Please answer the following questions:
- What sort of literacy is needed in the digital age?
In an increasingly technological global market and proliferation of electronic environment, a literate person needs to have computer literacy in addition to traditional literacy in order to perform social functions. In my views, the new technology literacy also involves the ability to use technology to solve problem such as locating information.
2. What are the characteristics of a technologically literate person?
According to Selfe (1999), technology literacy means “computer skills and the ability to use computers and other technology to improve learning, productivity, and performance.” These skills allow one to “navigate through society as traditional skills like reading, writing, and arithmetic.” (p. 3). In other words, a technological literate person is able to use tools as mediation to complete tasks more effectively, and perhaps, more efficiently.
A person who is technologically literate is able to use available tools in order to complete tasks. The ability to perform basic troubleshooting when needed is also an important characteristic that a technologically literate person must possess.
3. How do people’s technology practice shape their literacy?
The ability to use computer technology provides an individual with access to increasing repertoire of learning resources that could mediate learning.
There is also a strong “cultural link” between technology and literacy (Selfe, 1999, p. 5). Because technological literacy provides new social opportunities, it could lead to positive change in social and economical status because it facilitates the acquisition of secondary discourses.
4. How can we best teach technological literacy?
Technological literacy is best taught through hands-on activities that allow students to practice working with technology. Project-based learning can give learning a meaningful context.