Prof-Ed 10: Building and
Enhancing New
Literacies Across the
Curriculum
JULIET L. PACURSA, PhD
Instructor
Introduction
● The 21st century is the current century
of the Anno Domini era or the Common
Era, in accordance with the Gregorian
calendar.
● ⬧It began on January 1, 2001, and will
end on December 31, 2100. It is the first
century of the 3rd millennium.
What is LITERACY?
What is Literacy?
Conventional definition -Ability to read, write &
count
Functional definition -Equipping for life in society
-Ability to read and write and understand what is
meant
Cultural definition - Cultural Awareness
-Understanding and appreciating the traditions,
norms, values, and practices of a particular culture.
What is Literacy?
Beyond its conventional concept as a set of
reading, writing and counting skills, literacy
is now understood as a means of
identification, understanding, interpretation,
creation, and communication in an
increasingly digital, text-mediated,
information-rich and fast-changing world..
What is Literacy?
Therefore, literacy may be considered a moving
target, continually changing its meaning depending
on what society expects literate individuals to do.
⬧ As society evolves and literacy requirements
change, the definition of literacy must also adapt to
meet new expectations and demands.(Leu, Kinzer,
Coiro & Cammack 2018)
Changing Definitions of Literacy
In the 21st century, literacy encompasses a broad set of skills
beyond traditional reading and writing. According to the
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), being literate
today involves:
•Developing proficiency with various technology tools.
•Building relationships to pose and solve problems
collaboratively.
•Designing and sharing information for global communities.
•Managing, analyzing, and synthesizing multiple streams of
information.
•Creating, critiquing, and evaluating multimedia texts.
•Attending to the ethical responsibilities required by complex
environments.
Changing Definitions of Literacy
This definition reflects the evolving nature of
literacy in a digital age, emphasizing the
importance of technological proficiency, critical
thinking, and ethical considerations.
What Are 21st Century Skills?
• 21st Century Skills refer to a set of abilities and
competencies that are essential for success in the
modern, technology-driven world. These skills encompass
not only technical and academic knowledge but also
critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration,
communication, and adaptability. As the global landscape
continues to evolve rapidly due to technological
advancements, globalization, and social changes, these
skills have become increasingly vital for individuals in
both personal and professional settings
• Cognitive, interpersonal, and technological skills.
• A set of abilities needed to succeed in the modern,
interconnected, and technology-driven world.
Core Components of 21st Century Skills
The "4 Cs":
Critical Thinking:
• Analyzing and solving complex problems.
Creativity:
• Innovating and thinking outside the box.
Collaboration:
• Working in teams and managing conflicts.
Communication:
• Expressing ideas effectively across various
platforms.
.
Linking the Traditional Literacies
and Literacies in the 21st Century
Linking the Traditional Literacies
and Literacies in the 21st Century
The concept of linking traditional literacies with those
needed in the 21st century revolves around
recognizing that foundational skills such as reading,
writing, and arithmetic are still important, but they
must be expanded to encompass new skills that are
vital in our modern, technology-driven world. Here
are some key ideas for linking traditional and 21st-
century literacies:
Some key ideas for linking traditional and
21st-century literacies:
• Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking
• Media Literacy and Communication
• Information Literacy and Problem-Solving
• Collaboration and Global Awareness
• Financial Literacy and Adaptability
• Ethical and Social Responsibility
Some key ideas for linking traditional and
21st-century literacies:
Integrating the Two Literacies:
• Educational frameworks today aim to combine these two forms of
literacy, ensuring that students not only gain the traditional skills
needed for success in the workforce but also the critical skills
necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
• By emphasizing the integration of traditional literacy skills with
emerging digital competencies, educators can prepare students to
participate fully and responsibly in the 21st-century world.
• This fusion of literacies offers a more holistic approach to learning
and equips students with the diverse skills they need for success in an
interconnected, technology-driven society
Linking the Traditional Literacies
and Literacies in the 21st Century
References:
Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21). (2017).
Framework for 21st Century Learning.
Trilling, B., & Fadel, C. (2019). 21st Century Skills: Learning
for Life in Our Times.
National Education Association (NEA). (2022). Preparing 21st
Century Students for a Global Society.
