To live, learn, and work successfully in an increasingly complex and information-rich society, students must know, understand, and be able to use technology effectively. Through the seamless integration of technology, combined with rigorous academic standards across the curriculum, improved student learning will be achieved. Technology can be a driver of change, a bridge to academic excellence, and a platform for informed decision making and accountability.

Literacy in the Digital Age includes the following sets of skills:

• Digital-Age Literacy Skills - the ability to use digital technology, communication tools, and/or networks to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information.


• Inventive Thinking Skills - the ability to apply information technology in complex and sustained situations and to understand the consequences of doing so.


• Effective Communication Skills - the ability to participate in a team, teach others new skills, serve clients and customers, exercise leadership, and negotiate and work with diverse groups of people.

Achieving literacy in the Digital Age requires universal access to technology, a staff that is well-trained, possessing the knowledge and skills to effectively use and integrate technology, student learning environments that are authentic and intellectually challenging, and a process of ongoing assessment for continuous improvement. (sources: EnGauge 21st Century Skills, ISTE, MSDE Technology Vision)