Technological Literacy (Revised)
The Vision
Technology, any modification of the natural world designed by human beings to solve human problems, enhance human life, or extend human capability, was identified by the United States Department of Labor as an essential workplace competency in a 1992 report called the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS). SCANS stated that students should be able to select equipment and tools, apply technology to specific tasks, and maintain and troubleshoot equipment. The Department of Education recognized its importance by including technology in the original cross-content workplace readiness standards. In keeping with today's technological society, technological literacy has been further emphasized by its inclusion as a separate standards area which focuses on both computer and information literacy and technology education.
Technology is evolving at an amazing rate, with both frequent advancements of existing technology and the creation of new technologies. All students must understand and be comfortable with the concepts and application of technology, not only in order to function in today's complex society, but also to become informed and productive adults of tomorrow.