Technological Literacy for All
| Initiative: | Technological Literacy for All |
| University: | UH College of Technology |
| Focus: | Math and Science Education |
Program Description
The Technological Literacy for All project is based on the premise that decisions and actions to support future economic and personal growth depend on preparing today's students for tomorrow's decisions. The 21st century depends on our abilities to understand sophisticated scientific and technological developments and to place these developments in the context of improving the American way of life through sustainable economic development. In addition to possessing reading, writing, and mathematical literacy, the youth of tomorrow must be technologically literate if the quality and future of American life is to be improved. Technological literacy is much more than knowing how to use a computer. Technological literacy depends on the interaction of our technological knowledge, technical capability, and our ways of thinking and acting about technology. Thus, technological literacy becomes a lifestyle characterized by Americans who:
- Perceive themselves as capable of learning about technology to achieve specific purposes and extend their influence in the world.
- Take control of their decisions, invest time and energy in achieving solutions, and take necessary risks to explore different options.
- Have an adequate knowledge and skill base to seek, evaluate, and implement technological solutions.
- Rely on their abilities and knowledge to use technology appropriately.
- Think about how and why they use technology like they do, how technology interrelates with their environment, and the technological strategies they use to solve problems.
The National Academy of Engineering highlights the importance of technological literacy in Technically Speaking: Why All Americans Need to Know More About Technology (2002) and the National Research Council has issued an "urgent call" for technological literacy in the United States. The Technological Literacy for All project seeks to strengthen the presence of technology studies in K-12 education by integrating technology into the curriculum through a more thorough and sophisticated presentation of technology concepts and themes. Through the development of research-based instructional materials and teacher professional development, immediate effects can be realized. Specifically, the Technological Literacy for All project will conduct research on the cognitive processes involved in developing new knowledge about technology and apply the research findings to the development of instructional resources and teacher training materials to promote student technological literacy.
Background and Qualifications
Dr. John W. Hansen, the executive director of the Center for Technology Literacy at UH, will direct this project. His research efforts resulted in the implementation of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Technology Education in Texas public schools. He received approximately $1.7 million in funding towards the statewide revision of the Technology Education curriculum and instructional resources, and works with local schools, colleges, and universities to develop 21st century science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills in middle and high school students.
Funding Request
The Technological Literacy for All project requests $2 million in appropriations for a three-year project to achieve the project's goals.
