PURPOSE AND PERSPECTIVE OF THE MODULE The purpose of this module is to introduce students to terms and concepts that will help them as they learn in later modules and become digital citizens. They will begin to analyze how they use technology and the rights and responsibilities that go along with technology use. Basic terms such as computer, data, information, hardware, and software are introduced. More complex topics such as the Internet of Things, the digital divide, and accessible technologies are introduced to help lay the groundwork for the remaining modules. MODULE OBJECTIVES The following objectives are addressed in this module: • Explain the evolution of society’s reliance on technology. • Develop personal uses for technology to help with productivity, learning, and future career growth. • Explain the role of technology in the professional world. [return to top] KEY TERMS accessibility: The practice of removing barriers that may prevent individuals with disabilities from interacting with data or an app. alternative text (alt text): Text that provides descriptions for all visual elements or non-text objects in an electronic document or web page. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Law that requires any company with 15 or more employees to make reasonable attempts to accommodate the needs of physically challenged workers. app: Short for “application,” a computer program that performs specific tasks; also called a program. audio book: Reads aloud to the user instead of reading on a printed page or on the screen. bluetooth: Wireless technology that uses s