computer literacy, information literacy, and integration literacy

COMPUTER LITERACY: Computer literacy can be described as the knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses. For example, if you know how to power-on a computer, it's basic functions (word documents, searching for a document, double clicking, right clicking, highlighting, etc.) If you are able to do any of these fore mentioned things, you, my friend, are computer literate.

INFORMATION LITERACY: Information literacy can be described as knowing how to find, analyze, and use information; the ability to gather information from multiple sources, select relevant material, and organize it into a form that will allow the user to make decisions or take specific actions. For example, the basic function of going onto the world wide web and finding specific information about a topic can be classified as being information literate. However, it goes beyond basic searches. Doing a simple Google search and reading the first few paragraphs of the first link is not considered being information literate. However, "digging deep" and finding scholarly, valid, and professional information is considered being information literate.

INTEGRATION LITERACY: ability to use computers and other technologies combined with a variety of teaching and learning strategies to enhance students' learning; matching appropriate technology to learning objectives, goals, and outcomes. For example, using pod-casts in the classroom, implementing a lesson that goes along with a SMART BOARD activity, reviewing a chapter in science by watching a correlating video Power Point presentation, etc.

As we all know, technology is changing and rather than rejecting this change, we must face it. I have a very strong premonition that the future of education and school literally holds no books, no paper, no pencils, no folders, and no writing. Take everything that you know about education and throw it out the window. I see students with individual laptops with digital copies of textbooks, all assignments posted on-line, on-line feedback, on-line grading, and student centered independent education. So you may ask yourself, what will the teachers be doing. I foresee teachers as no more than facilitators, one who sets the stage and guides their students as they enter the digital world to obtain information.