Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Leaving the Stone Age Behind

      We all know how the majority of seniors feel about technology.  It is confusing, complicated, and expensive.   How can you justify paying hundreds of dollars for technology that requires a teenager to set up, the understanding of a whole new vocabulary like "blogger" and "twitter" and "google," and and is practically obsolete by the time you get it figured out?  The exciting thing about technology to a young adult is that it is constantly changing, improving, and evolving - the exact points of frustration to an aging baby boomer.  But why not keep trying to make something better, faster, cooler?  Perhaps, because grandparents (and even parents) are getting near the point of combustible frustration...




     In the reading, "Social Response to Technological Change," it mentions how difficult it is to define technological literacy.  The reading defines it as having an above average ability or understanding of a bulleted list of elements.  Does it truly take knowledge, awareness, confidence, control, and insight to be considered technologically literate?
    
     The term digital divide refers to an unequal technological use, distribution, or knowledge from an economical standpoint.  Some people do not have a choice, and simply live without because of their location or financial state.  Our world, however, is evolving and relying more on technology as a means of communication and day-to-day living.  It is imperative that people everywhere understand the basics of today's technology if they wish to survive in our digital world.




     Not only is the older generation falling further and further behind, but it also seems that the younger generation is demanding and embracing more knowledge and skills with each technological advancement.  Toddlers exposed to present-day technology know how to correctly operate the "Paint" app or camera on an iPad.  It does not seem unusual or scary or difficult.  In fact, an iPhone is interesting enough to hold a child's focus and attention as he/she instinctively navigates around a responsive screen.    


Questions:
Of the six response modes mentioned in the reading (article), which do you see yourself exhibiting most often when it comes to technology?
In your opinion, what is a simple definition for technological literacy?
What qualifies a person to be technologically literate?
Do you think that the pace of technological advancement is beneficial for society or creating an ever-widening gap between the tech savvy and the tech sorry?

56 comments:

  1. I work in a high tech environment, where i have to explain new technology to older generations on a daily basis. I have a lot of experience with technology. I pride myself is knowing, and owning the latest and greatest. There are MANY older people who can adapt quickly and learn new technologies because they have been keeping up (more or less) with past technologies. They are aware of their environment and have had a lifestyle of learning. Its easy to adapt, when youve been doing it your whole life.

    The people who have 'problems' with technology are the ones who have stopped progressing. They stopped learning after they graduated high school or college. They settled down into their comfortable lifestyle while life passed them by. I have no sympathy for someone who lets this happen to them. Don't get mad new age technology, because you were too lazy to keep learning.

    Life is a constant progression. If you take a few years of 'lazy vacation time' where you don't learn anything, It'll be like going from 3rd grade to high school without learning anything in between. Its no ones fault but your own that you don't understand whats going on.

    Zachery Nelson - 001

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  2. Technological literacy, to me, is how able a person is to apply the use of technology in solving their problems. This includes any range of problems including everything from communication, boredom, and problems with technology itself.

    In my opinion it is more important to be technologically literate than it is to hold much other information. This is because there is so much information available online and through technology that really everyone has access to an expert on just about any subject at all times with a few clicks on a mouse or taps on a smart phone. Some of the most well-roundedly able people will be those are technically literate who know where to find information and how to apply it to their problems.

    This does bring up another important component of technological literacy which is the ability to analyze information and access the viability and reliability of different sources. Again there is a plethora of information available on the internet and not all of it is good and so as more and more information is added every second it becomes increasingly more important to know what is good and what is a waste.

    One final point. I don't think that literacy, when it comes to technology, is so much a measure of ability, but rather a measure of time, how long it takes you to accomplish the task. In my experience, the majority of tasks can be accomplished by the lay-techy or average joe as long as they know the fundamentals, just as in order to be literate in reading you have to know the basics of recognizing alphabet symbols and sounding out words before you can do anything, but from there it all becomes a matter of how quickly and accurately you are able to function in reading. The same is true with technology, when you know the basics you can do a lot! From there you build up your speed and add to your vocabulary etc.

    Dakota DeWaal - 001

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  3. In general I believe I identify most with the accord response mode. Researching the pros and cons of any decision is essential to understanding the best course to take. Some new technology is very exciting and has numerous beneficial aspects, while others may seem exciting and progressive but actually have a high level of adverse side effects. So really these kinds of things need to be taken on a case-by-case basis.

    Personally I don’t feel that we ought to spend all this time trying to define technological literacy, because the industry that this label encompasses is growing exponentially every year. Rather, I believe it would be better to focus on sub-categorical definitions. For example, within technological literacy could be a sub-category such as computer literacy. That is much easier to define in a general sense. Now, computer scientists might argue that computer literacy is not so easy to define, but I would categorize their proficiency as more advanced than just being “computer literate”. A grandma that knows how to operate a word-processing program, send e-mails, search for information on the internet, use Facebook, etc., would be considered, in my book, computer literate. Technological literacy is too broad a category to have a concrete definition, so I believe we should use it as a simple reference point for one of the various sub-categories. An example of a possible definition: Technological literacy: having an understanding and proficiency in one of the following sub-categories…” Not a perfect definition by any means, but that is the general idea.

    Generally speaking I think that the majority of technological advancements made in our society today are beneficial, even if they do not serve a useful purpose initially. For example, social media used to be an online hangout spot for youngsters. Now it is also used to quickly distribute photos of missing persons, check in with family members after some sort of disaster, etc. Obviously not all technology is useful, but if there are not people trying to make something great then it will not happen at all. So I say keep on innovating and teach people how to be responsible with new advancements.

