More about NCTE's 21st Century Literacies Framework

      Throughout the book, NCTE's 21st century literacies framework is mentioned. Since it was mentioned in more than one chapter, I figured it played a strong role in new literacies. So, I checked out the NCTE's website (www.ncte.org/governance/21stcenturyframework). The NCTE defines 21st century literacies as the evolution of curriculum, assessment and teaching practice. Today, readers should be able to: develop proficiency and fluency with tools in technology, build international cross-culture connections and relationships with others so to pose and solve problems collaboratively and strengthen independent thought and so forth. The framework centers on English language arts, the website gives a checklist with questions that pertain to each framework. For example, here are some questions that pertain to development of proficiency and fluency with tools in technology:

•  Do students use technology as a tool for communication, research, and creation of new works?
• Do students evaluate and use digital tools and resources that match the work they are doing?
• Do students find relevant and reliable sources that meet their needs?

         The NCTE also mentions that frameworks should use traditional and elements to enhance the learning experience of the 21st century student. Some of these elements include: 

• extent of students’ access to 21st century tools both in and out of school
• range and depth of information readily accessible to students
• extent to which tools can make artists, musicians, and designers of students not traditionally considered talented in those fields
• extent to which tools can make artists, musicians, and designers of students not traditionally considered talented in those fields

         Also, assessments of 21st century learning need to be flexible and meet technological needs such as:

• students’ greater proficiency with tools or formats than the teacher, which may generate outcomes not anticipated in an assessment rubric
• technology glitches beyond students’ control that negatively impact the quality of the final products
• scope of collaboration, in the classroom and globally, leading to a greater need for processes that assess progress and achievement of individuals and groups 

Find out more on the website!!