A few weeks
ago, I posted about what I thought it meant to be technologically literate. I
wrote about different types of tech literacy and how I saw a connection to traditional literacy. Since then, I have learned so much more about technology.
As I’ve read about what technology can and
cannot do for us, I realize that being technologically literate doesn’t just
refer to one's knowledge about a particular type of technology or how to use
it. Tech literacy refers to those things, of course, but it also refers to our
ability to think critically about the technologies we use.
In order to use
technology to its full potential, it is crucial that we understand how it can
benefit us and also how it might be detrimental. For example, you might
consider yourself literate in the use of email, but do you also take into
account that email may not be the best tool for every situation? How about iPads
in the classroom? These are wonderful tools to be used to expand the classroom
experience (think research or math practice), but they are not a substitute for
teaching. Putting a child in front of an iPad with an educational game does not
equate to effective (or appropriate) instruction, although the student may enjoy
it and be engaged.
Tech
literacy is critical for all of us. Awareness gives us the ability to make
informed decisions about how, if and when to use the technologies in front of
us. #NOT
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