1.  Technology is a term that many people find difficult to quantify.  It has been defined as being "the practical use of human knowledge" or even "that growling engine of change."  The International Technology Education Association defines technology as "a body of knowledge and actions, used by people, to apply resources in designing, producing, and using products, structures, and systems to extend the human potential for controlling and modifying the natural and human-made environment."

2.  The ITEA defines technology education as "an educational program that assists people  [to] develop an understanding and competence in designing, producing, and using technology products and systems, and in assessing the appropriateness of technological actions.

3.  Technological literacy then consists of four phases: (A)  Developing an awareness of the technologies that exist; (B)  Achieving the capability to use technology; (C)  Learning to assess the impact that technology has on you and your community; and (D)  Developing competence in designing solutions to problems using technology.