Why is Technological Literacy Important?

Several groups, organizations, agencies, and institutions have made the case for technological literacy, including the International Technology Education Association (ITEA) as well as National Academy of Engineering (NAE), and the National Research Council (NRC). As the U.S. Commission on National Security/21st Century reported in 2001: The health of the U.S. economy . . . will depend not only on [science, math, and engineering] professionals but also on a populace that can effectively assimilate a wide range of new tools and technologies.

The results of a 2001 Gallup Poll indicate a very narrow view of technology by the American public, who define it as primarily computers and the Internet. A number of questions in the poll focused on the study of technology and technological literacy as a part of the school curriculum. When provided with a definition of technology more accepted by experts in the field, nearly all of the respondents (97%) agreed that schools should include the study of technology in the curriculum. Of those 97%, over half said that they thought the study of technology should be required as a school subject. The public believes technological literacy should be a part of high school graduation requirements.

How widespread is technological literacy among Americans today? Unfortunately, no definitive research exists on this topic. Levels of technological literacy vary from person to person and depend upon backgrounds, education, interests, attitudes, and abilities. Many people are not prepared to perform routine technological activities or appreciate the significance of engineering breakthroughs.

The study of technology has traditionally not been accepted as a core subject area requirement in many elementary, middle, and high schools. For most individuals, technological literacy has been traditionally gained through daily activities. However, technological processes and systems have become so complex that the happenstance approach is no longer effective. A massive, coordinated effort is needed in order to achieve a technologically literate populace. This should involve schools, mass media and entertainment outlets, book publishers, and museums. Schools, in collaboration with the community, must bear the bulk of this effort, because the educational system can provide the most comprehensive study of technology.