The Tech Part of Technology Literacy

Bonnie Bracey sent this report out today. It’s an old report, but I think it remains relevant. ~julz Date: Jan. 17, 2002 Contacts: Vanee Vines, Media Relations Officer Chris Dobbins, Media Relations Assistant (202) 334-2138; e-mail [ EMBARGOED: NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BEFORE 10:30 A.M. EST THURSDAY, JAN. 17 ] Publication Announcement Improving Technological Literacy Needs National Effort; Potential Benefits Are Many, Report Says Most Americans know little about the world of technology, yet from day to day they must make critical decisions that are technologically based, such as whether to buy genetically engineered foods or transmit personal data over the Internet. Moreover, the use of technology as a learning tool in the classroom is often confused with the broader concept of being technologically literate -- knowing something of the nature and history of technology, as well as having a certain level of skill in using technologies and thinking critically about them. Neither the educational system nor the policy-making apparatus in the United States has recognized the importance of this more comprehensive view of technological literacy, says a new report from the National Academies' National Academy of Engineering and National Research Council. It calls for a broad-based effort to increase the technological literacy of all Americans, a goal that will have many benefits including more informed decision-making by citizens and business and government leaders about the development and use of technology, and a more erudite population that will be better prepared for the demands of today's high-tech work environment. Read the more at http://www4.nationalacademies.org/news.nsf/isbn/0309082625?OpenDocument