What is Technological Literacy?

The Standards for Technological Literacy (STL)defines technological literacy as the ability to use, manage, assess, and understand technology. More specifically, the STL defines technological literacy as being:

1. The ability to use technology involves the successful operation of the systems of the time. This includes knowing the components of existing macrosystems and human adaptive systems and knowing how the systems behave.
   
2. The ability to manage technology involves ensuring that all technological activities are efficient and appropriate.
   
3. Assessing involves being able to make judgments and decisions about technology on an informed basis rather than an emotional one.
   
4. Understanding technology involves the ability to understand and synthesize facts and information into new insights.
   

From a related perspective, a publication prepared by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and the National Research Council (NRC) entitled Technically Speaking: Why All Americans Need to Know More About Technology (2002), states that technological literacy encompasses three interdependent dimensionsknowledge, ways of thinking and acting, and capabilities. Like literacy in science, mathematics, social studies, or language arts, the goal of technological literacy is to provide people with the tools to participate intelligently and thoughtfully in the world around them.

Technological literacy, like other forms of literacy, is what every person needs in order to be an informed and contributing citizen for the world of today and tomorrow. Therefore students, to achieve technological literacy, must develop a broad range of technological knowledge and abilities. On the other hand, technological competency is what some people need to be prepared to be successful in a technical career. Teachers must be technological competent to direct student learning.