Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!ukma!roy
From: roy@ms.uky.edu (Kill Roy)
Newsgroups: comp.edu
Subject: Re: Computer Literacy
Keywords: Computer Literacy, Intro computer courses
Message-ID: <14353@s.ms.uky.edu>
Date: 27 Feb 90 19:10:04 GMT
References: <1287@bimacs.BITNET>
Reply-To: roy@ms.uky.edu (Kill Roy)
Organization: Dead Mail
Lines: 55

>I have a simple question :-). What is Computer Literacy?  Any


	Here are a few very basic things I have noticed.  Some only
	apply to older people (i.e., those who haven't grown up
	with computers).  I'm sure anyone could elaborate, especially
	since I haven't even touched communications.

	Incidently, I don't think a person must be able to type in
	order to use a computer.  I don't think they need to know
	a programming language either.  These skills do help, but I
	believe they are secondary.


	1.  Knowing that computers AREN'T magic boxes that can't be
		fathomed and possibly have minds of their own.

		They can be understood.  They are useful tools which
		are not difficult to learn.  There are no such things
		as computer geniuses.

	2.  Knowing that computers ARE machines, and like automobiles
		and other machines we use every day, their effectiveness
		depends largely on the skill of the operator.

		One has to invest time in learning how to use a computer
		before any benefits can be realized.  Considering the effort
		needed to master a (1) Can-opener, (2) Automobile, and
		(3) Computer, it is evident that the extension of abilities
		is augmented at the expense of greater time invested in
		orientation, training, etc.

	3.  Understanding that work done on a computer is important
		and must be protected.

		People should equate the phrase "I don't need backups."
		with the request "KICK ME, PLEASE".
		They should also be willing to trust their work to
		a computer, provided adequate data-protection is practiced.

	4.  Understanding that managing information is a computer's
		forte, but this ability can only be applied if the
		operator is capable of abstractly organizing information.

		People must know how to use files and directories to
		their advantage.  They must also understand the
		relationships between the CPU, RAM, Hard Disk, and
		other peripherals, so they can better use the computer
		to manipulate information.


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