The 21st Century Life Skills Toolkit is a comprehensive resource designed to equip individuals with the essential digital and interpersonal skills needed in today’s interconnected world. It delves into critical areas such as cybersecurity, online privacy, digital citizenship, and media literacy, ensuring users navigate the digital realm safely and responsibly. By embracing topics from basic coding to digital wellness, the toolkit empowers its audience to thrive in both personal and professional online spaces. This guide addresses the modern challenges faced by today’s tech-savvy generation, laying the foundation for a more informed and resilient digital future.
Cybersecurity Basics
Stanford University’s Center for Internet and Society This center at Stanford Law School focuses on studying the relationship between the evolution of technology, laws, and societal values. They offer resources and publications related to internet governance, privacy, and security.
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency An agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, CISA is responsible for ensuring the nation’s cybersecurity. Their website provides guides, alerts, and other resources to help individuals and organizations improve their cybersecurity posture.
Online Privacy
The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse A nonprofit consumer information and advocacy organization offering an array of informational resources related to personal privacy.
Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University A research center that explores the intersection of the internet, public policy, and society, often delving into topics of privacy and security.
Digital Citizenship
Digital Citizenship Institute This organization offers training, consulting, and resources focusing on safe and responsible technology use.
NetSmartz by National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Provides resources to help children stay safer online, including educational materials on digital citizenship.
Media Literacy
The Media Education Lab at the University of Rhode Island A center dedicated to research and education in media literacy.
National Association for Media Literacy Education An organization promoting media literacy education as a means to foster critical thinking.
Basic Coding
MIT’s Scratch An online community and platform where users can create, share, and remix visual programming projects, designed especially for young learners.
Digital Wellness
Center for Humane Technology This organization strives to realign technology with humanity’s best interests, providing various resources on how technology impacts our well-being.
Data Literacy
Data Literacy Program by Data & Society A research institute focused on the social and cultural issues arising from automation and data-centric technologies. They have numerous publications and guides related to understanding and working with data.
Digital Creativity
MIT Media Lab Known for its interdisciplinary research, MIT Media Lab works on projects at the intersection of technology, multimedia arts, and design.
Job Search and Career Building Online
Berkeley University Career Services UC Berkeley’s Career Center offers resources, workshops, and advice on career exploration, job search strategies, and graduate school applications.
Remote Collaboration Tools
Educause An association of IT leaders in higher education. They frequently publish resources, articles, and reviews about the latest educational technologies and collaboration tools.
E-commerce Basics
Better Business Bureau’s Tips for Smart Shopping Online The BBB provides guidelines and advice to help consumers make informed decisions when shopping online.
Online Learning
MIT OpenCourseWare Offers a plethora of free courses from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ranging from humanities to advanced sciences.
Open Yale Courses Offers a plethora of free courses from Yale University
, ranging from humanities to advanced sciences.