    Trevor Vincent
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  4. I think that the advancements in technology are very good for human life. Yes, it is separating the young generations and the dying out baby boomers. But, we have to look to the future. Yes it may be difficult, new, or scary for older generations of people, but they will not be here much longer. Eventually everyone dies, so as long as people that have had this technology for most of their lives take the effort to continue to learn and use the new things that come out, the human brain will keep up. There are large portions of the human brain that never get used in everyone. There is a lot more potential, so the brain and humankind will be able to keep up.

    Brandt Hess
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  5. My initial response to technological advancements is apathy. I hesitate. I find myself perfectly content with the technology I have at the moment and my thought process is, "it's not worth the effort, time, or money, especially given the technology I have at the moment." However, my apathy towards technology usually turns to reluctant acceptance. I put it off for so long, and then I start to fear being left behind. It was the same with joining Facebook, converting to touch screen, and accepting my first smart phone. All of which, I am again, perfectly content with.

    I think that the pace of technological advancements is beneficial for society; however, I believe these advancements do indeed create a gap between the tech savvy and the tech sorry.However, I believe this gap will be lessened as time goes on. In my mind it is very generational. The next generation(s) are already tech savvy. They will be more prepared than any generation before and they will be able to adapt more quickly to the ever-increasing advances in technology. I don't think it will be a matter of who is tech savvy and who is tech sorry, but rather, who has access to these technologies.

    Taylor Zacher
    ASTE 3400-001

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  6. I would definitely consider that I exhibit the “Avoidance” response mode. I was very resistant when smart phones first came out and did not jump on the band wagon for nearly 3 years. My first cell-phone was when I was 17 years old. My parents left it on the counter and said I needed to keep it with me from then on. My first thought was, “Dang now my dad will know when I go fishing and not working.” However, over the years I have become dependent on my cell-phone. It makes things much more efficient.

    I feel that technology literacy involves being able to grasp and understand how new technological devices work. Also, embracing it and utilizing its worth. It doesn’t mean that you have to understand every and all new technologies but at least be aware of them and their uses.

    Without a doubt, there is a gap between people regarding the understanding of technology. I this that the ever increasing technologies are beneficial to us as long as we use them in moderation and do not allow them to take over our lives. We must just again be aware of these things. Funny enough, there are probably 6-year olds that know more about iPads than I do. I believe that it is important that we embrace but use in moderation these new technologies.

    Braden Lake
    ASTE 3400-002

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  7. I see myself falling under the apathy/reluctant categories. I stay in denial for a very extended period of time just because I'm not willing to put the effort into the upkeep of these different types of technology. I got a facebook 2 or 3 years after it really got big and trumped myspace (and I never had a myspace). But after seeing all the things I was missing out on (invitations to social events, notifications of life changing events, etc.) I finally gave in to facebook. I'm still in denial with snapchat, twitter, instagram, tumblr, and whatever else there is out there. I also know myself well enough to the point that I know I am very vulnerable to time wasting addictions like that so thats why I'm so cautious about it.

    But I do have to say that we should continue letting technological advancements take place. How would you know what would happen if you didn't? That question would drive me insane if we just stopped progressing... just to stop progressing and let everyone catch up. Of course, as humans, mistakes will be made, people will do crazy/innapropriate things with social media, etc., but I feel like this life is about making mistakes, its how we learn. So I say let the technological advancements come, be smart about it, and learn from mistakes so we can keep honing this technology to make our lives easier. Some people let it make their lives more complicated, but that isn't the point of technology and they need to change their ways if it is making their lives more complicated. I also feel like the more technology advances, the more intuitive and easy to understand its becoming, so the older generation should be able to catch up if they're just patient and put forth the effort.

    Jacob Thomas
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  8. I am someone that uses technology more than I would like to admit.It is easier for me to get a hold of my family over email than trying to find time to talk to them on the phone. So I believe that i fall under the accord response category. I am biased when it comes to new technologies. Some are very exciting and interesting while other seem pointless to me.

    The most basic definition for Technology Literacy is the bases on which a person is comfortable and able to use and understand a technology. However this definition has greatly changed over time. I have always considered myself to be technology literate however when spending time with my nephews who can work an Ipad or computer better than I am able to, before the age of 7. I remember that I started to take computer classes when I was in first grade but my brother who is 14 years older than me didn't take them until high school.

    As technology continues to improve new and more exciting products are introduced into the world. It is true that there seems to be a gap in the knowledge that people have in technology. I always have to teach my mom how to use her new computer or other electronics. However my father, who is the same age my mother, is more advanced when it comes to technology. He runs around with three different smart phones and he is one of the people I call when I am having a technological problem. So it is my belief that if the older generation wants to keep up with technology they can but many choose not to even try.

    Shannon Wilkinson
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  9. I was a little naive to the huge gap that actually exists between those that understand technology and those that don't until last year. Last year my husband's grandma asked him to build her a computer that she was only going to use for pictures and internet browsing. As my husband began putting it all together he realized that all she really needed was a basic computer. We both found it comical when we set up the computer at her house and she was so baffled by how fast the internet was.

    This divide of technological users I believe is more due to the normal divide between generations. There is a big difference between what my grandparents can or will do and what my parents do with technology. I believe that just like with many other things in life it is all about choices and what we do with our time. If someone wants to be hip and stay up with technology they can. Although, I also think that because technology is becoming so immersed in our society soon enough there will not be an option to know how to use it or not. Everyone will need to function on some level with technology.

    Britney Bird
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  10. I definitely think that technology is a huge benefit to our society today. Although there is obviously a digital divide among individuals, I don't believe that this is necessarily hurting our society.

    This digital divide is an obvious way to categorize individuals among society, however, this doesn't mean that it's a bad thing. You can categorize people a number of different ways, such as: eye color, I.Q., monetary status, etc. Just because I have blue eyes and someone else has green eyes doesn't mean that we are causing harm to society because we are different.

