Definitions-21st Century Skills

21st Century Skills Defined

Creativity

Creativity is the ability to develop, choose, and integrate novel, unconventional, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to effectively use higher order thinking skills to plan, teach, and reflect on instructional practice while integrating and applying theories of teaching, learning, and development.

Communication

Communication is the ability to successfully use interpersonal skills and components of literacy (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) to contribute to teaching, learning, and development.

Collaboration

Collaboration is the ability to work productively and equitably while valuing others in diverse educational settings.

Information, Media, and Technology Skills (IMTS)

IMTS is the ability to access, manage, apply, analyze, and evaluate digital information and instructional technological tools. This includes leveraging technology innovatively and effectively in diverse learning environments to collaborate, communicate, think critically, and create new functions in the midst of rapidly changing technological advances.