UNESCO and Technology Literacy[edit]

UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization) strives to bring

technology literacy to students throughout the world by ensuring educators are using technology in
every aspect of their teaching. The more students are familiar not only with learning about
technology but learning with technology, the more they will be prepared to use technology to
improve their lives.
An entire module in their 2011 publication ICT Competency Framework for Teachers focuses on
Technology Literacy in the classroom.[2] This publication was updated in 2018 to reflect evolving ICT
competencies (Information and Communications Technology). The framework has been used
worldwide to develop ICT in education policy, teacher standards, assessment criteria, curriculum
design and course-ware development. A highlight in the updated publication shows how the
Technology Literacy module was put into action in an ICT in Education curriculum for a bachelor's
degree by a university in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region, and an associate degree
offered by local teacher training colleges. Technology Literacy is the focus of the associate degree
and first two years of the bachelor's degree in Education. Some of the skills and knowledge taught in
the program are how to operate computer hardware, learn the terminology and function of hardware
components and peripherals (e.g. laptops, printers, storage), and how to troubleshoot if a computer
is not working. These all lead to overcoming apprehension or fear of using technology. Another
focus topic is word processing, which includes how a word processor operates, how it differs from
a typewriter, how to use word processor software on computers, how to format documents, and how
to check grammar and spelling.[3]
In 2016, UNESCO detailed how teachers can show Technology Literacy in their classrooms when
providing ICT education. Teachers will:

 describe and demonstrate the basic tasks and uses of word processors, such as text entry,
editing text, formatting text and printing, describe and demonstrate the purpose and basic
features of presentation software and other digital resources.
 describe the purpose and basic function of graphic software and use a graphic software
package to create a simple graphic display.
 describe the Internet and the World Wide Web, elaborate on their uses, and describe how a
browser works and use URL to access a website, use a search engine.
 create an email account and use it for a sustained series of email correspondence, use
common communication and collaboration technologies, such as (email), text messaging, video
conferencing, and web-based collaboration and social environments.
 use networked record keeping software to take attendance, submit grades, and maintain
student records.
 locate off-the-shelf packages, tutorial, drill and practice software and Web resources for their
accuracy and alignment with Curriculum Standards and match them to the needs of specific
students