Awareness

When students are introduced to computers today, they are typically taught how to look up information on the Internet, how to use a word processor, and how to send e-mail, but they dont become fluent with the technology. Being digitally fluent involves not only knowing how to use technological tools but also knowing how to construct things of significance with those tools. For example, fluency with language not only has great utilitarian value in everyday life but also has a catalytic effect on learning. When you learn to read and write, you are in a better position to learn many other things. So, too, with digital fluency. In the years ahead, digital fluency will become a prerequisite for obtaining jobs, participating meaningfully in society, and learning throughout a lifetime. ESEI will respond to this need by providing technology-enhanced learning environments for students and communities. Today, discussions about the digital divide typically focus on differences in access to computers, but there is a real risk that only a small handful of people will be able to use the technologies fluently. ESEI willingly will take on the educational challenge of digital fluency.