Technology Literacy vs. Information Literacy

I notice how it is very easy to get into discussions, debates, even arguments when using these terms. If I use the term Technology Literacy, it never fails that someone points out that merely knowing how to use "stuff" is too limited in scope for our educational purpose. If I use the term Information Literacy, it never fails that someone points out that minizing the "stuff" doesn't make it go away or make it work for us any better.

I think Technology Literacy is a fundamental skill, like reading, writing or math. Does that mean that I believe our curriculum efforts should be limited to developing an ability to communicate with and through technology? Certainly not. That's just a beginning that needs to lead ot higher levels of critical thinking using technology and other Information Literacy skills.

Have you ever heard someone ask a reading teacher: "Do you understand that this is not about the mechanics of reading, but what students can do with reading that counts?" I haven't. That's because everyone understands that both the ability to read and the ability to use reading in critical thinking activities are essential to educating children.

I believe the same is true with Technology Literacy and Information Literacy. They are not mutually exclusive, but are rather building blocks toward a modern education.

-Dan Maas