You Don't Have To Be An Expert

Throughout this course I have enjoyed exploring how educators can integrate different literacies into the classroom. However, the most important lesson I have learned so far is that I do not need to be an expert across all literacies in order to effectively incorporate them into my teaching. While I believe I have valuable skills and knowledge related to many of the 21^st century literacies, I do not feel confidently literate across all 9 areas. When beginning this course I felt fearful that I would not be able to effectively teach the literacies I am not as comfortable with, but this course has showed me that I can effectively incorporate all 21^st century literacies into my future classroom no matter what knowledge I have on the topics.

Piggy Bank. Retrieved from http://www.gettyimages.
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            Global literacy, financial literacy and digital literacy are the three particular literacies I originally feared teaching. However, now I am aware that I do not need extensive knowledge on globalization, the stock market or coding to create meaningful learning experiences for my students. During week two of the jigsaw activity, my group had great discussion on how to focus on what the knowledge we do have to create the foundation of our lessons. For example, I worked throughout high school to save money for university and have continued working since coming to Brock in order to stay out of the debt. Although I may not be able to explain what it means to make a high-risk or low-risk investment, I can explain responsible financial planning.

            This class has also reminded me that my knowledge should not always be the foundation of lessons. It is important to let the students own interests and inquires drive their learning experiences. This takes the pressure off the teacher to teach students, and instead provides an opportunity for students to learn from each other. For example, many children today have extensive knowledge on different technological devices and programs that they would be excited about using in the classroom. If students use their digital knowledge and skills for different types of projects, it will create learning experiences that are relevant and interesting. Additionally, it will give children a sense of agency as the teacher learns with and from the students.

Teacher and Kid at Computer. Retrieved from: http:// 
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         Finally, if I ever feel like I have inadequate knowledge in regards to 21^st century literacies, this course showed that there are countless assessable recourses if I want to become more literate on any topic. Through a quick web search, or a conversation with a fellow teacher, I can extend my knowledge and learn different ways I can integrate 21^st century literacies into the classroom.