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The Power Users of Information Technology Initiative

Education Development Center (EDC) in collaboration with leading experts representing economics, workforce development, policy, defense, medicine, the information technology (IT) industry, and ethics—has convened a blue ribbon panel to help design a long-term research project focused on Power Users of Information Technology. EDC and the panel are engaged in inviting new partners and collaborators to join this Initiative.

What are “Power Users of Information and Communication Technology”?

Power Users of Information Technology are natives of our digital society who break out of traditional learning confines, demographic and technological barriers. Constantly using, sharing, and changing information in creative, innovative, and unintended ways empowers them to become force multipliers in their own environments. Often, they are youth (aged approximately 7-17) who have had intensive, ongoing experiences with technology, usually beginning early in life. These individuals have internalized the logic of technology systems, resulting in a level of comfort with technology that allows them to bypass many traditional learning systems. They play, explore, and experiment with technology to deepen their skills, solve problems, and create. They learn from each other, as needed, to accomplish their goals, spark their interests, and sharpen their technology skills.

Outcomes

This research initiative will raise awareness of the emerging subculture of Power Users of Information Technology, and create an important new body of knowledge about their interactions and relationship with technology and society. This new knowledge will contribute to the mapping of the social landscape, and will be used to inform educational, workforce, and social science research, policy, and practice. Products will include: a set of research papers on significant issues related to Power Users of Information Technology from the perspectives of medicine, sociology, psychology, cultural anthropology, economics, and workforce development; a compendium of related research; profiles of individual Power Users; and retrospective research on child Power Users who are now adults.”

Spotlight on Power Users of ICT

- Education Records Board ERB 79th Annual Conference: Web of Complexity: Challenges & Opportunities for Schools in the Internet Age Strand - Teaching and Learning
Session title: Power Users of Technology: Who are they? Where are they going? What does it matter?

Power Users of Technology are not only identified by what they know but what they do with what they know. EDC’s Power Users of Technology asks these central questions: What happens to youth when technology skills are highly developed? How can educators keep these expert learners engaged and create learning environments that will nurture their interests and talents? Join us to learn more about the activities and findings of this international research initiative and implications on policy and practice in our schools.

- After the PU of ICT Symposium: What has the Philippine PU team been up to?
- Students showcase technological prowess at international summit
- Power Users in UN Chronicle
- Don Knezek, CEO of ISTE, talks about the PU of ICT International Symposium
- Power users of technology: Who are they? Where are they going? Why does it matter?

Photo Diary of First PU of ICT International Symposium - August 8-10, Costa Rica