Why is Technological Fluency Important?
We always need to access, find, evaluate and use information effectively. A technological fluent individual will be an effective and productive citizen, both on the job and as a contributing member of society. The world's knowledge base is doubling every 12-13 months. It is impossible to consume all this knowledge, but it is possible for a technological fluent individual to utilize a desired portion of it as and when the need arises.
Student Dialog - I Am The Weakest Link
Brian: Hi Sage.
Sage: Hey Brian. What's up?
Brian: Not my ego, that's for sure. I'm supposed to do some research and produce a voice-over Prezi for a class team assignment. I'm clueless. I don't want to be a slacker, but…
Sage: You are the weakest link!
Brian: Yeah, I.. Hey! You are suppose to pat me on the back, tell me it will be OK, and so on!
Sage: Sorry Brian, but it's time for some tough love. You are the opposite of a technologically fluent person - you are technologically inarticulate. You don't have good information literacy OR digital literacy skills. You need to party less, and pick up some new skills fast!
Brian: Yeah, but where do I start?
Sage: For now, go to the library. I was just there recently and the librarian really helped me research a topic, and also showed me how to do it properly. The Penn State Media Commons can help you to help yourself with the voiceover.
Brian: It sounds like a lot of work…
Sage: It is. But when you graduate, do you really want to be the company slacker - no good skills, no good promotion, no fun times? Employers want people that are technologically fluent, not inarticulate.
Brian: OK, I'll give it a shot. Say, there's no chance you would want to teach me how to do this?
Sage: No, but I'll be more than happy to critique your drafts!
Brian: I was afraid of that. I am the weakest link!