    Yes, communication is different among these two groups of individuals categorized through the digital divide, but communication isn't lost. Both groups bring a different aspect and perspective on life, communication, etc. and help balance each other out to create a more well-rounded society.

    Alex Henry
    ASTE 3440 - 001

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  11. I, like most other people, see myself as taking the Accord approach. I don’t usually like to just jump into technology that I haven’t researched, especially when it comes to social media.

    I was talking to a girl in one my other classes who said Wyoming (of all places!) has a lot of money! She said she had smart boards in the 3rd grade, and didn’t understand how some people didn’t already know how to use them. I am from Washington State and hadn’t heard of smart boards until college. Although we don’t see Wyoming as necessarily technologically literate, the amount of money used per student is a lot more than Washington state or even Utah.

    When I used to work retail, I would love when seniors would come in with their iPhones and be all tech-savvy. It’s the coolest thing! (You go, Grandma!) But I think there is a definite divide between generations because we see new things as an exciting opportunity, whereas the older generation sees new technology as a threat to whatever good thing they have now. Since I am part of the newer generation, I see the advancement of technology as exciting! There are so many ways we can benefit others and make our world a better place to live. I don’t see it as a bad thing because whether we approve or not, technology will keep advancing at its own pace. I think it is the responsibility of the citizens to keep up with the technology is important to them.
    Emily Rickords
    ASTE 3440 - oo1

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    1. I can only see technology benefiting the old. It's a distraction from the pain of everyday living and helps sharpen the mind if used appropriately. It helps them stay connected to the outside world.

      I believe being technologically literate means that you understand the basic format and patterns of most technology today. I don't use a Mac but I know I could figure it out in a couple of hours. Those who are not technologically literate take days if not months to explore their devices.

      Sara Warburton

      ASTE 3440-001

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  12. When I was younger I use to avoid technology because it was too expensive and just wasn't worth the hassle of learning every new phone, ipod, ipad, app, that came out. My quality of life was so good that I saw no need to improve it, but as I got older and started working I learned that knowing how to run excel spread sheets, social media, and having internet access at the tip of your fingers gave you a major advantage in the work place. Many decisions became easier, and more efficient. The technology increased communication, and efficiency in the work place. I have found myself going from avoidance straight to immediate acquiescence. Right now my opinion is that technology will improve your quality of life if you accept it for the good, and use it for good.

    Now just like reading, technological literacy has many levels. In my opinion if you can operate wireless devices, access internet, and be able to learn, you are technologically literate. The biggest obstacle to technological literacy is an unwillingness to change. Some of the older people I worked with knew more than I did about the new releases, and that is because they embraced the technology and learned how to use it to their benefit.

    I do believe that the technological gap is widening, but I think that is more because of the price of buying the new and improved. Technology changes so quickly that it is very hard for anyone to keep up with it, and yet the infrastructure is continually being upgraded. The biggest place the gap is getting wider is between countries with good GDP vs those with poor GDP. The biggest problem I see with this, is how do these poor countries ever catch up when they are just trying to survive. In America you can find computers, internet, wifi, and many other sources at libraries, schools, and now even restaurants such as Starbucks. In very poor countries, these resources are just unavailable. I believe that if you want to keep up with technology, you just have to embrace it. As for those in the poorer countries, I don't know how they will ever catch up unless they experience some grand fortune.

    R.J. Erickson
    ASTE 3440-001

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  13. For me technological literacy comes down to knowing how to learn or get questions answered, not nessisarilly knowing the information upfront. Lots of my friends and family come to me to get their questions answered on stuff like what tablet should i buy or how do i get this program working correctly. It's not that i know the answers to these questions, but i know how to find them out. Because i am constantly on the hunt for answers to questions, i stay up on technology coming out. I am not rich enough to buy things as soon as they come out, but i'm able to save and do research before buying.

    Stephen Hulet
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  14. Catherine Redd
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    I think if you have a general idea of how to operate something and can do so without having to use the help button or have someone to help you, you are technologically literate. I think there are different degrees of this literacy, from being simply literate, to being an expert. For example, my dad knows how to use his cell phone to make calls and open texts, but he doesn't text back of take pictures, etc. My mother is getting really good at using the computer for all sorts of things and she is one of my favorite people to text! But still, she has to call me about this or that when she can't figure it out on the computer. Then there is me, who can use an iPad, computer, phone, etc. and rely on them on a daily basis, but my above average knowledge is slightly above the average line. Then there are many people who own man different devices and they are experts and using all of them, and know the ins and outs and each little function of their devices.

    It is hard to say which response mode describes me, but it would have to be a mix between Immediate acquiescence and reluctant acceptance. I think that there are many incredible inventions that keep on coming and although I'm not acting on blind faith, I am confident that those who are inventing them know what they are doing. At the same time, I don't go out and buy every new item. I think it's silly when people have to be the first to have the new iPad mini so they order it weeks in advance. I still prefer my good ol' "dumb-phone" to a smart-phone, and although I enjoy playing on my sister's iPad when I get the chance, I am getting along just fine without one. I'd rather put my money towards a fashion trend than a technology trend.

