<br><font size=3 face="Helvetica">In reading the materials suggested and
threads emerging on this special topic discussion list, I 'd like to include
a thread on "technological literacy" as an element of numeracy.
It's a broad topic, but may specifically relate to "Components of
Numeracy" p.17-19 (Content), and possibly to "Mathematics and
Democracy":</font>
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<br><font size=3 face="Helvetica">We hear alot these days about "digital
natives" - those young adults (and younger) who grew up with mouse
in hand and eyes in the screen. While it' s sometimes hard to evaluate
the "context" of computer and internet use by these natives (is
it mindless entertainment, or is it the development of a form of
communications literacy), there is no question how whole-heartedly the
engagement with the tools of technology has been...</font>
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<br><font size=3 face="Helvetica">Looking at the extraordinarily fast development
and adoption of these technological tools by "digital natives"
(and "digital immigrants" like me, and maybe you !!), I occasionally
fantasize about a sudden outpouring of "numerate natives". What
would that look like, and what would it mean? Would it be catching?</font>
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<br><font size=3 face="Helvetica">We've all got the gene in us. The observation
Mary Jane makes is important: even in early infancy there is evidence of
instinctual "numerosity" (a word not in the "Word"
dictionary, but used - perhaps coined - by Keith Devlin.) That mathematics
(in its many guises) has played as essential role as language in human
development can at least be argued. We are not all linguists or mathematicians
- in the specialized sense we have of those professions - but we are all
innately attuned to language and number. </font>
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<br><font size=3 face="Helvetica">Seymour Papert had a really good notion
when he suggested that computers can offer the chance to learn to "speak
math" not unlike learning to speak French, that is, through dialogue,
exploration, hypothesis, trial and error, etc. And speaking math in this
notion means being numerate in every sense of this word -- including, I
think, appreciating and enjoying the nature of "everyday" mathematics.
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<br><font size=3 face="Helvetica">In fact, the Wikipedia offered (for a
month or two in spring, 2006) a definition of the Greek adjective translated
as "mathematical" as meaning "fond of learning." Experiences
of learning around the world - in different cultures, in different economies,
with differing opportunities and pedagogical approaches - may take the
fun out of it; nevertheless, we are all learners all the time, and being
fond of this might be one of the salient characteristics of the "numerate
native"... </font>
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<br><font size=3 face="Helvetica">In our Knowledge Society, information
can fly almost at the speed of light to anywhere that's accessible. We
are "awash" in data, and though it seems overwhelming, it may
be possible to quantify all those 0s and 1s (weight?, mass?, energy?..).
Nobody can lay claim to knowing it all anymore - it seems to have to do
more with keeping tabs on as much as possible...or at least what's important.
And computers and computer-related telecommunications are the tools
of the day. (Computers began as counters and census-takers, and creation
of the spreadsheet played a large role in the popularization of the personal
computer; they are essential tools for numeracy as well as for literacy).</font>
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<br><font size=3 face="Helvetica">"Data literacy" is a key element
of numeracy in the 21st century since information is packaged increasingly
in statistical form and often reported through visual representation. In
the article "Math That Matters," Andee Rubin writes that "if
[students] don't have the opportunity to develop statistical reasoning,
they will not be equipped to use data to make important decisions in their
everyday lives." </font>
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<br><font size=3 face="Helvetica">In my fantasizing, I see "numerate
natives" who recognize their innate mathematical abilities and who
are able to understand and assess information collected and presented by
others. Statistics in its various representations will become a familiar
format for certain kinds of communication. Numerate natives will make make
their own decisions about the information they need, and will be able to
collect, analyze and represent the data they've identified as important.
</font>
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<br><font size=3 face="Helvetica">Gaining computer skills is a requisite
in this process - but in the bigger scheme, it's simply an avenue toward
becoming more overtly, confidently, and creatively numerate. </font>
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<br><font size=2 face="Times-Roman">"Numeracy is not just one among
many subjects but an integral part of all subjects.</font><font size=3 face="Helvetica">"
(p.6, Mathematics and Democracy)</font>