Implications of Information Technology Literacy in the Classroom

IL

Ezziane, Z. (2007).  Information technology literacy: Implications on teaching and learning. Educational Technology & Society, 10(3), 175-191.

This article explores the effect of information technology in the classroom on students' learning styles and teachers' instructional approaches.  It explains that effective information literacy and technology skills are especially critical as the role of technology in the workforce becomes increasingly predominant.  As such, students must be equipped with sufficient technological skills during their education.  The author posits that meaningful interaction with information technology promotes students' use of unique problem-solving methods, collaboration, directed learning, and increased researching capability.  The author argues that the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is positively impacting education, and posits that its benefits include a richer student learning experience, a broader range of teachers' capabilities, and a more varied and diverse learning institution.  Theoretical frameworks for information technology literacy are also considered, including organizational knowledge creation theory, relational information literacy theory and practice, and systems thinking methodology. The author concludes by acknowledging that although administrative issues and costliness may present barriers to technology integration in the classroom, teachers, curriculum developers and administrators to work together to improve their technological and virtual reality skills in the face of the computer's increasing role in classroom learning. 

Overall, the article offers broad support of ICT but does not offer any detailed evidence or compelling theories to demonstrates its efficacy and value.