Electronic Portfolio

Ria Ramnarine

EDU352: Foundations of Educational Technology

Instructor Mitchell Doxsee

08/13/2017

Current Issues in Educational Technology

Information literacy Society's increasing dependence on technology to communicate

information means that students must learn the skills to use information technologies effectively

(Roblyer & Doering, 2010). We live in a growing world of technology but many teachers are

faced with a number of issues and problems regarding computer literacy education. Information

literacy is very important in other words crucial in the pursuit of knowledge. Many teachers are

not effective in computer skills, while many parents cannot afford computers at home, then there

is the digital divide. This leaves many students inability to be effective with technology. Both

teachers and students need to be able to locate and use information effectively. It's an essential

skill for navigating the information age (https://www.lynda.com/Higher-Education-

tutorials/Information-Literacy/368046-2.html). We need to learn and teach ourselves and others

in order to become lifelong learners.

Drawing on students interests and sense of identity is now well recognized as playing a

valuable role in supporting the learning process, both in formal and informal settings (Barton &

Tan, 2010; Holland et al., 1998; Lave & Wenger, 1991; Nasir & Hand, 2008; Wortham, 2006).
Learners need to see themselves in their learning experiences in order to engage deeply in them

(Rush & Wittkower, 2014, para. 3). Students have to be able to identify information clearly and

concisely and determine the extent of information needed. They need to have the ability to use

indexes and effectively and efficiently to search other tools to find specific resources. Companies

and employers are seeking for people who understand and can adapt to the characteristics of the

information age.

Information literacy is defined by Shapiro and Hughes (1996) as a new discipline extending

from the use of computer and access to information, social, cultural, philosophical content and

even influence on information. Information literacy is defined by AASL/AECT (1998) as the

skill of accessing and using information (Demirel, 2017, pg. 331). Information literacy deals

with understanding contents, communication and understanding of tools technology provide.

Information literacy is essential for the functioning of an individual's success in today's society in

an increasingly technological world. The use of both technology and information literacy are

crucial in the use of software tools in order to communicate information. It is important that

students understand the principles of how the technological world works.