management – rather than just the simple storing – of information. 4. Media education is grounded in the sound pedagogical approach of starting learning where kids are at. The media – music, comics, television, video games, the Internet and even ads – are a part of life that all kids enjoy. Media create a shared environment and are, therefore, catalysts for learning. 5. Media education encourages young people to use multimedia tools creatively, a strategy that contributes to “understanding by doing” and prepares them for a workforce that increasingly demands the use of sophisticated forms of communication. 6. In a society concerned about growing youth apathy to the political process, media education engages young people in “real-world” issues. It helps young people to see themselves as active citizens and potential contributors to public debate. 7. In a diverse and pluralistic society, the study of media helps youth understand how media portrayals can influence how we view different groups in society: it deepens young people’s understanding of diversity, identity and difference. 8. Media literacy helps young people’s personal growth and social development by exploring the connections between popular culture – music, fashion, television programming, movies and advertising – and their attitudes, lifestyle choices and self-image.

9. Media literacy helps children critique media representation, teaching them to distinguish between reality and fantasy as they compare media violence and real-life violence, media heroes and real-life heroes, and media role models and real-life roles and expectations. 10.

With most Canadian students turning first to the Internet for research, media education is an essential component of Information Communications Technology education, assisting young people in developing critical thinking skills and strategies for optimizing searches, evaluating and authenticating information and examining issues of plagiarism and copyright.

https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/general-information/digitalmedia-literacy fundamentals/media-literacy-fundamentals E. Financial Literacy Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. The lack of these skills is called financial illiteracy.

Strategies to Improve Your Financial Literacy Skills Developing financial literacy to improve your personal finances involves learning and practicing a variety of skills related to budgeting, managing and paying off debts, and understanding credit and investment products. Here are several practical strategies to consider: Create a budget—Track how much money you receive each month against how much you spend in an excel sheet, on paper, or in a budgeting app. Your budget should include income (e.g., paychecks, investments, alimony), fixed expenses (like rent/mortgage payments, utilities, loan payments), discretionary spending (non essentials such as eating out, shopping, travel), and savings. Pay yourself first—To build savings, this "reverse budgeting" strategy involves choosing a savings goal—say, a down payment for a home—deciding how much you want to contribute toward it each month, and setting that amount aside before you divvy up the rest of your expenses. Manage your bill-paying—Stay on top of monthly bills so that payments consistently arrive on time. Consider taking advantage of automatic debits from a checking account or bill-pay apps, and sign up for email, phone, or mail payment reminders.

Get your credit report—Once a year, consumers can request a free credit report from the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Review it and dispute any errors by informing the credit bureau of inaccuracies. Check your credit score—Having a good credit score helps you obtain the best interest rates on loans and credit cards, among other benefits. Monitor your score via a free credit monitoring service (or, if you can afford to and want to add an extra layer of protection on your information, one of the best credit monitoring services) and be aware of the financial decisions that can raise or lower your score, such as credit inquiries and utilization rates. Manage debt—Use your budget to stay on top of debt by reducing spending and increasing repayment. Develop a debt-reduction plan, such as paying down the loan with highest interest rate first. If your debt is excessive, contact lenders to renegotiate repayment, consolidate loans, or find a debtcounseling program. Invest in your future—If your employer offers a 401(k) retirement savings account, be sure to sign up and contribute the maximum to receive the employer match. Consider opening an IRA and creating a diversified investment portfolio of stocks, fixed income, and commodities. If necessary, seek financial advice from professional advisors to help you determine how much money you will need to retire comfortably and to develop strategies to reach your goal. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/financial-literacy.asp F. Cyber/Digital Literacy Cyber Literacy means the ability to use computer technologies effectively and to simultaneously understand the implications of those actions. It is also important to know where to go to find reliable and accurate resources in cyberspace, otherwise known as cyber intelligence. https://www.cybintsolutions.com/what-is-cyber-literacy-why-important/ Digital Literacy Digital Literacy is about being able to make sense of digital media. This occurs through meaningful and sustainable consumption and curation patterns that improve an individuals potential to contribute to an authentic community. This includes the ability to analyze, prioritize, and act upon the countless digital media 21st century citizens encounter on a daily basis.

4 Principles of Digital Literacy 1. Comprehension The first principle of digital literacy is simply comprehension –the ability to extract implicit and explicit ideas from a media. 2. Interdependence The second principle of digital literacy is interdependence–how one media form connects with another, whether potentially, metaphorically, ideally, or literally. Little media is created with the purpose of isolation, and publishing is easier than ever befor...