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  15. I believe the pace of technological advancement is beneficial for society however, it is widening the gap between tech savvy (the youth) and "tech sorry" (the elderly). It is obvious the youth today know much more about technology than we did ten years ago, because the technology wasn't invented. We were still using paper and writing utensils and learning how to use the internet when these children were born. Now there are toddlers running iPads as if it were as simple as a picture book. They can flip through screens and applications with ease and have no problem finding their favorite games within files and folders. Though this seems mind blowing to some, it is part of the development of technology and life. It is the same as any advancement in technology, research or the expansion of information with any rising generation - we need these advancements to continue progressing and continuing in the innovation process. By the time these "iPad babies" have children it will be unbelievable what technology they are using as toys to keep them quiet in the waiting room at the doctor's office and it is technology that will be invented by the same minds sitting in their play pens scrolling though iPad screens before they learn how to talk. It is a constant progression, and it is a normal progression. We need to embrace the youth with their learning and development with this new technology and encourage new ways of thinking.

    Dannielle Parker
    ASTE 3440-002

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  16. Being raised in a generation full of new technological advancements, I would say I know and understand it rather well. I have two nieces that knows exactly what to do with an ipad or a touch phone. When my 2 year old niece asked for my phone, she knew exactly how to turn it on and how to slide her fingers across the screen. I was really surprised by this because I don't even think my dad can do that. He has a hard time opening text messages or even finding his contact folder on his simple flip-phone. I would place myself in between the two examples. I know enough to explain it to the elderly but I'm not sure if I would know how to operate the technology today when I was 2 years old.

    I think that technological literacy is heavily depended upon how much one knows/understands about technology. Being open and efficient to them will be considered technological literate. The technologies today are continuously advancing and we need to know how to keep up with it. Pretty soon, schools and employments will need to have a firm understanding of the new technologies in order to do well in such environments.

    This brings up the next point of is it advancing at its pace for the better or worse. I think technological advancements is very beneficial. Most of the new technologies are to help make things easier or more efficient for many individuals. Yes, some people are falling behind because they don't understand it but it can be explained or they can be taught. I think that the generation today are really open to learning and progressing when it comes to technology. The talking baby commercial is a great example of that. They are not afraid to try what's in front of them and can easily be engaged with such activities.

    Eunicia Villamil
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    ASTE 3440-002

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  17. Technology is a way of life these days. It comes as second nature to my younger sisters and I. Even at the age of 2, my younger sister is playing on Ipads and our cell phone games. It's interesting because my grandparents are always asking me to help them with new things on their computer. I set up a Facebook account for my grandma, I'm always helping her with her email accounts and I'm the one who taught her how to text on her cell phone. It's crazy because just the opposite- when my sister was 6, she got her first little pay-as-you-go phone and we barely taught her anything when suddenly she was texting on it.
    I do feel like the pace technology is advancing is beneficial to today's society. We rely on technology for many things as little as daily communication, or as major as medical advances. It does seem like a little much with new things coming out left and right, but to me, it's just how things are these days. Without it, the world wouldn't know what to do.
    McKyla Noorda
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  18. Technology literacy is your ability and willingness and to learn new technology. You might not know every latest thing right now but you have the skills to adapt and learn new technology as it becomes available. I think one could be considered technologically literate if they can turn on their computer without feeling nervous, send an email without questions, send and receive text messages, and not be a baby every time something new comes out. Just learn the new stuff and adapt.
    Its in our nature to progress and become better. I think technology creates more efficiency as long as we dont forget about the basics... I think we should put away our cell phones as much as possible and have real interactions. Everything in moderation will create a healthy balance!

    Michael Allred
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  19. I find that my response to technology is immediate acquiescence. I find that I tend to trust the experts of technologies and how use them from them. I also believe that 90% of the time, technology benefits outweighs the total cost of technology. This is because we usually use them enough to do so. I do realize, however, that relying on experts can potentially have its downside, due to potential bias or what not. Despite this, however, I believe that they have the most knowledge about the product and how it works and so by trusting them, you can know what product you are getting and how to use the product to its full potential.

    My definition of technological literacy is the basic knowledge of technologies and the ability to navigate and use them. I believe that by knowing the basics about a technology and how to work them, is enough to be considered technologically literate.

    I believe that the current pace of growth of technology is too rapid. I do not think that the majority of the population can keep up with all the new and changing technologies. For example, I have barely just been seeing old people starting to use smart phones, which the younger generations have had about three years ago. I think that this rapid growth will only continue to create a bigger gap between generations. I think that we should slow down our technological improvements to allow for the majority of the population to adapt to before moving on to new technologies. The crazy current technology will hurt our society by creating a bigger gap between our different generations, unless we slow it down to a reasonable pace.

    Erik Hanson
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  20. I agree that in our society, it is essential to have a certain level of technological understanding, we have built technology into every aspect of our lives and become very dependent on it. While this isn't always a bad thing, I think another problem developing, besides the digital divide, is the social divide. People are forgetting how to communicate effectively. Technology can help you communicate quickly with lots of people located all across the globe, yet a person doesn't know how to hold a decent conversation with someone face to face. Real, personal interaction and personal relationships are being replaced with wall posts, likes, pokes, and seeing how many "friends" you can gather on Facebook, many of which, the person barely knows. I guess my point is, in this crazy technological world, we need to take time every now and again, to detach ourselves from the computer or even (heaven forbid) from our phones and spend quality time with real people, actively engaged in what is actually going on around us, not what's going on in our pockets.
    p.s.- I posted as anonymous cause I couldn't figure any other way to make it work, wow, I'm so technologically literate. :)

    Clifton Richards
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  21. This is a very interesting article, and I believe technology is something you can be thrown into. Although growing up with technology around you would make it a lot easier to grasp. Most seniors did not have this technology and now that they are old is hard to be just thrown into it. I wouldn't want to be thrown into all this technology either, it needs to be a slow process. Although i see seniors all the time who have adapted.

    I think technological literacy is being able to use basic technology in today's society like cell phones, email, and computers in general to keep up with society.
    I believe the gap of literacy needs to be shortened slowly. It would be overwhelming to use everything all at once. Start new people slow with basic computer functions, email, and mobile phones. Then move to twitter and blogging.

