LUIS MAYA | RDG 323

ADOLESCENT
LITERACY IN THE 21ST
CENTURY
WHAT DID IT MEAN BEFORE?
Literacy used to be as simple as knowing how to read and
write using physical instruments of knowledge. Pen and
paper ruled all, and information was readily available
through books, newspapers, or other forms of print media.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN NOW?

With the rise of technology and global communication,
literacy has taken a broader definition to best articulate
what it now represents. A literate person can now be
considered one who is "willing to constantly learn about and
adapt to many different areas of life, subjects, and
environments" (Oxford, 2018).

HOW DOES LITERACY LOOK

LIKE?
Literacy takes many forms, some of the most popular being:

Digital Literacy - It is crucial for one to understand the

capabilities of technology and build on that knowledge to
participate in and navigate the networked world (NCTE, 2019).
News Literacy - With the rise of false stories being shared,
students must know how to spot misinformation and how to
evaluate the information given to them (Pietila, 2017).
Foundational Literacy - Never forget the basics! Above all,
students must still know how to properly read and write.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
As the world continues to evolve, students must be ready to
adapt to any situation they find themselves in. The ultimate
goal is for students to gain literacy in the classroom and
apply that knowledge to real world situations. Whether it be
regarding technology, media, real estate, etc..., we want
students to rely on their literacy to weigh their options and
decide on a logical and informed solution.

HOW CAN EDUCATION ADAPT?

The education system as a whole can adapt by modernizing
curriculum to address the rapidly changing world landscape.
Schools can also tackle these issues head-on by introducing
courses in advanced technology and combating false
information or bringing in outside speakers to offer students
a more open perspective.

HOW CAN TEACHERS ADAPT?

Teachers can begin by slowly integrating these subjects into
their own classrooms. Technology can be introduced through
PowerPoint presentations, online discussions, using
reputable websites to find information, etc... Media
awareness can be made by offering ways to tell objective
reporting from opinion pieces. Simply pushing for students
to be more inquisitive can lead to positive results.

SOURCES
INSTITUTE FOR THE FUTURE. (2013). FUTURE OF LEARNING. RETRIEVED FROM
HTTPS://WWW.IFTF.ORG/FILEADMIN/USER_UPLOAD/DOWNLOADS/OURWORK/SR-1580-IFTF_FUTURE_OF_LEARNING.PDF

NCTE. (2019, NOVEMBER 7). DEFINITION OF LITERACY IN A DIGITAL AGE. RETRIEVED FROM
HTTPS://NCTE.ORG/STATEMENT/NCTES-DEFINITION-LITERACY-DIGITAL-AGE/

OXFORD, B. (2018, SEPTEMBER 22). REDEFINING LITERACY IN THE 21ST CENTURY. RETRIEVED FROM
HTTPS://MEDIUM.COM/LITERATE-SCHOOLS/REDEFINING-LITERACY-IN-THE-21ST-CENTURY-139894B14FD4

PIETILA, N. (2017, MARCH 12). THE TOP 10 LITERACIES IN EDUCATION TODAY. RETRIEVE FROM
HTTPS://WWW.SKYWARD.COM/DISCOVER/BLOG/SKYWARD-BLOGS/SKYWARD-EXECUTIVE-BLOG/MARCH-2017/THE-TOP-
10-LITERACIES-IN-EDUCATION-TODAY