10 Reasons Why & How We Should Immerse Our Students In Digital Literacy

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Digital literacy has been a hot topic on this blog in recent weeks. (Read related posts here and here.) The opinion piece, Teach U.S. Kids to Write Computer Code by Douglas Rushkoff gets to the heart of why increasing our students' digital literacy skills is vital to propelling our country forward when it comes to technology. I wish him all the best as he brings his case to Congress later this week.

Actually, Rushkoff's 10-minute meeting with Congress is my first point of concern. The fact that he must address Congress and educate its members on the value of digital literacy says quite a bit about our reticence to embrace the Digital Age, even though we live in (and have been living in) this age for quite some time. Why do we have such a sluggish mindset about technological innovation when it is so crystal clear that this the path the world is blazing?

As Rushkoff writes, "Although we live in a highly digital age, digital literacy is not a priority among us. And as a result, computer science is not a priority in our schools."  My husband, who has worked in software development for decades, laments this fact often. While he tries to hire American coders, he finds that too often their skills, their knowledge, their drive for doing the work, lags behind potential candidates from other countries. In fact, Rushkoff sarcastically (?) states, "But I'm hoping we can get motivated enough to catch up with, say, Estonia (where they teach code to kids) ...."
In his article, Rushkoff shares with readers the 10 points he plans to present to Congress. Two really stood out for me. The first is the impact that our lack of digital literacy skills will have on our cybermilitary efforts. Think about it. We don't just need soldiers to use the technology that protects us; we need to soldiers to create the technology that protects us. Second, he spotlights that computer science isn't just about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), but liberal arts as well. It requires highly-developed critical thinking skills. (Did someone say Teaching Reading In The Content Areas?)

Be sure to check out this article and chime in with your thoughts.

Thanks for reading ... it keeps your Mind Full of Literacy!

 

How I Learned I Was Not Totally Tech-Stupid, And What I Plan To Do To Raise My Bar

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In keeping with the theme of the importance of being technologically literate, I wanted to share the article, The 50 Free Apps We're Most Thankful For from LiveHacker.com.  When I came across this piece and clicked on the headline, I fully expected to feel like an idiot for not knowing about or having even heard of most the apps.  I can be rather technologically illiterate, especially with new media.

To my surprise, I already use several of these apps on a regular basis, and I've heard of most of them. My husband uses Google Voice (No. 9) and FoxFi (No. 21) with great success.

But knowing about them isn't enough for me. So to up my technology literacy skills, I set a goal to at least research the following apps in 2013.

Evernote (No. 4)

Pocket (No. 5)

Spotify (No 11) DONE! (Just jammed to Gangnam Style. Not proud, but it is what it is.)

Google Calendar (No. 14)

Mint (No. 24).

I know ... these are not earth-shattering, cutting-edge apps to most of the digital world, but it's a step toward increased technological literacy in my world. I chose these particular ones because I'm looking for ways to 1) have fun and 2) simplify my life.

If you've used any of the apps on this list, I'd love to hear how and why. And share your usage tips! If you try something new from this list, I'd love to hear how it worked out

Thanks for reading! It keeps your Mind Full of Literacy!

Are You Tech Savvy ... Or Tech Stupid?

Photo credit: dougbelshaw via photopin cc

I'm excited to introduce my first-ever guest blogger! I met Jenifer Phillips last year when we both taught at the same charter school. She teaches computer skills to elementary-aged students and is a technology literacy guru! I can always count on her to answer my questions and give me a techie spin on my ideas! Enjoy!

The U.S. Department of Education (1996) defines technology literacy as "computer skills and the ability to use computers and other technology to improve learning, productivity, and performance."  In today’s society, everything relies on or incorporates technology more and more. Doctor’s offices are starting to use electronic medical records, teachers are using online grade books, and there are even ways to use an app or website to keep track of your grocery list!

Technology is something is always around and is constantly changing. Technology is not only becoming more readily available, but it’s becoming faster, smarter, smaller, and more affordable. It’s definitely something that will not be going away anytime soon.

Thus, the importance of being technologically literate is becoming a necessity. Most employers now assume that potential employees at least have the basic knowledge of how to use a computer and the Internet. Depending on the job, even more technological skills may be required. The dependency on computers is increasing in the workplace, in order for companies or schools to keep up with and compete as part of a global society.

However, it’s not easy to keep up with technology. Some people merely don’t feel as if they are very “tech savvy,” and thus may have a harder time learning the needed skills. It’s also difficult to keep up when the technologies are constantly changing and upgrading. Then, of course there comes the issue of money. Technology is not cheap, especially if you are wanting or needing the newest and latest version each phone, computer, Internet, tablet, etc. that exists.

While having the latest technology is desirable, it is also important that a person understands all that it encompasses. Not only do you have to understand how to operate the technology, but you need to understand how to use it safely and ethically. There are, unfortunately, so many ways that technology can be misused in order to hurt others’ reputations, feelings, or welfare. Education is the key to getting technology, using it correctly, and keeping up with the changes.

When asked how they feel about the importance of being technologically literate, two teachers had their own opinions:

Teacher L: “If you’re not up to date with technology, how are you going to keep up with today’s kids?”

 

Teacher S: "I don’t spend money on technology like some of my students’ families do. Thus, I feel behind in regards to learning the latest technologies. I wish our school offered us more training.”

Once we can get more businesses and schools to accept this reality, then we might just get more and more people prepared better for the job market that society has to offer.

Feel free to contact Jenifer with any comments, questions, or resources by visiting:

http://mrspedtechtalk.blogspot.com/  OR

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/MrsPEdTechTalk

You may also follow Jenifer on Twitter @MrsPEdTechTalk.

References:

• http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te4lk7.htm
• http://educationsecrets.org/importance-of-technology-literacy-in-21st-century-america.html
• http://gatewaysol.com/computer_literacy.htm