21st Century Skills 

 

As we progress into the 21st century, digital media has become the dominant form of communication, and thus students must become proficient in communicating with art, images, technology, and storytelling to make their way in the world.

           

About 20 Fortune100 companies have joined together to make a list of skills they want today’s students to demonstrate upon graduation. Many of these skills are taught in art classrooms. The process of digital storytelling also covers all of these skills.

Learning and Innovation Skills:

 

Creativity Demonstrating originality and inventiveness in work

Innovation Developing, implementing, and communicating new ideas to others

 

Critical thinking Framing, analyzing, and synthesizing information in order to solve problems

 

Problem solving Identifying and asking significant questions that clarify various points of view and lead to better solutions

 

Collaboration Demonstrating ability to work effectively with diverse teams

Communication Articulating thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively through speaking and writing

Information, Media, and Technology Skills:

 

Information Literacy Accessing information efficiently and effectively, evaluating information critically and competently, and using information accurately and creatively for the issue or problem at hand; also possessing a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information.

 

Media Literacy Understanding how media messages are constructed, for what purposes and using which tools, characteristics, and conventions.

 

Technology Literacy Using technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate, and communicate information.

 

Life and Career Skills:

 

Flexibility & AdaptabilityWorking effectively in a climate of ambiguity and changing priorities.         

 

Initiative & Self-Direction Defining, prioritizing, and completing tasks without direct oversight. Utilizing time efficiently and managing workload. Demonstrating commitment to learning as a lifelong process

Social & Cross-Cultural Skills Working appropriately and productively with others.

 

Productivity & Accountability Setting and meeting high standards and goals for delivering quality work on time. Demonstrating diligence and a positive work ethic (e.g., being punctual and reliable)

 

Leadership & Responsibility Using interpersonal and problem-solving skills to influence and guide others toward a goal. Demonstrating integrity and ethical behavior. Acting responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind.

Click here to go to the Partnership for 21st Century Skills website