The Six Basic Skills of the 21 st Century Created by Meredith Vollmer Resource: Understanding the Digital Generation Understanding the Digital Generation By Ian Jukes, Ted McCain and Lee Crockett; 2010.

Intro to the Six Skills Solution Fluency Solution Fluency Information Fluency Information Fluency Collaboration Fluency Collaboration Fluency Creativity Fluency Creativity Fluency Media Fluency Media Fluency Digital Citizen Digital Citizen *These are essential skills that are needed in order to be successful in the 21 st century.

Solution Fluency Description: Whole-brain thinking Whole-brain thinking Creativity Creativity Problem solving Problem solving Creating and solving the problems Creating and solving the problems

Solution Fluency Cont’d: Examples: *The 4D problem solving process is a great example of Solution Fluency. Defining a problem, designing a solution, doing the work and debriefing the outcome. *A real life example would be a solution to fixing the oil spill in the golf or ways to help stop the spread of oil and help the habitats affected.

Information Fluency Description: Ability to access information digitally Ability to access information digitally Retrieve necessary information digitally Retrieve necessary information digitally Knowing when to use various sources Knowing when to use various sources Effectively assess information retrieved Effectively assess information retrieved

Information Fluency Cont’d Examples: *Finding significant and relevant information that pertains to problem. *When conducting research, using digital sources that are appropriate for the task at hand; such as.org,.edu and.gov sources vs. Facebook or Wikipedia. *Using a variety of digital sources to reach desired objective.

Collaboration Fluency Description: Teamwork proficiency Teamwork proficiency Ability to work with virtual and real people Ability to work with virtual and real people Ability to work with others in an online environment Ability to work with others in an online environment Social Networking Social Networking

Collaboration Fluency Cont’d Examples: *Working collaboratively in groups to solve problems. *Working with others from another part of the country on a given task. *Taking an online course.

Creativity Fluency Description: Using design, art and storytelling to show meaning Using design, art and storytelling to show meaning Artistic proficiency Artistic proficiency Form and function Form and function Innovative design Innovative design High quality functioning product High quality functioning product

Creativity Fluency Cont’d Examples: *Using creativity to come up with creative solutions. *Not simply creating stories but using creativity to solve problems. *Using creativity to solve problems such as global warming issues.

Media Fluency Description: Ability to interpret message from any media Ability to interpret message from any media Determine how media is used to cultivate thinking Determine how media is used to cultivate thinking Evaluate the importance of the message Evaluate the importance of the message Ability to create original digital products Ability to create original digital products

Media Fluency Cont’d Examples: *Using digital media effectively and then publishing for public view. *Challenge learners to show their understanding through various digital media in which they can publish for others to see such as Voice Threads or You Tube. *Allow learners to demonstrate writing and media expertise in daily instruction. *Allow learners to experience and use various media to communicate messages and ideas.

Digital Citizen Description: Using principles of leadership, ethics, accountability, responsibility, environmental awareness, and global citizenship Using principles of leadership, ethics, accountability, responsibility, environmental awareness, and global citizenship Consistency in personality Consistency in personality Understanding people they encounter digitally may not be who they say they are Understanding people they encounter digitally may not be who they say they are

Digital Citizen Cont’d Examples: *Many relationships of today begin digitally, make sure you portray yourself consistently with who you are in person. *Protecting minors from digital predators. *Making learners aware of those that use the digital worlds for financial gain or other criminal activity. *Making learners aware of cyberbullying

Closure: 21 st Century Skills are not about the lack of technology, but instead are about how to properly use and incorporate it into instruction 21 st Century Skills are not about the lack of technology, but instead are about how to properly use and incorporate it into instruction These skills encompass critical thinking, problem solving, processing, and creativity skills that will allow students of today to be better prepared for their futures These skills encompass critical thinking, problem solving, processing, and creativity skills that will allow students of today to be better prepared for their futures Instructors need to start implementing these skills into their everyday instruction or else students will not be ready for the skills needed in the job markets of the 21 st century Instructors need to start implementing these skills into their everyday instruction or else students will not be ready for the skills needed in the job markets of the 21 st century