Author:
According to Hazard (2019), the key point to his essay is to make modern education adapt to the 21st-century style so that the students will practice relevant skills and support their development. It is divided into four major literacies: digital, cultural, media, and critical. They are equally significant as we enter a world where AI, social media, and the Internet become the trends. Practically, in order to make students practice these 21st-century skills, we ought to make sure Internet access is a basic need. Open more computer labs and import more advanced resources like cameras, VR headsets, and other digital devices for educational purposes. Critical thinking should also offer students choices in terms of what knowledge they think is worth learning for their life because not everyone will be an IT guy. That’s how we should approach teaching in modern times.
However, not everywhere in this world has adapted to this multiliteracy mindset, especially in poorer countries and communist nations. Study shows students in North Korea still study to obtain socialist patriotism, and the literacy rate has not increased for half a decade (Kim, 2014). Since more than half of the world is being globalized and we have so many resources to learn from each other, the next generation should be trained to freely modify their future life. Learn about other cultures and human behaviors, whether working individually or together, and decide what is valuable to be developed. Of course, if a country is not where we belong to, we should not interfere with their decisions. One thing we need to ensure is that every individual has a voice to express. Instead of convincing others to follow our philosophy, our job is to let them see where we stand. Although multiliteracy might not be for everyone, and maybe some groups just want to be a little isolated, it’s important to focus on self-development and decide whether it is a good thing to learn. That’s how we make this diverse world stronger.
References:
Hazard, R. (2019). Supporting 21st century skills in language and literacy classrooms with a multiliteracies approach. European Conference on Language Learning at: University College London
Kim, S. (2014). A study on North Korea’s education—Centering for middle school. The New Educational Review, 35, 151–162.
Hi Disco, your essay has provided a compelling argument for adapting education to the demands of the 21st century. The emphasis on developing digital, cultural, media, and critical literacies is well-timed given our rapidly evolving technological and social landscape. I really appreciate the practical suggestions—ensuring universal Internet access, opening computer labs, and investing in advanced resources—which underline the need for equitable learning opportunities. Besides, the comparison between regions still entrenched in outdated educational models highlights the urgency of embracing multiliteracy. While the piece could further discuss culturally sensitive implementation, its overall perspective on modernizing education for self-development and individual empowerment is both thoughtful and relevant in today’s diverse, globalized world. Great work!
Hi Disco,
I truly related to your post, especially the suggestions about expanding computer laboratories and making Internet connection a minimum requirement. When I visited a public school in a rural area where my friend was teaching, there was this scenario that I can never forget. The fact that there were 120 kids waiting to use just five desktop computers as the teacher struggled to teach the students how to use them really got my attention. The desperation in their eyes was devastating to see. It’s painful to acknowledge that access to 21st-century skills, such as computer literacy, is still a luxury for many people, frequently based on economic class, even though their relevance cannot be denied. I now see that empowering all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds (lower class), should be the main goal of the multiliteracy approach and ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the chance to acquire the skills they will need in the future.