    Some people will never use technology, feeling like it has passed them by like my grandpa. He refuses to use any of it living in the past. Anytime he needs anything he asks his grandchildren. If he could just be eases into the technology maybe he would be more accepting.

    To be technologically literate you just have to play with technology and mess around with it. That is how i have learned all I know and became literate.

    Ryan Whitehead
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  22. I think technology literacy is having enough basic knowledge and understanding to be able to figure out any given technological situation (without help). For example I remember when the iPod came out and before I got one I didn’t know how it worked. I had enough knowledge to be able to sit down and play with it a bit until I figured out the ins and outs of an iPod pretty fast. Same goes with any piece of technology that I normally don’t utilize; I am able to figure it out pretty fast. According to my definition of technology literacy I am a literate and knowledgeable of various types of technology. I am not claiming to be a professional and know everything but I am capable of finding out how it works. I think that most, if not all technology has its pros and cons. Despite the cons I think technology is beneficial to our community. It is easy to communicate fast and be more efficient with our time. As far as the people I’m around it is favorable but there are always those cases where it creates an “ever-widening gap between tech savvy and tech sorry”. I personally don’t know of any of these cases. I think if someone is “tech savvy” verses “tech sorry” it should not create and ever-widening gap between them. It should either do nothing to the relationship or create learning/teaching opportunities.

    Jessica Swain
    ASTE 3440-001

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  23. When it comes to technology, I see myself as Reluctant Acceptance. I don't especially enjoy seeing all the changes in technology because I know that means I have to fork out more money, but I go along with it so I don't get to far behind in the times. I stay a couple of steps behind though and I think that's partly because my family doesn't going along with the technology upgrades. A definition for technological literacy is hard to define because of the ever changing technology, it seems that we'll never catch up with all the new technology. But being technologically literate is being up to date with technology, as much as possible and making a consistent effort to be up to date with it. I think the increase in technology will just cause a gap and will cause misunderstandings between generations. Communication will become more and more difficult and people flat out won't understanding. That's what I think.

    Trisha Niebergall
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  24. I think my views toward technology are accord, and a little bit of reluctant acceptance. I feel no need to have the latest and greatest technology, but there comes a point were I realize I should probably know how to use things because they're becoming part of everyday life. When I get to that point I do a lot of research before buying something. I ask friends and read reviews like crazy.
    I don't know how exactly to define technological literacy. I don't see myself as a computer genius in any way, but I think I can figure out the things I need to. If people can do that I would consider them literate.
    For kids growing up in our society the rapid change of technology is nothing big. They deal with these technologies everyday and are actively participating in the changes so it is easy for them to follow. For older generations I think it can be very overwhelming and frustrating. Just when you figure one thing out, there is something new and your knowledge is becoming more useless by the minute. I think at this time the gap between groups is widening, but I'm afraid there will come a day when no one has grown up without all of the technology constantly surrounding them.
    Paige Brown
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  25. The dictionary defines literate as being able to read and write. in this sense that means that four year olds on an iPad are technologically literate because they are able to touch and swipe. I believe however that technological literacy goes beyond this. I think a person is truly literate when they are able to express themselves successfully. This doesn't mean being technologically literate is starting a blog about your life. I think that in order to be technologically literate you need to be able to work a technological item and bend it to do your will.
    Of course this covers a great spectrum of literacy and it should. I would consider someone fully literate when they are able to write the necessary programs they need for their device to do whatever they want. On the reverse I would consider someone barely literate if they are able to take care of the piece of technology from the everyday malware, worms, and other viruses. This does mean that I don't consider someone literate who is able to check their Facebook daily and purchase a new computer every two years because the other one is dead.
    I think because this standard is high it is very normal for beginners to feel anxiety over new technology. I really enjoyed the paper discussing the "response modes" because it painted the pictures of what anxious people may feel very clearly.
    A00914626
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  26. I can think of instances when I have seen myself or someone else react in each of the six response modes. I think I generally fit into the reluctant acceptance or the accord sections. I can identify with feeling like the "jury is still out" on certain technologies. I also think I fit into this category because I do remain somewhat doubtful of new technologies. I know I am not a specialist in the field, so it is hard to make a general opinion about new technologies. I do, however, feel that I can make a personal opinion about how they fit into my life, and that is how I also react in the "accord" response mode. I am responsible for my own actions and use of technology,and to some extent, I choose which technology I personally agree with and what technology is not acceptable.

    It is also interesting that certain groups react similarly. For example, the elderly or those who did not spend the majority of their lives with technology often react with avoidance. I wonder if the similarities between groups reach even farther than age.

    Katrina Nieveen
    Section 002

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  27. As far as I'm concerned I would say that my response to technological advancements is a mixture some of the ones mentioned in the reading. I'm apathetic to a lot of things. I don't let a lot of the advancements clutter my life... I like to keep it chill and simple. However if I see something that will benefit my life, I jump all over it.

    To me, being technologically literate is simple, it's just being able to function in our increasingly technological society. I can't fix a lot of problems with technology, but I consider myself literate. I wouldn't, however, consider my mom technologically literate because she is always having to have somebody else help her do things, granted she is learned very fast, but people who have to ask for help with just common things are not literate in my opinion. Technologically savvy is different in my opinion.

    The pace of the advancement I think gets to be pretty difficult for the oldies, but only if they let it. My grandparents for example are very illiterate. But it doesn't frustrate them or bug them by any means. They live a very fulfilling life without so much technology.

