The world is changing rapidly and the skills that young people need to succeed in the 21st Century are different from those that were needed in the past. As the world around us continues to evolve, it is crucial for young people to develop the skills that will allow them to navigate the challenges and to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead of them. In this post, we will explore the key skills needed for success in the 21st Century and how we at Open Lens Media can empower young minds to learn and work on these essential capabilities.
1. Communication
The ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others is fundamental in today's global society. Young people in both their leisure activities and professional lives encounter diverse people from around the world both online and offline, which requires strong communication skills.
Our programmes encourage communication through group projects and individual work. We encourage students to express their thoughts, actively listen to others, and work collaboratively to develop creative projects. These experiences help them build strong interpersonal skills and become effective communicators.
2. Adaptability
As the world is going through constant change, adaptability is an essential skill for young people to embrace uncertainty, learn from failures, and quickly adapt to new situations. This will enable them to bounce back from setbacks and approach challenges with a growth mindset.
Open Lens Media provides opportunities for young people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences. Our programmes encourage experimentation and problem-solving to empower the young people to navigate uncertainty.
3. Critical thinking
In a world where we are inundated with constant information, critical thinking skills have become essential. The ability to analyse complex issues, evaluate different perspectives, and ask insightful questions are very valuable. Young people need to be equipped with the tools to think critically and with an open-mind.
With our hands-on learning methods, critical thinking is encouraged through interactive lessons and projects that focus on allowing the young people to explore real-world issues that are important to them and to dive deeper into these topics.
4. Creativity
Creativity skills involve the ability to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. It involves being able to see the world in new ways and to find new solutions to problems. Creative people are able to come up with new and innovative ideas that can help them succeed.
Our programmes are based in creativity and provide a nurturing environment that encourages self-expression. Through creative media such as podcasting, filming, and content creation, we empower students to unleash their imagination and develop their unique creative voice confidently.
5. Digital literacy
In today's digital age, being digitally literate is a necessity. Young people must have a solid understanding of not only the basic computer skills, but also digital tools and software so they are equipped with the knowledge needed to use online platforms. Digital literacy also empowers young people to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world and to be able to be critical about potential disinformation and ‘fake news’ that they might come across online.
Digital work ties in with many of the programmes we run for young people. We introduce young people to various Social Media platforms and the process of content creation for each, teach how to use specific video and sound editing software, and explore Digital Marketing for professional development.
If you are a young person wanting to build on these essential skills to succeed in the 21st Century, or you know a young person who would benefit from joining a programme of ours, email us on info@openlensmedia.co.uk to learn what programmes we have available!