Noting that electronic technology is becoming more advanced and more available, this paper argues that current conceptions of literacy as the ability to read and write should be expanded to include electronic reading and writing. The paper discusses: (1) four ways in which electronic texts are different from printed texts; (2) how students can be prepared to read and write electronically; and (3) issues related to electronic reading and writing that are likely to become important in the future. The paper offers information from research that should be helpful in answering current questions on electronic literacy. While not suggesting that electronic literacy is more important than conventional print-based literacy, the paper suggests that educators must include the reading and writing of both electronic and printed texts in their definition of literacy as well as in their approach to helping children become literate. Contains 30 references and 5 figures representing aspects of electronic texts. (RS)