    Parker Van Wagoner
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  28. I feel that when it comes to technology and myself i keep it simple. My wife runs our Facebook page to keep in touch with those friends and family we don't see much. I use the internet for emails and shopping. I still have a dumb phone that i use for texting and phone calls. I feel that if i sided with one the most it would have to be rejecting technology because i do not get involved in internet and technology trends. I enjoy technology and am grateful for how easy it makes things but i feel that life is already too complicated and some technology is better left untouched.

    Chandler Olsen
    Section 001

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  29. I think that when it comes to technology, the gap may become wider, however it does not mean that this increase in technology is not helpful to the elderly. There is of course the ideas of the medical innovations such as pacemakers and other life saving innovations, however there are also the simple things that make me believe that although there is a generation of Americans which may be less tech savvy than the average 5 year old, there are many who are embracing the change. A great example was for the past christmas my Grandma let my Grandpa know the only thing that she really honestly wanted was an iPad. I spent christmas playing Angry Birds with my Grandma, and it was absolutely great. I think that this rate of technology growth is not any kind of detriment to society, and will overall be beneficial.

    Spencer Montgomery
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  30. While it is true that technology is constantly changing and advancing, there are many help sites and different people to help you understand how to use it. People these days are overall very technologically literate. I think that shows how advanced our society has become and how adaptable we are to new things. Technology has done amazing things for us and will continue to do so. I believe it is an incredible asset to us to stay competitive with not only schools and businesses, but with other countries as well.

    Many people don't like all the new technology because they feel like it is taking over our lives. I agree that it is. But I believe you just need balance in everything. It shouldn't get to the point where you are addicted and have serious issues without your phone or computer. But everything we do is online or accessible on our phones. So having that technology with you most of the day is fine. Technology is an asset and has done great things for us.

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  31. Technology is constantly changing, and as we have all discussed it is an amazing thing to have, making things easier, quicker and more convenient every day. I dont think that it is age that makes technology difficult to understand, I think it is effort. If a person spends enough time learning and understanding a certain piece of technology, I think any age can understand certain aspects of technology if they want to bad enough.

    Working in the USU Campus Store over the summer, I have seen summer citizens(generally 60 and over) come in and purchase iPads or computers and are very knowledgeable about them. My 8 year old niece has an iPad and knows how to run it quite well. I think people are learning to embrace new technology and its a major part of most people's lives in today's society.

    I agree that that this divide may exist, because with anything new it takes time for people to adjust to using new things available to them. But many people may adopt the attitude that why use something new when what you have already works? I think as technology is adapting and changing, so will society, the young and the old.

    Chelsea Bergstrom
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  32. Reluctant acceptance is where I would fall with technology advancement. I do not find it necessary to buy the latest and greatest until it comes to the point where I would benefit from it.I believe technology literacy is having the ability to navigate through your day to day requirements. That could entail on the job functions, schooling and the ability to keep up with personal necessities like banking, bills etc...Having the ability to function in these roles are critical and if you can use the technology to make life more convenient for you that's a plus.
    From a parents standpoint I believe it is also important to keep up with the latest and greatest to stay in tune with our children. You can't understand modern day issues like sexting, if you don't understand the technology and the lingo. I think this would help keep one generations technology knowledge more leveled with the most current generations knowledge.

    B.J. Larsen
    Section 001

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  33. I am probably somewhere between avoidance and apathy. I'm so used to and efficient with some of my old technology that I don't really see the need to upgrade at times. For example, a few weeks ago my old flip phone broke, and I think the people at the Verizon store thought I was out of my mind to not want to upgrade to a smart phone. But touch screens drive me nuts so I just stick to what works for me. For me technological literacy is the ability to use and understand technology efficiently and for a productive cause. There are many people who don't use technology usefully. I think its ridiculous how attached people get to their smartphones and tablets. I consider myself very technologically literate because I'm very proficient with a computer and can do everything very well that I need to for my schoolwork and for my job. Just because I don't keep up with all the social media trends or popular gaming apps doesn't make me technologically illiterate, for example. I think that there is a gap being created, but many of those who don't keep up with technology don't really need it. Those of us who have to learn about certain technological advances in order to compete in a work environment or in the classroom will just have to adapt and do so. There really isn't any other choice. Technology will keep on advancing and those who need to will just have to keep adapting.

    Jared Woodcox
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  34. Out of the six response modes that a person has about technology I would say that I most often exhibit immediate acquiescence. Whenever there is a new technological product on the market I believe that the product will perform exactly as advertised. Some would say that this is blind faith. However, I feel that since I have continued to be amazed with technological advancements that I have faith in the experts that create these innovations. I know that there are high costs for technology but as a society our lives have improved. Therefore, the benefits have outweighed the costs.

    Technological literacy is not easy to define. If I had to choose a definition I would say that it is the ability to use the basic functions of a computer or cell phone. To get a little more specific, one would have to be able to know how to use the internet and a word processing program on a computer. Also, one would have to be able to call or text someone on a cell phone. I am sure that some would argue that this doesn’t show that someone is technologically literate, but I think it is. If my Grandma knew to send a text message, I would be impressed.

    I think that the pace of technological advancement is beneficial for society. One aspect that comes to mind is social media. People of all ages can connect online and keep up with each other’s lives. I also think that the Internet has helped to educate us all on a variety of subjects. If it wasn’t for technology I couldn’t make this blog post and I would have to write it down on paper and turn it in. Writing a blog with my laptop is much easier and time saving.

    Logan Pett
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  35. I am probably more on the techno sorry side of the spectrum, nit having grown up with computers and a lot of the new gadgets that are out there today, although I am learning, but still somewhat reluctant to try some of the new things out there. I feel that technology is a good thing as we progress along our life here on earth, sometimes it seems to be going a bit to far and gets overwhelming at times. As some of the articles that we read and talked about discussed, sometimes the technology is controlling us rather than the other way around. But, we will continue to develop bigger and greater things hopefully to our benefit.

