Technologically Literate

In our virtual class (through Skype) we learned that it's a law for students to be technologically literate (at least in Oregon). It's a part of the nine standards to getting an Oregon Diploma.

Standard #6: Use technology to learn, live and work.
So what does that mean? Here are the standards: 

Creativity and Innovation
Communication and Collaboration
Research and Information Fluency
Critical Thinking, Prob. Solving and Decision Making
Digital Citizenship
Technology Operations and Concepts

In less complicated words being technological literate is to be able to understand and evaluate technology, not just how to use it. To not only know that a program exists, but know how to use it to your benefit and the benefit of your community. 

The International Technology Education Association (ITEA) proposes this definition: "Technological literacy is far more than the ability to use technological tools. Technologically literate citizens employ systems-oriented thinking as they interact with the technological world, cognizant of how such interaction affects individuals, our society, and the environment. Technological literacy is the ability to use, manage, assess, and understand technology. It involves knowledge, abilities, and the application of both knowledge and abilities to real-world situations. Citizens of all ages benefit from technological literacy, whether it is obtained through formal or informal educational environments."

When teaching a language technology can be a teacher's best friend. There's a lot of visual and listening tools. There are dictionaries, vocabulary enhancers, translation programs and pen-pal programs. Language books and novels in the target language are more accessible online. Learning about different countries is easier through the click of a button. To some other subjects incorporating technology might be difficult but definitely not for language teachers.

The following is the presentation that our professor used as we met online: