Updating the US K-12 Information Technology Curriculum

Abstract

This chapter reviews recent research related to students' educational device use, online content consumption, and students' understanding of content providers' algorithmic targeting practices to make the case for a new information literacy content area that encompasses a comprehensive and responsive education initiative focused on maintaining students' autonomy and wellbeing. By examining the great extent to which online content providers' large-scale switch to algorithmic, responsive, individualized content provision proliferates, this chapter makes the case that students' (and teachers') lack of engagement in this regard makes for a crisis of sustainability. The chapter situates the need for systemic adaptation to this new reality as overdue and urgent.