    Dave Baldauf
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  36. I have noticed that I have exhibited different responses modes when presented with new technologies. For example when facebook started up I showed "reluctant acceptance", and still kind of do. I use it, but am I not exactly thrilled that social networking has become so popular. I hesitate to accept it. With different technologies I exhibit different responses. Ipods and other portable music devices have been around for a while. When I first was exposed to them I thought they were cool and convenient, but now I show "reactionist rejection" towards that technology. I feel like music is played way too much, at least for me. I hear it on the bus, on campus, at work, at home, in the grocery store, etc. It seems to be everywhere and I see no need for it to be portable. I acknowledge that it has benefits and it is convenient, but I find it annoying that someone would need music in more places than it is already found. I don't like constant noise. Not only is this technology something I avoid, but it is something I openly protest.
    I have found that my response modes change depending on the specific new technologies that come out and how they might be applicable to me.

    Jason King
    ASTE 3440-001

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  37. In my opinion, a simple definition for technological literacy, would be understanding the purpose and uses of technology. In order for a person to be technologically literate one must do necessary research or testing out a product to become familiar with it and then they would be classified as technologically literate.
    I think the pace of technological advancement is beneficial for society but at the same time it really is creating an ever-widening gap between the tech savvy and the tech sorry. The older generation struggles to stay on top of the new inventions but the increasing amounts of technology make everyday life better.

    Kylee Geisler
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  38. Literacy itself is defined as competency in some area, and technological literacy is not an exception. I would define technological literacy as competence in the ability of using, understanding and benefiting from the technology we use in our every day lives. I think someone who is comfortable with and objective about the use of technology can be qualified as technologically literate. I do think that the pace of technological advancement is beneficial for society, specifically for students. Being technologically literate does help in any sphere and profession; everyone will be able to perform their jobs better if they are technologically literate. Also, technological advancements are very beneficial for our society, even though in some ways it makes us more lazy, but it is all up to us; we are the ones to choose to benefit from technology or not. The technological advancements so widen the gap between the youth and the elderly. However, as I mentioned above, it all depends on our choices to let the technology be a huge part of our life, or just take advantage of it and make it only a beneficial thing.

    Ani Zakaryan
    ASTE 3440-002

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  39. Out of the six responses I see myself exhibiting the most often Immediate acquiescence. whenever I hear or see something new that I havent seen or tried I have to see about it myself like facebook, twitter, instagram, etc.
    In my own words I think technological literacy is when someone has the knowledge of technology and has the ability to understand technology no matter how new it gets. For some to be technological literate it requires someone to be able to use technology and able to access, manage, evaluate, create and new communicate information.I think it's very beneficial for our society because it makes our world better. The newer technology is the more people have to learn and figure out how to use it.

    Terrell Thompson
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  40. The technology i see myself exhibiting most often is new technology.
    In my opnion, a simple definition for technology literacy is let people easily understand what it is and how to use it. People to be technology literate must know both advantages and disadvantages, also he should know how it benefit for people's life.
    I am thinking that the pace of technology advancement is beneficial for society. Because of people through the technology could live better and convenient.

    Cong Lin
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  41. Technology literacy means to me is having some sort of knowledge about technology. In this generation now, everything and everybody is using some sort of technology to get stuff done. I do believe that technology advancement is beneficial for society. I know there are a few jobs that asks if you have any background with using computers. Having the ability to use technology can really effect your work career.


    Brandon Swindall
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  42. I fit into the Accord mode. I am always "behind" in technology because I have to research it before I am willing to buy anything. I recently bought a tablet, and it took two weeks before my husband and I could decide which one to buy because we had to look into all the different brands and models. Sometimes though I do not want to take the time to do any research and end up falling into the Immediate Acquiescence mode and purchase the new phone or other gadget.

    Jessica C.
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  43. I think the exponential growth of technology is extremely beneficial for society. It is creating a lot of new jobs and bringing communities a lot of economic growth. However, I do recognize the fact that there is a gap between the tech savvy and the tech sorry. Although the stereotype is that grandparents are continually frustrated with technology, I know a lot of older adults that have Facebook’s and iPads. It surprises me when my friends say that their grandparents are on Facebook, but it seems to becoming more and more common. A lot of adults have the capacity and patience to learn the technology and once they do they really enjoy it. Overall, I think technology is necessary and beneficial.

    Melissa Neve
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  44. So my fondness for technology has gone down quite a bit with this being my fourth attempt to submitting this post. But I feel like I fit into the immediate acquaintance category. My curiousity gets the best of me every time and I have to see what all the talk is about of the newest gadget.
    I find the definition for technology literacy is the capability of understanding a device. It may take more effort for someone to understand the device but it's a must in today's age. I don't find it unfair for the gap either. I think if someone puts more time and effort into understanding the technology than it's only fair for then to have an advantage. That is life.

    Cam Sahely
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  46. Of the six responses I often see my self as two of them. I can have the accord attitude because I often weigh out the pros and cons before taking a stand on a new technology and then usually live in peace and harmony with it. At other times I am of the reluctant acceptance attitude. There are certain technologies that I have a really difficult time seeing the benefits. I don't usually have a fear of the technology itself or of how to work it, but I fear the negative consequences if we over- or misuse it.

    My simple definition of being technologically literate would be knowing what and how to apply technology and understanding its impacts both positive and negative.

    I think that the pace of technological advancement is beneficial when it is applied in areas like medicine, environment and such. When it comes to gadgets and social situations I think that it is often training us to want instant gratification. We've become impatient (really, we can't wait 5 seconds for the webpage to load without becoming annoyed). We feel entitled to everything and that the world owes us just for living on it. If we could control this kind of attitude and our use of technology with moderation I think it would be extremely beneficial, but until then I'll be keeping it on a short chain.

