Technological Literacy

Technological Literacy

To many Americans, technology has mysterious, magical, and sometimes omnipotent qualities; most know very little about technology (Hameed, 1988 ). Consequently, they are limited in their ability as citizens to make informed decisions about the development and implementation of new technologies and they may be naive as consumers regarding the quality and impact of products on the market. A major goal of the technology curriculum is to develop the technological literacy of all students.

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Technologically literate people:

understand the nature and role of technology;

understand how technological systems are designed, used, and controlled;

are able to value the benefits and assess the risks associated with technology; and

are able to respond rationally to ethical dilemmas caused by technology.

The technology curriculum develops technological literacy by engaging students in activities that require them to investigate the history of various technologies; research and assess the impacts of technology on individuals, society, and the environment; investigate the interactive and dynamic relationship between people and technology; and to apply technological knowledge and use systems and tools to solve practical problems.

This curriculum removes the mystery and magic from technology, empowering students to make informed decisions as citizens, consumers, and employees in a technological society.

Technologically capable people are able to:

recognize problems needing practical solutions;
develop and evaluate a variety of alternative solutions to a perceived problem;
select, optimize, and apply knowledge and other resources to solve practical problems;
work within imposed constraints and with limited resources;
assess the effectiveness of technological solutions;
make value judgments regarding possible and actual actions taken while solving problems;
feel comfortable learning about and using systems and tools of technology in the home, in leisure activities, and in the workplace.

Technological capability is developed in students through their participation in a series of technological design problems. These 'set the stage' for learning by providing contexts (or problem situations) within which students think and act systemically to solve problems.

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