Definitions and Rationale
What is technology? A definition of technology literacy might well
begin with a definition of technology. Technology consists of all the
modifications humans have made in the natural environment for their
own purposes (Dugger 2001)óinventions, innovations, and changes
intended to meet our wants and needs, 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, itís 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
defined to include far more than instructional or communications
technology (Custer 1999). Computers, e-mail, and Web TV are only
one part of the array of devices and procedures we encounter in dayto-day
lifeóeverything 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 other 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 looking for a job, marketing
a service, or shopping for a product. We must also be able to use other
devices, like microwaves, copying machines, and self-service gas pumps,
that have become 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 can 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.
Finally, enduring, inherent technological literacy would include
four generalized competencies: ì(a) accommodate and cope with rapid
and continuous technological change, (b) generate creative and innovative
solutions for technological problems, (c) act through technological
knowledge both effectively and efficiently, and (d) assess technology
and its involvement with the human lifeworld judiciouslyî (p.
25).
These elements are mirrored in other descriptions of technological
literacy. Prime (1998) characterizes technological literacy as consisting
of knowledge and skills. Broad knowledge areas include problems that
might be solved with technology, important technologies, social and
cultural effects of technology, prerequisite knowledge from other disciplines
(e.g., math), and the form or structure of technological knowledge.
Skills include both manipulative and cognitive skills (e.g., evaluation,
analytical thinking, creativity, problem solving, research, analysis,
design). Affective skills include the capacity to act for the right
reason and exhibit concern for moral and ethical implications of technological
choice, as well as attitudes such as independence and interdependence,
caring, environmental concern, social responsibility, and
positive work habits.
Why is technological literacy so broad? There is wide agreement
that technological literacy should be defined very broadly, for two reasons
(International Technology Education Association [ITEA] 2000).
The range of technology available today is very broad, as is the range of
human problems that technology might solve; creation of new technologies
and extension of old technologies will only increase the ranges
of both. As a result, individuals need more than just knowledge of
current technology and skills in using it; they also need an additional
set of knowledge and skills to accommodate and use the new and
changed technologies of tomorrow. This additional set of knowledge
and skills includes learning-to-learn skillsóinformation, inquiry, independent
learning, media, and group skills (Potter et al. 2000).
Just as important, however, are the knowledge and skills all will need
for informed, responsible decision making as workers, consumers, and
citizens (Bugliarello 2000; Gilberti 1999). Responsible decision making
requires an understanding of the relationship between technology,
humans, and the environment and of the limits of science and technology;
the ability to distinguish between fact and conjecture, to examine
the values associated with technology, and to develop oneís
own values; and some experience in applying technology to solve problems.
For example, chlorofluorocarbons are great as refrigerants and
foam-blowing agents but they also damage the ozone (ITEA 2000).
And we know the Internet can affect how people interact and communicate,
do business, and entertain themselves, but we donít know
what its long-term effect will be.
Some educators are particularly concerned about the articulated belief
system that links literacy and technology, the ìgrand
narrative...[that] science + technology + democracy (+ capitalism) +
education = progress + literate citizenryî (Selfe 1999, pp. 122-123). Will
the powerful, common-sense appeal of such a belief system lead us to
accept without question both its assumptions and its conclusions? Has
the equation of technology with progress blinded us to the fact that
technology may simply reproduce social problems? Great concern is
expressed about unequal access--at home, in the workplace, and in
school--to online telecommunications and technology for women, minorities,
and the poor. Equally, concern is expressed about affluent,
highly educated nontechnologists who are estranged from technology
and prefer to leave it to the technologists, abdicating their own responsibilities
as informed citizens, consumers, and workers (ibid.).
Standards