Technological Literacy :: Technology Technological Papers

Technological Literacy Definitions and RationaleWhat is technology? A definition of technology literacy might well begin with a definition of technology. engine room consists of all the modifications humans have made in the natural environment for their own purposes (Dugger 2001)inventions, innovations, and changes intended to meet our wants and compulsions, to live longer, more productive lives. Such a broad definition of technology includes a broad spectrum of artifacts, ranging from the age-old (flint tools, wheels, levers) to the high-tech (computers, multimedia, biotechnologies). In short, if humans thought of it and made it, its technology. Two important points need to made about such a broad definition of technology. First, although some writers address only computer and communications technology (e.g., Selfe 1999), technology is usually delineate to include far more than instructional or communications technology (Custer 1999). Computers, e-mail, and Web TV ar only one p art of the array of devices and procedures we project in day-to-day lifeeverything from digitized kitchen appliances to transportation systems and integrated manufacturing. Second, science and technology, although closely related, are different (Sanders 1999). Science generates knowledge for its own sake, proposing and testing explanations. Technology, on the otherwise hand, develops human-made solutions to real-world problems. Of course, science uses technology to generate knowledge and technology uses scientific knowledge to generate solutions, so the two are integrally connected but they are different fields driven by different concepts and processes (Bybee 2000). What is technological literacy? Just as technology involves more than computers and the Internet, technological literacy involves more than hands-on skill in using technology (Bugliarello 2000). Certainly, knowing how to use information technology is increasingly important in our knowledge society, whether we are look ing for a job, marketing a service, or shopping for a product. We must overly be able to use other devices, like microwaves, copying machines, and self-service gas pumps, that have fail part of everyday life at home, at work, or in the community. However, the ability to use technology is only one part of technological literacy. What are the other parts? Interpreting a large body of work on technological literacy from a variety of fields, Gagel (1997) suggested common elements of an enduring, inherent technological literacy that washbasin last through the fast, continuous changes in technology. This type of technological literacy would include knowledge about the details of individual technologies and about the process of technology development. It would also include a holistic understanding of the historical and cultural context of technology and adaptability based on initiative and resourceful thinking.