Technological Literacy

Many of the processes, skills and abilities required for Communication, Numeracy, and Critical and Creative Thinking are also needed for the development of Technological Literacy. In addition, the Learning Objectives

which follow work toward developing an accurate and complete understanding of technology and technological processes within a society.

To develop a contemporary view of technology

Students will develop their abilities to:
K-5

• examine their immediate experiences with technology in the home and in the school

  One area in which students may examine the impact of technology on their lives is the development of computer technology. Computers are becoming more common in the school system at all levels. Computer literacy - as one aspect of technological literacy - requires more than programming skills. A curriculum for computer literacy should reflect a blend of the technical, cultural and organizational aspects of computer technology. (From Understanding the Common Essential Learnings, 1988, pp. 38-40.)

6-9 Continue to develop the understandings and abilities in the Elementary Level in addition to the following:

• explore historical developments of particular technologies
• understand the influence of underlying values or assumptions which technological developments
• explore the technical, social and cultural aspects of various media and other technological developments

10-12 Continue to develop the understandings and abilities in the Elementary and Middle levels in addition to the following:

• understand the existence and influence of decision-makers ⁶ both inside and outside technology
• explore the evolution of technological innovations within subject areas with a focus on the political and social forces that spawned the innovation and the steps involved in the development
• understand how public policy shapes technology
• explore the technical, social and cultural implications of present technology and of impending technological developments as they arise within units of study

To develop an understanding that technology both shapes and is shaped by society

Students will develop their abilities to:
K-5

• explore the relationships between the natural and constructed worlds
• explore the impact of technological change on their immediate environment (the natural and constructed world)
• investigate how technology has affected family and community life, past and present
• explore how human needs shape the direction and development of technological innovations within a framework of students' own experiences

6-9 Continue to develop the understandings and abilities in the Elementary Level in addition to the following:

• understand the reciprocal relationships between the natural and constructed worlds
• explore how technological developments cause change in the natural environment (e.g., a bridge over a river) and in society (e.g., distribution of power and status)
• explore the role and influence of technology in the gathering, processing and disseminating of information

10-12 Continue to develop the understandings and abilities in the Elementary and Middle Levels in addition to the following:

• explore the two-way relationship between technology and society (e.g., understand that society can influence the shape of future technologies through funds, public policy, special interest groups and legal routes; and that technology shapes society)
• explore the two-way relationship between technology and science (e.g., understand that technology can influence the course of scientific research and that scientific discoveries can influence technological development)
• understand how technology influences occupational roles within society and affects the workplace (e.g., occupational health, safety, unemployment, etc.)
• critique various media and their influences on values, cultures and ideas

To develop students' appreciation of the value and limitations of technology within society

Students will develop their abilities to:
K-5

• explore the distribution and uses of technology in the home, school and community
• understand the benefits and limitations of technological tools used within subject areas
• explore the benefits and risks of technology within the home and community
• use technological innovations as helpful learning tools (e.g., computer, calculator, etc.)

6-9 Continue to develop the understandings and abilities in the Elementary Level in addition to the following:

• explore the evolution of technological innovations within areas of study with a focus on the uses and limitations of the innovation itself
• assess technological developments in terms of usefulness, economic factors, and public and worker health concerns
• explore how various forms of electronic media such as television, video, radio and audio recordings affect the impact of the message
• use media techniques, devices and technology to enhance specific learning situations

10-12 Continue to develop the understandings and abilities in the Elementary and Middle Levels in addition to the following:

• understand the impact of technology on areas of study specifically, and on society in general
• use probabilistic reasoning in relation to analysis of risk related to technological developments
• explore innovations in media technology and their implications

To provide opportunities for students' active involvement in decision-making related to technological developments

Students will develop their abilities to:
K-5

• generate and discuss alternatives to particular technological developments
• participate in decision-making processes with regard to technological developments that touch their lives

6-9 Continue to develop the abilities in the Elementary Level in addition to the following:

• participate in decision-making processes with regard to technological developments in the larger community that are relevant and meaningful to students (e.g., civic, provincial, national)
• discuss, explore or debate the appropriateness of a technological innovation in relation to risk/benefit analysis
• examine personal decision-making processes and risk/benefit frameworks as consumers of products of technological developments

10-12 Continue to develop the abilities in the Elementary and Middle Levels in addition to the following:

• understand the interaction of science, technology, society and environment as it relates to local issues, public policies and global problems
• search for, generate, collate and judge the reliability and usefulness of information related to technological developments and decision making
• critically examine technological development with respect to:
  1. arguments presented by developers of technology in support of the innovation
  2. pros and cons of development (e.g., environmental impact)
  3. social forces
  4. economic considerations
• suggest solutions related to technological issues, make decisions regarding their solutions, and where appropriate, take action (e.g., presenting a summary report to a community council)