Perceived importance students have of technological literacy, technical skills and the areas of instruction that best provide the information and skills needed to live in the twenty-first century

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived importance students have of technological literacy, technical skills and the areas of instruction that best provide the information and skills need to live in the twenty-first century. The research shows that the majority of students (82 percent) believe they have the technological literacy and skills that will be needed for the twenty first century. Students also believe that those with technological literacy will be better prepared to use and understand twenty-first century technology. The research also shows that almost 75 percent of the students believe they will need to know more about technological literacy and skills. 53 % indicated that more training and technical experiences would be needed to better understand twenty-first century technology. Students who have taken college prep courses or who have not taken vocational courses did not consider knowing and understanding technological literacy and skills as important. Research shows students considered the ability to operate computers and their programs as the most important technological literacy and skill needed. Students also perceive that continues education in technology literacy and skills as the least important after graduating from high school. Research shows the three most important programs that best deliver the technological literacy and skills to be Math, Science, and Technology Education. When students were asked about Technology Education, 68 percent considered technology education important and 43 percent indicated that it should be a required course.