Page 22 - digitalliteracy

1.2 How Technology Has Transformed

the Way We Learn

Our world is rapidly transforming from a literary society, in which information is stored in
printed books, to a digital one, in which data is stored electronically. This data is compiled
into digital course materials that you can access online and use for your courses. Because
technology is constantly changing, new digital tools are continually being developed and may
be introduced into your electronic classroom during your degree program. Consider how
quickly household computer and Internet use grew in the 13 years from 2000 to 2013, as
illustrated in Figure 1.1. Being open to change and adapting to new ways of performing tasks
are essential in our rapidly changing world. We all run the risk of being left behind if we are
unable to quickly adapt to change, and we will not be able to enjoy all the wonder that tech-
nology offers.

These new tools will require you to change and upgrade your skills over time. This means
that your goal as a student should not be to memorize facts or learn everything you can about
all the electronic tools in your online classroom. Instead, seek to understand the principles
of the technology (what it can do for you) and learn what you need to know to successfully
complete your course assignments. Then, over time, be open to change and continue to learn
as that technology evolves and as new technologies appear. In other words, think of yourself
as a lifelong learner.

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