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Cathy Davidson discusses the need for a fourth "R" -pertaining to "algoRithim" - It is important, she argues, because, "in the 21st century, we need [an]...expanded push towards the literacy that defines our era, computational literacy.   Algorithms are as basic to the way the 21st century digital age works as reading, writing, and arithmetic were to the late 18th century Industrial era." 

"The classic "3 R's" of learning are, of course, Reading, 'Riting, and 'Rithmetic.  For the 21st century, we need to add a fourth R--and it will help inspire the other three:  Algorithm. "

Both the author of the article and the people she criticizes are making a fundamental mistake. It is an illusion that kids once learned facts in some deeper way. If the tree octopus had been presented in a book, the kids would have made the same mistake. Much of traditional teaching was not about absorbing certain facts but about learning techniques for accessing those facts. The internet and google really have changed the way we access information. The real challenge is how to restructure knowledge itself to take advantage of the new forms of accessibility. And as for using technology in the classroom: banning computers is like forcing kids to memorize arithmetic tables in an age when everyone has a calculator. We don't need slide rules nor an abacus and there is no reason to teach kids how to use them.

Wonderful resources for engaging in all things net-worthy

These are some great sites that can help facilitate research and learning

What is Project Look Sharp? Project Look Sharp is a media literacy initiative of Ithaca College that develops and provides lesson plans, media materials, training, and support for the effective integration of media literacy with critical thinking into classroom curricula at all education levels.

What qualifies as "text" is shifting every bit as much as our ever-changing definition of literacy. This resource expands our definition of texts, relying on John Greene's central principals that stories are: a). about communication, b). acts of empathy, c). opportunities to think critically and thoughtfully, thereby connecting us with each other, and d). springboards to learn more about others, our world around us, and ultimately, ourselves.

Editor's Note: Teaching Channel has partnered with Student Achievement Partners on a blog series about digital literacy tools and their effective use by educators. The Common Core State Standards emphasize the importance of students being exposed to and understanding texts of increasing complexity as they progress through grade levels.

The 9 worst fake news sites. Can be used in a lesson on digital-literacy or on how to check resources for research/website evaluation, etc.

Troy Hick's blog. Great source of information about digital literacy!

"As you may have read, this half term we focused on the teaching of memoir. In our first week we discussed the genre using our genre-booklets and this created a buzz for the rest of the project. Focusing on the genre and why people write memoir allowed the generating of ideas to happen fairly quickly."

Extend your instructional reach with our blended-media programs for literacy and reading intervention.