Return-Path: <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost.nifl.gov [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.8.7/8.8.5) with SMTP id HAA00217; Wed, 10 Dec 1997 07:21:47 -0500 (EST) Date: Wed, 10 Dec 1997 07:21:47 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <Pine.SGI.3.95.971210070915.2952A-100000@world.std.com> Errors-To: lmann@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: David J Rosen <DJRosen@world.std.com> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:103] Re: Information "Literacy" ??? X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Status: RO Peggy, I think The term _literacy_ is being stretched too thin through loose metaphor to include all bodies of knowledge at the beginning level. I try to avoid using _computer literacy_ but instead refer to computer users' comfort and fearlessness, terms also used the Massachusetts state adult literacy and technology plan. I am also concerned that a lot of what people who may be more comfortable with technology see as ineptness in using computers is attributable to the poor design of hardware and software. Several years ago, for example, some people were described as techno-illiterate when they couldn't program their VCR's. VCR manufacturers decided that the problem could be remedied through improved design. I haven't heard anyone complain that VCR's are too easy to program now and that they long for the old VCR days. David Rosen <DJRosen@world.std.com> On Wed, 10 Dec 1997, Peggy Lewis wrote: > 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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