Question:
What knowledge and skills related to information, media, and technology do you believe are most needed for success in today’s society?
Evaluator:
Kyli White
Introduction:
This survey question asked respondents to explain the particular knowledge and skills they believed were necessary to function as a member of today’s society. Since our world has become filled with so much technology and media over the past few years, we felt it was important to assess the community’s view on fundamental technological skills. We found that many people were excited to express their personal ideas on this topic. These ideas ranged from the responsible and appropriate use of social media to the analysis and synthesis of credible information sources. The major themes that came out of this question had to do with the use of information sources, media literacy, and current technology.
Theme 1: Use of Information Sources
Categories:
Evaluating and Using Sources Effectively and Ethically
Necessary Skills Involved with the Use of Information Sources (Analysis Skills & Communication Skills)
Findings and Interpretations:
Implications for K-12 Schools:
Theme 2: Use of Media Literacy
Categories:
Necessary Literacies Associated with Media and Technology
Being a Critical Consumer of Information
Findings and Interpretations:
Implications for K-12 Schools:
Theme 3: Use of Current Technology
Categories:
Technology as a 21st Century Tool
Access to Technology
Obsession with Technology Not Always Healthy
Findings and Interpretations:
Implications for K-12 Schools:
What knowledge and skills related to information, media, and technology do you believe are most needed for success in today’s society?
Evaluator:
Kyli White
Introduction:
This survey question asked respondents to explain the particular knowledge and skills they believed were necessary to function as a member of today’s society. Since our world has become filled with so much technology and media over the past few years, we felt it was important to assess the community’s view on fundamental technological skills. We found that many people were excited to express their personal ideas on this topic. These ideas ranged from the responsible and appropriate use of social media to the analysis and synthesis of credible information sources. The major themes that came out of this question had to do with the use of information sources, media literacy, and current technology.
Theme 1: Use of Information Sources
Categories:
Evaluating and Using Sources Effectively and Ethically
Necessary Skills Involved with the Use of Information Sources (Analysis Skills & Communication Skills)
Findings and Interpretations:
- Effective Research Skills
- Ability to Evaluate Source and Determine Bias
- Knowledge of Responsible Use
- Understanding of Effective and Safe Information Sharing
- Willingness to Increase Understanding
- Need to Know How to Analyze and Think Critically
- Ability to Comprehend and Synthesize Information
Implications for K-12 Schools:
- Teachers should use current events in the classroom to help students learn how to assess media for bias and reliability.
- Teachers should create extensive research projects that allow students to develop effective navigational and research skills.
- Teachers should promote responsible use of information by helping students become familiar with the ideas of plagiarism and proper citation format.
Theme 2: Use of Media Literacy
Categories:
Necessary Literacies Associated with Media and Technology
Being a Critical Consumer of Information
Findings and Interpretations:
- Computer Literacy (Word, PPT, Excel, Google Tools, etc.)
- Effective Use of Social Media
- Collaboration Through Social Media
- Possession of Basic Literacy Skills Including Verbal and Written Communication
- Possession of Basic Numeracy Skills
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Multimodal Literacies
- Ability to Evaluate Source and Determine Bias
Implications for K-12 Schools:
- Teachers should make an effort to incorporate multiple modes of instruction so that students are able to develop multiple literacy skills at the same time.
- Teachers and schools must prioritize students’ development of basic literacy and numeracy skills in the early grades so that students can build upon these foundational literacies in the upper grades.
- Teachers should stress the importance of oral communication (speaking and listening) alongside that of written communication.
Theme 3: Use of Current Technology
Categories:
Technology as a 21st Century Tool
Access to Technology
Obsession with Technology Not Always Healthy
Findings and Interpretations:
- Desire to be a lifelong learner
- Technology is the future
- Ability to be adaptable
- Ability to keep current
- Willingness to learn
- Technology as a factor in daily life
- Willingness to resist the temptation of technology
- Standard Office Software (Word, PPT, Excel, etc.)
- Using technology for communication and collaboration
Implications for K-12 Schools:
- Teachers should work closely with students to make sure they are staying as current as possible with new and innovative technologies.
- Teachers should encourage the use of technology and social media for student communication and collaboration inside and outside the classroom.
- Schools should put a large emphasis on professional development that demonstrates for teachers how to incorporate technology to enhance existing classroom instruction and student experience.