Explores facets of technical literacy other than computer literacy and how they might relate to the breakthrough in communications technology. (AEA)

This instructor's edition provides an overview of Problem-Based Learning (PBL). PBL organizes students into teams that work on projects to achieve the learning objectives embedded in each PBL project. The focus of this PBL project is managing technological change. The project is structured around a high-impact problem--one that has the potential…

Knowing what different kinds of computer equipment can do is the first step in choosing the computer that is right for you. This digest describes a developmental progression of computer capabilities. First the basic three software programs (word processing, spreadsheets, and database programs) are discussed using examples. Next, an explanation of…

Information literacy is the ability to access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of sources. This digest defines the information literate person and describes the evolution of the concept. Information literacy is examined in the context of existing practice; and the impact of technology on the storage and dissemination of data,…

Technology is more than applied science. It is the processes and products by which humans have coped with and changed their environment throughout history. People have always lived and worked in a "technological society." Never before, however, has technological change been so rapid or broad in scope. The concept of an "educated…

This topical bibliography and commentary reviews research to examine the current trends in information literacy. It notes that the most recent studies of information literacy reflect the following concerns: (1) the effects of new information technologies (especially the Internet) on traditional methods of research and instruction in research; (2)…

This Digest reviews the literature on recent attempts to incorporate technology into the instruction of journalism and mass communication. It first discusses the four main categories of current technology use in journalism and mass communication: classroom instruction; online syllabi/materials; distance learning; and technological literacy. It…

The integration of academic and vocational education is an educational reform strategy conceptualized by vocational educators, supported by the business community, and articulated by policy makers. Integration may improve the educational and employment opportunities of youth. Integration may offer change in an educational system that is in need of…

The current trend to include the relationships of science and technology to human societies in the social studies curriculum is the focus of this ERIC Digest. The Digest discusses: (1) major themes in education on science/technology/society (STS); (2) the rationale for emphasizing STS in the social studies; and (3) how to include STS in the…

Development of the information "superhighway" has spawned a number of political, economic, and educational issues and has raised concerns that information inequities are increasing the polarization of society. Among the economic and political issues/concerns that have been raised are the following: whether information is a commodity or a…

Technology education (TE) is a general education program intended to teach students about technological concepts, processes, materials, and systems as well as the impact of technology in society. Its goal is to develop technologically literate people. Technology education can be taught as a separate course or curriculum, or it can be infused in…

Information literacy is the ability to access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of sources. This document traces the history of the development of the term "information literacy" and discusses the emergence of information literacy as an important concept in contemporary society. Two major events are examined that have driven…

Although not all current jobs require basic computer skills, technological advances in society have created new jobs and changed the ways many existing jobs are performed. Clearly, workers who are proficient in technology have a greater advantage in the current workplace and the need for technologically proficient workers will only continue to…

Ten state-of-the-art articles discuss current developments in educational media and technology. Topics examined include research, school restructuring, networking, information technology, telecommunications, and contemporary social issues. Five of the articles are also published as ERIC Digests. All of the articles contain references. (SLW)

Effective utilization of computer technology can help rural and small school administrators and teachers overcome problems of time, distance, sparsity in course offerings and support personnel, and unequal funding through facilitation of communication and through the potential to replicate quality instruction. Tools that have implications for…