When Students Power Down
Mar 30
21st century literacy, news 1 Comment
Last week, Education Week published a story that revealed that students are typically asked to "power down" at school, leaving their 21st century literacy skills behind. It’s an ironic reality for the state of out-of-school literacies—learned "out of school" and condemed to be used only "out of school."
This finding was part of a report released during a Congressional Briefing of the Speak Up National Research Project. The report gives voice to 1.3 million students, all K–12 pupils who speak to educational issues involving technology, science and 21st century skills.
While I’ve only begun thinking through the implications of the data, one thing is very obvious: students do not have the support or access to the tools that they need to prepare them for their future—and students realize that they are at a disadvantage as a result.
To learn more about the findings, check out the Powerpoint presentation from the briefing, which highlights the key points of their report:
Hi, I’m Traci Gardner, known in most circles as Tengrrl. I’ve been exploring and writing about the best ways to teach composition using digital technology for over 20 years. You may have come here because you’re looking for my 






