TECHNOLOGY SKILLS People in the 21st century live in a technology and media saturated environment marked by the following: (1) access to an abundance of information; (2) rapid changes in technology tools; and (3) the ability to collaborate and make individual contributions on an unprecedented scale.
Therefor, to be effective in the 21st Century, everyone must be able to exhibit a range of functional and critical thinking skills related to information, media and technology (AACTE, 2010).
by John Paul Imperial
A. Information Literacy It refers to accessing and evaluating information critically and competently and managing the flow of information from a wide variety of sources.
Skill Sub-skills
1. Access and evaluate information Access information efficiently (time) and effectively (sources)
Evaluate information critically and competently
Skill Sub-skills
Use and manage information Use information accurately and creatively for the issue or problem at hand
Manage the flow of information from a wide variety of
sources
Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal
issues surrounding the access and use of informationB B. Media Literacy It underscores understanding both how and why media messages are constructed; creating media products by understanding and utilizing the most appropriate media creation tools, characteristics and conventions.
Skill Sub-skills
1. Analyze media Understand both how and why media messages are constructed, and for what purpose
Examine how individuals interpret messages differently,
how values and points view are included or excluded, and how media can influence beliefs and behaviors
Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal
issues surrounding the access and use of media
Skill Sub-skills
Create media products Understand and utilize the most appropriate media creation tools, characteristics and conventions
Understand and effectively utilize the most appropriate
expressions and interpretations in diverse, multi-cultural environments C. Technology Literacy It pertains to the use of technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate and communicate information
Skill Sub-skills
1. Apply technology effectively Use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate
and communicate information
Use digital technologies (computers, PDAs, media
players, GPS, etc.), communication/networking tools and social networks appropriately to access, manage, integrate, evaluate and create information to successfully function in a knowledge economy
Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal
issues surrounding the access and use of information technologies D. Life and Career Skills Today's life and work environments both require more than thinking skills and content knowledge. Cultivating the ability to navigate the complex life requires students to develop the following life and career skills: (1) flexibility and adaptability; (2) initiative and self-direction; (3) social and cross-cultural skills; (4) productivity and accountability; and (5) leadership and responsibility (ACCTA, 2010)
Flexibility and Adaptability
Skill Sub-skills
Adapt to change Adapt to varied roles, job responsibilities, schedule and
contexts
Work effectively in a climate of ambiguity and changing
priorities
Skill Sub-skills
Be flexible Incorporate feedback effectively
Deal positively with praise, setbacks and criticism
Understand, negotiate and balance diverse views and
beliefs to reach workable solutions, particularly in multi- cultural environments INITIATIVE AND SELF-DIRECTION
Skill Sub-skills
Manage goals and time Set goals with tangible and intangible success criteria
Balance tactical (short term) and strategic (long-term)
goals
Utilize time and manage workload efficiently
Skill Sub-skills
Work independently Monitor, define, prioritize and complete task without
direct oversight
Skill Sub-skills
Be self-directed learner Go beyond basic mastery of skills and/or curriculum to
explore and expand one's own learning and opportunities to gain expertise
Demonstrate initiative to advance skills levels towards a
professional level
Demonstrate commitment to learning as a lifelong
process
Demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in using
influence and power
Skills Sub-skills
Be responsible to others Act responsibility with interests of the larger community
in mind
Consider other's ideas and view points
Look for other's welfare and safety in all circumstances
Assist others in times of their downfall and setbacks
SOCIAL AND CROSS-CULTURAL SKILLS
Skill Sub-skills
Interact effectively with others Know when it is appropriate to listen and when to speak
Conduct one's self in respectable, professional manner
Skill Sub-skills
Work effectively in diverse teams Respect cultural differences and work effectively with people from a range of social and cultural backgrounds
Respond open-mindedly to different ideas and values
Leverage social and cultural differences to create new
ideas and increase both innovation and quality of work PRODUCTIVITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Skill Sub-skills
Manage projects Set and meet goals, even in the face of obstacles and competing pressures
Prioritize, plan and manage work to achieve and the
intended result
Skill Sub-skills
Produce results Demonstrate additional attributes associated with
producing high quality products, including the abilities to:
Work positively and ethically
Manage time and projects effectively Multi-task Participate actively, as well as be reliable and punctual Present oneself professionally and with proper etiquette Collaborate and cooperate effectively with teams Respect and appreciate team diversity Be accountable for results LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY
Skill Sub-skills
Guide and lead others Use interpersonal and problem-solving skills to
influence and guide others toward a goal
Leverage strengths of others to accomplish a common
goal
Inspire others to reach their very best via example and
self-lessness
Demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in using
influence and power
Skills Sub-skills
Be responsible to other Act responsibly with the interest of the larger community in mind
