Module 2: Seven Essential Skills for the Digital Age

Transcript

Hello, my name is Daniel Davis. Welcome to my video blog for module two of EDUC638-D04.

Mr. Sheninger in his book, Digital Leadership, Changing Paradigms for Changing Times, states that educational leaders today must establish a vision and create a strategic plan that creates a culture of learning, with the focus of that culture to provide learners seven essential twenty-first century skills.

Let's take a quick introductory look at each of these essential skills so important for learners today:

1. Creativity - there is no shortage of technology tools available to foster student creativity. We, as digital leaders, need to use them to encourage engagement and opportunities to express creativity.

2. Communication - the new and diverse ways we can communicate in today's digital age has had a transformational effect on society as a whole. We need to equip today's learners with the growing pool of communication tools.

3. Collaboration - using computer assistance collaborative learning (CSCL) to encourage the increased used of collaboration in today's digital age.

4,5. Critical Thinking and Problem solving - helping learners use digital tools to make judgments and decisions through analysis, reflection, synthesis, and evaluation. Finding solutions to complex problems that the use of traditional means could not solve

6. Technological proficiency - developing digital literacy tools and skills to use the tools that have become embedded in the digital world in which we all live.

7. Global Awareness - technology allows the learner to connect with peers from around the world, allowing for a better understanding of various customs and cultures. In this globally connected world, employers are looking for learners who have the ability to interact and succeed in such an environment.

As educational leaders, we must also be digital leaders, making sure these twenty-first century skills should guide each and every learning experience.

These essential skills should be introduced as early as possible, becoming embedded in every learning experience.

In closing, I would like to read to you Romans 10:12. "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." These digital skills are important tools that remind us of the truth of that passage.

Thank you for this opportunity to share. I look forward to your feedback.

References

Sheninger, E. (2014). Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times. London: Corwin.