Information and digital literacy in education via the digital path

A few weeks ago, a friend called me to chat. While our children attend different schools, we often call one another to connect (and sometimes vent) about issues we—or our kids—are experiencing.

“My son is really struggling with his workload,” my friend said. “So I called the division head to talk about how he is feeling and what he is experiencing, but I really didn’t feel like she heard what I was saying.”

“When you listen to someone, it’s the most profound act of human respect.” -William Ury

I remember when I began my work as a professional developer and coach. It was the first time in my daily work where students were not my immediate focus. My interactions on a daily basis were with adults, and I realized that I wasn’t as prepared for this type of communication given my credentialing and my graduate studies.

I had a credential in how to teach students the subject of English, and what became increasingly clear was that I didn’t have a credential in how to work effectively with adults; and certainly didn’t have a background or an intentionally developed skillset on how to be an effective group member.