The U.S. Department of Education (1996) defines technology literacy as "computer skills and the ability to use computers and other technology to improve learning, productivity, and performance." Technology is all around us and technological literacy is becoming necessary to succeed into today’s world. Because of this, it is becoming harder for people to get jobs if they are not computer/technologically literate. It is everywhere, not just in dealing with computers. Everywhere, whether we realize it or not, we are using some form of new technology. As time goes on, there are more technological advances that people have to understand and be able to use. This brings about questions of whether it is important and vital enough to having it being taught in schools.

Some studies have shown that students who use computers in school increase their critical thinking skills, are stronger problem-solvers, and increase their levels of understanding. Other people, however, believe that the use of computers’ are actually making education worse. They believe that it reduces human contact and hands-on experience in which students need when understanding the material that is being taught. They also believe that technology educators are using this issue as just a way to get ahead and make money.