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Future Focused Literacies

As a higher education institution that promises a world of possibilities, it is imperative we harness our talent in order to deliver the best learning experience for our students and foster a conducive environment for research. The changing landscape of work and higher education offers a unique opportunity for us to capitalize on the fast pace of change and prepare administrators and staff of our university community to support the long-term vision of our FIU. To that end, we have committed to embrace three literacies—data literacy, technical literacy, and human literacy– as focus areas to ensure we build strength among our employees.

Literacies

Data Literacy

The ability to read, understand, create and communicate data as information. Data collection, sharing, and analysis are integral parts of our lives as students, teachers, citizens, and readers.

Technological Literacy

The ability to effectively use technology to access, evaluate, integrate, create and communicate information to enhance the learning process through problem-solving and critical thinking.

Human Literacy

A focus on giving power to communicate, engage with others, and tap into human capacity in a way that includes elements of the arts, especially design, which is integral to much of digital communication.

Professional Development

Policy

Our existing policy currently requires 20 hours of professional development for admin and staff. The university has updated the requirement for professional development to include a minimum of 10 hours toward data literacy, technological literacy, or human literacy.

Opportunities for Professional Development

At FIU There are several paths through which these literacies can be achieved. Participation in online learning, conferences, readings, etc., are all viable resources to accomplish the professional development requirements. Opportunities, online or in-person can be found in the following locations:

Develop

FIU’s new home for professional development offers training in a variety of modalities (fully online, webinar supporting, and in-person supporting courses) ranging from compliance, to safety, to enhancing leadership and workplace skills.

LinkedIn Learning

A leading online learning platform that enables FIU faculty, staff, and students to discover and develop skills through an online library of high-quality expert-led videos and career development tools.

FIU Calendar

There are a variety of lecture series, internal conferences, and events offered to the FIU community.

Helpful information

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an online platform with thousands of expert-led courses to help FIU faculty, staff, and students strengthen business, technology, and creative skills. Beyond its vast video library, it offers powerful tools, including:

  • My Career Journey – Creates personalized learning paths based on career goals.
  • AI Coaching – Provides instant feedback on professional situations.
  • AI Role Play – Lets you practice communication and problem-solving in realistic simulations.

These features make professional development more interactive, personalized, and directly aligned with your career success.