The illiterate of the 21st century will be...those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn" (Toeffler). Grounded in Universal Design for Learning principles, brainstorm, discuss and experience examples of how digital tools are being used to develop multiple literacies and empower learners to ask questions and learn in various ways.
Futurist Alvin Toeffler stated that "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." To this end, we as educators must give our students the empowerment and voice to ask questions, demonstrate multiple literacies, and learn in multiple ways. This is especially important with high-need learners who are often silenced in schools and asked to demonstrate learning in only one way.
During this session, examples will be shared and collected of how digital tools are being used to develop multiple literacies in a range of learning environments, from a high need elementary school to first year college courses. We will discuss how these strategies are widely applicable and easily adjustable to almost any learning environment. Participants will experience and explore how these tools have been and can be used in online courses, k-12 schools and interactive in-class activities.
In this session, participants will also have a chance to actively participate and collaborate using a range of digital tools discussed and complete several small activities to experience the empowerment through voice and choice that can be given using the affordances of digital tools. This conversation will include building a repository of ideas and tools participants can take back to their unique learning environments and apply as well as a discussion of the potential barriers that may be faced implementing these tools.
By teaching students to make choices in how them demonstrate their learning and empowering them with a range of digital tools to give them increased voice, we are working to improve flexibility, grit and resiliency in these students to encourage their success in elementary school, college and beyond.