"Often, the word competency and skill are used interchangeably. While they are related, they are not the same. A competency is a demonstrated ability to perform a particular job or task. A competency includes skills, but also behaviors and the ability to apply those skills in order to perform a job or task. For example, a teacher may know how to use a computer and productivity software (skill), but may not know how to use those skills to increase collaboration and critical thinking in their students (competency)."
This week the OCW Consortium is holding its annual meeting, celebrating 10 years of opencourseware.
Are universities about credentials or research? Are they a repository of knowledge? It's important, O'Reilly argued, if you want to be innovative "to think about what job you do for your customers (for your students) and not just think about how you do that job today but why you do it."
"The infographic below, while simply designed to show students who are taking a MOOC for university level Spanish what the components of their class will be, does an excellent job showing a) just how online language learning can be (even if you're sitting at home alone) and b) how well language learning lends itself to online learning"
"Digital literacy is not word processing or watching movies on an iPhone, but instead using technology to create, code and collaborate. In today's world, that necessarily includes the Web. Building a generation of young 'webmakers' is key to job creation, international competitiveness and engagement in civil society.
In this webinar, Mozilla will talk about their work in this area to define key Web literacy skills, create pathways for innovative learning experiences around them and build a network of instructors and facilitators with a shared mission."
Bundy (2004) paper published in the Journal of eLiteracy, includes a definition of information literacy which looks relevant to the digital literacy concept:
"People are information literate who know when they need information, and are then able to identify, locate, evaluate, organize, and effectively use the information to address and resolve personal, job related or broad social issues and problems"
Brian Lamb on the links between radio development and ds106radio, the rise of a business whose sole job is to create business by pushing copyright and the danger of an anodyne future for the Internet
Queen's University Belfast have a website which is provided for students to show evidence of learning and skills learnt from extra-curricular activities and achievements. "Many activities you participate in - whether you serve as a Course Rep or have a part-time job or are engaged in voluntary work - may be allowing you to acquire important employability skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication and commercial awareness. The Degree Plus Award allows these skills and this experience to be formally recognised" The Award is awarded by the University and is a 'value added' item which students can get in addition to their formal qualification.
"Digital literacy is so important," said Julius Genachowski, chairman of the commission, adding that bridging the digital divide now also means "giving parents and students the tools and know-how to use technology for education and job-skills training."
Terry Anderson reflects on his NZ visit: "New Zealand is doing a great job of supporting the development of high quality teaching and learning in tertiary education."
"From January 2011 Childnet along with the SWGfL and the IWF will be the UK Safer Internet Centre. One of our jobs as the UK Safer Internet Centre is to get as many people involved in Safer Internet Day as possible!
We challenge you to think about the Safer Internet Day theme for 2011:
Virtual Lives : It's more than a game, it's your life!
It's important for all users of the internet to be aware of the consequences of their online actions - both good and bad!
Taking care, being safe and responsible online and offline is an important part of child development.
Childnet International is producing a Safer Internet Day resource pack to help educators participate in Safer Internet Day. Below is an outline of the target areas related to this year's theme. We hope this will help educators to get thinking and planning for Tuesday 8 February 2011. Alongside this content will be a short film and banners for VLEs from the European commission promoting Safer Internet Day."