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[Technology 1018] Re: technological literacy questionMariann Fedele MariannF at lacnyc.orgThu May 17 16:53:16 EDT 2007
Thank you, Kelli and Nancy for sharing your thoughts and resources on the subject of technological literacy. Since I asked the question I've been reading Tech Tally: Approaches to Assessing Technological Literacy (National Academies Press). Tech Tally explores the viability of assessing technological literacy. I found particularly interesting some of the working definitions. The authors use a broad definition of technology, "the modification of the natural world to fulfill human needs and wants." This definition addresses their belief that there is a conflation in the understanding of technology generally with computer technology specifically. So when we consider technology we should think of everything from processed foods, transportation, modern telecommunications and space travel. They feel this is a critical definition to have understood among the general population for informed critical decision and policy making. Technological literacy is defined as an individual's, "understanding of technology at a level that enables effective functioning in a modern technological society." It is comprised of three dimensions: knowledge (both factual and conceptual), capabilities (fluency in the use of technologies for problem solving) and critical thinking decision making (the approach we take when considering new technologies for their benefit and consequences individually and to society). Those concepts are defined and then used to create "Characteristics of a Technologically Literate Person." They follow. Does this seem to folks on the list as a useful framework and understanding of technological literacy? TABLE 2-1 Characteristics of a Technologically Literate Person Knowledge * Recognizes the pervasiveness of technology in everyday life. * Understands basic engineering concepts and terms, such as systems, constraints, and trade-offs. * Is familiar with the nature and limitations of the engineering design process. * Knows some of the ways technology has shaped human history and how people have shaped technology. * Knows that all technologies entail risk, only some of which can be anticipated. * Appreciates that the development and use of technology involve trade-offs and a balance of costs and benefits. * Understands that technology reflects the values and culture of society. Critical Thinking and Decision Making * Asks pertinent questions, of self and others, regarding the benefits and risks of technologies. * Weighs available information about the benefits, risks, costs, and trade-offs of technology in a systematic way. * Participates, when appropriate, in decisions about the development and uses of technology. Capabilities * Has a range of hands-on skills, such as operating a variety of home and office appliances and using a computer for word processing and surfing the Internet. * Can identify and fix simple mechanical or technological problems at home or at work. * Can apply basic mathematical concepts related to probability, scale, and estimation to make informed judgments about technological risks and benefits. * Can use a design-thinking process to solve a problem encountered in daily life. * Can obtain information about technological issues of concern from a variety of sources. Mariann Fedele Director, NYC Regional Adult Education Network Literacy Assistance Center Moderator, NIFL Technology and Literacy Discussion List 32 Broadway 10th Floor New York, New York 10004 212-803-3325 mariannf at lacnyc.org www.lacnyc.org ________________________________ From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Mariann Fedele Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 4:16 PM To: The Technology and Literacy Discussion List Subject: [Technology 1011] technological literacy question Hello Tech list colleagues, Is any one on the list doing work on technological literacy with students? If so how are you defining it, and how are you teaching it? Are there any resources you recommend? Even if you aren't doing anything instructional around technological literacy what are your thoughts on how it should be defined and what should be taught? Mariann Fedele Director, NYC Regional Adult Education Network Literacy Assistance Center Moderator, NIFL Technology and Literacy Discussion List 32 Broadway 10th Floor New York, New York 10004 212-803-3325 mariannf at lacnyc.org www.lacnyc.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.nifl.gov/pipermail/technology/attachments/20070517/2ad66594/attachment.html
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