    Angelina Arnold
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  47. One of my grandpa's, who is 78 years old, is currently actively engaged in social media sites such as Facebook and twitter. He has a smart phone and knows how to use it very well. He has surprised me in many ways at how tech savvy he is. Sometimes he seems even more in the loop than I am when it comes to the latest technology innovations.

    On the other hand, my other grandpa has a high tendency of avoidance when it comes to technology.He doesn't want anything to do with smart phones, iPads or any social media medium.He just does not want to learn and I can see the disadvantages he has in his life because of his avoidance.

    I personally think its a very good thing to stay informed and educated in advancements in technology. Learning is something we should never stop doing and always strive to achieve.

    Charles Hopkins
    Section 001

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  48. I think that technological literacy is hard to define because there are varying degrees of it. The reading mentioned that to be technologically literate you have to know how to use something with a skill set above average, but I think another thing to be taken into consideration is the amount of different things you have a knowledge of. For example, if you can work a cell phone but not an iPad, I don't think you are literate. To be literate, you need to know how to operate more than one technology.

    I think technology is necessary for the world we live in today. It helps create many new advancements, and also makes day to day life more efficient. Because I think technology is important, the problem of the digital divide is something that we should work together to solve.

    Taylor Baxter
    Section 002
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  49. I would define myself as fairly techonolgically literate. I mean, I can figure out how to operate most new techonolgy after a few minutes playng with it.
    However, my dad is a unique subverson to the older people are technologically illiterate. In fact, my dad may be more tech savvy than me! This may come from the fact he works with technology for his job, and tht may contibute to his technological literacy.
    A way I think we can close the gap between us and the older generations is just to give them time when we teach them how to use it. A good chunk of these technologies were once thought impossible by them, and here we are taking it for granted. Just give them time to figre out their touch screens and all that jazz. Just because we got it quickly doesn't mean that they will.

    Janessa Armstrong
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  50. The definition of technological literacy is very interesting to me. The article says you need to be able to use something with an above average skill set. When I first read this I thought I was technologically literate, but after pondering it I found I may not be. What is the average skill set? I feel that young people today are very technologically savvy.

    It would interest me greatly to know the exact definition of average skill set. It is a very difficult thing to define with technology because it evolves and changes so quickly.

    After much pondering I have chosen to define myself as technologically literate in general, at this point in time. At this point in time is the key phrase. I feel like someone could be technologically literate today and in a week not be.

    As crazy as it is, I know we need technology. It is improving our lives. When we use it as intended and in moderation we can enjoy a higher quality of life.

    Logan Leaming
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  51. I think that I can define myself as Immediate acquiescence, because I am very willing to jump in with new technology, but usually my income does not allow that to happen, so I usually end up with information overload when I am able to catch up with the up and coming. Technology literate in my opinion is the ability to keep up with technology, and know how to operate the basics, and know simple terms. People have to be able to keep up with technological advancements.
    Technological advancements are very important to our society, they help keep us alive, and with the new technology younger generations live on, I believe it would be impossible for all new inventions to cease, our society and how we tend to constantly "keep up with the Jones" will force a fall on us all. Technological advancements also do a lot in health and scientific advancements. Cures and treatments are constantly being found.

    Kirsten Bjarnson
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  52. Being someone who went to high school just as the internet was coming to be, I think that I've kept up and aquired technological literacy quite well. When I was in high school we still had a card catalog and looked in actual bound printed books for research. I remember having classes about how to use this new thing called the world wide web. It was amazing. Now almost 20 years later I can't even imagine life without my iPhone on one side of me and my iPad on the other. My children have this technology at their finger tips and will never know life without it. For Christmas this past year my husband and I got iPads and my 7 year old was quite upset that SHE didn't get one. She just got toys, and dolls and clothes. HOW HORRIBLE. I remember thinking that to her an iPad and all it does is very common place. She uses one in her 2nd grade class all the time. She has math apps that she uses and other educational games that her teachers have told her to download and use at home. How very strange that it's become so common place for a 7 year old to have homework on an iPad. But I can see that's the way technology abnd education are moving toward. The advancements I've seen in my 35 years have been astounding. I can't even imagine what's coming next.
    Sarah Wolford
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  53. Amanda story is very sand because she got sad and get more emotional may be 70% of us are not handling the internet well so I think it is a good call for us to think about more about using this networks. I think it is an individual problems because we are in the nation that make technology make us crazy but if we don't use it correctly we will be not thinking in our brain and make the computer think for us.
    Tamrat
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  54. When we first discussed technological literacy in class and the different response modes individuals may experience, I immediately thought of a situation I was in a couple of years ago. I did not have a Facebook account, nor did I want one, despite the fact that all of my friends socialized via Facebook. I was in the Avoidance response mode and was very wary of having a social profile on the Internet. For years I avoided the acquaintances and opportunities that could have come from simply being plugged in to the social world. I was simply afraid. I look back on that experience now and I realize that I was not technology literate. I was afraid of privacy issues and did not realize that I actually had quite a lot of control of what I put on my profile. Once I decided to finally have a Facebook account, I was in the Accord response mode. I had more information and instead of being worried of what people might see of me on Facebook, I realized I actually had a lot of control of what I wanted other people to see and not see. Once I understood the reality of the technology tool, I had a lot of fun with Facebook and still enjoy it to this day.

    I think technological literacy is hard to define simply because its' definition is constantly changing due to changes in technology and due to the changes that we as humans experience on a daily basis.

    Havila Nelson
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