4 Cs of 21st Century Learning

The 4 Cs of 21 Century Learning are Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking.  The development of these skills is critical to student success and can be naturally embedded into lessons for all ages and content areas.  Look for the icons shown below on select program resource pages to see how they reinforce and develop each skill.  Pages with these icons will also have links to pre-made resources developed by the Technology Integration Coaches for use in the classroom.

Communication

Communication is the ability to share thoughts and ideas in meaningful ways with others. 

Collaboration

Collaboration is the ability to work with another person or group to accomplish a task.

Creativity

Creativity is the ability to apply current knowledge in a new way to improve a design or make something new. 

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking is necessary to synthesize and analyze information to solve problems.  

Strategies to Support 4C Development

Jigsaw Strategy


The Jigsaw Strategy is a powerful way to teach standards-based content and develop communication and collaboration.  Students are reading, writing, discussing, and comprehending what they have read to become experts who will share what they know with their home group. This type of engagement makes learning more memorable because students are interacting with information in a variety of ways.  Watch the video to learn more about using the Jigsaw Strategy.