 As a meta-literate learner, you will develop several characteristics. These include being informed, collaborative, participatory, reflective, civic-minded, adaptable, open, and productive. Let's review these qualities and see how they work together as we apply meta-literacy. Being an informed consumer of information is an important part of the consumer-producer dynamic. We need to know where information came from, how accurate and reliable it is, and if it contains bias. The informed characteristic allows us to tell the difference between fact and fiction, real and fake, as well as truth and untruth. This quality reinforces objective and scientific research, which is needed to make good decisions. Think about the need for consuming reliable information related to your health and well-being. You need to examine that information critically to make sure it is truthful and from a reliable and expert source. The productive characteristic involves being a responsible producer of information. In the same way that you would not want to consume false and misleading information, you would not want to create and share it either. Meta-literacy supports the development of ethical content and encourages reflection on this work and one's own thinking during this process. As a content creator, you will learn through the trial and error of writing, drawing, planning, designing, or crafting. Consider the value of producing a digital media presentation about a healthy habit you've adopted. Telling your story about this experience may inspire and teach others to share their own practices and accomplishments. The participatory characteristic is closely connected to being productive and collaborative. Participation involves active and critical engagement in communities. As part of this process, everyone takes responsibility for the information they produce and share. We need to build strong communities that are accountable for the information that originates and circulates through these settings. Participating online, for instance, requires individuals to think about what they are willing to share and to be respectful of other participants. Being collaborative is important because it reinforces communication. Meta-literate learners are co-creators of knowledge who work together in partnership with individuals and teams. They are open to different viewpoints rather than only identifying with individuals or groups who agree with what they think or say. Consider the collaborative ways that community organizations work together to support their mission, especially during challenging times. They advocate for their communities and provide resources that are needed to be successful. The reflective characteristic fosters thinking about your own thinking and taking charge of your learning. Meta-literate learners play an empowering role in understanding what they know while also working toward new attitudes about their learning. Being reflective supports an openness to diverse viewpoints and an awareness of personal biases. Taking the time to pause and reflect is always needed when investigating information for accuracy and to avoid preconceptions. Being civic-minded reinforces civic responsibility and accountability. The participatory nature of social media, for instance, relies on the norms and expectations of the community, especially since traditional editorial filters have changed significantly. The civic-minded characteristic supports the idea that being connected is not enough and that individuals also need to be responsible for the communities they design and build together. Meta-literate learners communicate in a meaningful way. If a controversial topic emerges online, individuals need to think about how they engage with others in a rational, reasonable, and respectful manner. The community needs to define standards for engagement and hold individuals accountable for how they interact with others. Civic-minded individuals will always consider the needs of the community and how to participate in a responsible manner. The open characteristic supports transparent and supportive communities. Consider being open to new ideas, insights, and perspectives. This means having empathy to gain a deeper understanding of individuals and groups with different viewpoints from your own. Meta-literate learners openly create and share knowledge by working together as both teachers and learners. Being adaptable prepares individuals for situations and technologies that constantly change while being responsive and flexible to new ways of learning and knowing. Meta-literate learners are empowered to effectively apply technology while protecting personal privacy and being aware of information security. They understand the impact technology has on the development of content. Collectively, all of these characteristics define the meta-literate learner. Think about the specific qualities you already possess and those that may need further development. How might you put these qualities into practice as you follow your own path as an empowered meta-literate learner?