My View of 21st Century Literacy

According to the 21st Century Fluency Project:

"Information fluency is the ability to unconsciously and intuitively interpret information in all forms and formats in order to extract the essential knowledge, authenticate it, and perceive its meaning and significance."


As discussed in the Infowhelm and Information Fluency video, an information overload exists in our society.  When I want to know something, I need to only type in a question to google.  On my bookmarked websites, I can access SLU assignments, my email, my bank account, the weather, facebook, and a number of news websites.  That being said, it is important for me to know how to look for information, find the best sources, analyze the information, and apply it appropriately to my life.  Through my competency with computers, I can communicate with my parents, friends, and teachers, take a class taught from a professor on a different continent than me, watch my favorite TV shows, check the weather, and complete research for my classes.  Nine times out of ten, I will use the Internet to find my sources on a research project because it is both practical and more accessible.  In my opinion, to be literate in today's world, you must be able to use a computer to communicate with others and to find information.  


In the Infowhelm and Information Fluency video, it was brought to my attention that memorization should not be an important aspect of school.  It is more important for students to know how to access resources and use them appropriately.  It will also be important for them to be critical of their sources and choose those that are reliable and written by experts.  As a teacher, I will strive to help my students to become responsible in choosing their sources and using technology to help them more knowledgeable about the world around them.