The new definition of literacy is
- Exposing the Truth
- Employing Information
- Expressing Ideas Compellingly
- Ethics and the information environment
Essentially, there are three problems with using digital information. First of all, it is crucial to be able to provide that the information you are using is accurate, in terms of what you are trying to accomplish. In the 20th century, we assumed that printed information was accurate. Today, we must be able to prove that it is accurate.
The second problem concerns the ownership of information. When we all become producers of information and owners of information property, we will begin to think of the respect of information ownership in a different way. It will become more critical and likely that we cite information sources.
Finally, respect for information infrastructure must be addressed in our classrooms. It is projected that viruses, worms, hacking, and other attacks on information infrustructure cost as much as 145 billion dollars in 2003. Information is the infrastructure that we depend on, to no less degree than we depend on our roads.
Also, it was said, in the 19th century, that "the pen is mightier than the sword." Today, the the 21st century, the word processor may be mightier than nations. Information, today, can provoke great good for people. It can also provoke great harm. We are teaching our students compelling skills in the use of information. At the same time, we must also teach them to love and protect the truth.
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