Learning Technology: Learning "About"

Learning "About"

• Overview:  One very common approach is based on the notion of ``computer literacy'': the idea that there is some basic familiarity with computers which all students need in order to compete in the job market, or to be informed citizens. For example, Arthur Luehrmann says, ``Computer literacy must also mean the ability to do computing, and not merely to recognize, identify, or be aware of alleged facts about computing.'' His argument is that a computer curriculum should give students actual programming experience, not just reading about computers in a book.
  
  But the word ``literacy'' means more than that; it means that everyone must have the experience in order to be able to function at all in society. The trouble is that the word ``literacy'' is a magic word, which conjures up a very strong metaphor. One practical result of the literacy metaphor is that many decisions about computer education have been made in a kind of panic. If computer literacy is the wrong idea, what's the right idea?

One right idea is suggested by the newspaper analogy. The computer can be an appealing medium for learning for some students, without being forced upon every student. Computers are a general-purpose tool; they may appeal to different students in different ways. One student may like graphics and animation. Another may like electronic mail. Another may prefer video games. The architecture and scheduling of a computer facility should encourage all these diverse uses.

Another right idea is to make the computer available to students as a serious tool, in their lives right now, not as something they'll need later. Probably the most important example of this approach is word processing. Students have to write many papers, for English teachers, history teachers, and so on. Word processing can make the mechanics of this task much easier, encouraging second drafts. Instead of setting up a required course, try just letting students know that this facility is available to them if they want it.

More...............................  Stop Saying ``Computer Literacy''!