[NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:102] Information "Literacy" ???

From: Peggy Lewis (mlewis@egusd.k12.ca.us)
Date: Wed Dec 10 1997 - 00:53:21 EST


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From: Peggy Lewis <mlewis@egusd.k12.ca.us>
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Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:102] Information  "Literacy" ???
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Why is this called information "literacy" when there is so little reference
to actual reading and writing?  Why not "knowledge" or "use"  of
"familiarity" or something that more accurately expresses the idea?

It is not my intention to pick on this one usage, but to try to call
attention to the widespread misuse of the term.  Doesn't  "computer
literacy"  really  attempt to describe the ability to use a computer that
goes way beyond reading and writing with and about the machnes?

I once saw the term "physical literacy" which at first I took to mean
Braille.  I later found out that the term referred to the ability to look at
a map and locate an office.  Confusing.

Peggy Lewis
Elk Grove Adult Educationph           ph (916)874-1817)
Sacramento, CA                                fax(916)448-5021
mlewis@egusd.k12.ca.us



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