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The Issue Concerning the Multiple Definitions of Computer Literacy, and Lack of Agreement
editThere seems to be an underlying lack of agreement among scholars and authors alike, with regard to a general definition of computer literacy. As noted in the summary, to some, computer literacy encompasses basic computer proficiency, whereas to others, it also includes advanced computer usage such as those found among computer scientists, software engineers, and software developers/programmers.
In his article titled Planning for Computer Literacy, Roger W. Haigh defines Computer Literacy as ″[T]hat compendium of knowledge and skill which ordinary, educated people need to have about computers in order to function effectively at work and in their private lives in American society for the remainder of this century." [1]
However, Catherine D. Tobin looks at it from a different angle. In her article Developing Computer Literacy, she states "There are almost as many definitions of computer literacy as there are people thinking about the topic. The definitions range from descriptions of computer literacy with a major emphasis on programming to those that highlight computer awareness and stress the recognition of facts about computers. Computer literacy is simply the ability to utilize the capabilities of computers intelligently." [2]
Due to our technologically inclined society, at some point, there should be a standardization in the correct definition of computer literacy in addition to a universal agreement.
I made one minor edit in the first paragraph. Other than that, the first two paragraphs look really good. I'm less sure about the last (one sentence paragraph) because it looks like you are making an original argument.Cathygaborusf (talk) 04:36, 29 November 2016 (UTC)Cathygaborusf
Computer Literacy in K-12
editThe usage of computers in K-12 education has been growing since the introduction of the personal computer in the early 1980s.
Pros
- Teaching computer literacy will improve the thinking abilities of students.[3]
- The need to train students in job-related skills that require the use of computers.[3]
- The notion that there will be a large number of higher paying jobs for computer programmers.[3]
- Exposure to computers will reduce "technological fear" among students.[3]
- A knowledge for computer has become a "basic skill" in society.[3]
Cons
- Many--perhaps most--computer literacy courses center on programming as the basis for computer literacy.[3]
- While there are notable exceptions, for the most part, teachers are not very skilled in programming or any other aspect of computing and are not likely to develop these skills. As a group, teachers have simply not had the necessary experience to qualify them to teach credible computer literacy courses.[3]
- Expanding computer literacy to include computer programming parallels expanding the curriculum to include Latin as a means of increasing problem solving abilities. Computer programming has become the "new Latin."[3]
- The experience that students often get in computer literacy courses provide only "watered down" skills.[3]
- Many software packages allow the user to develop programs for specific applications without having to learn a programming language.[3]
- When computer literacy is included in the curriculum, there is rarely enough time available on a computer for the students to become proficient, much less minimally literate in computer use.[3]
- There is a widely misunderstood, and overestimated, demand for employees who are sophisticated in the use fo computers.[3]
Good list, but a few questions: Can you make the items in this list parallel? Do you know what I mean? Each item starts with verbs or each one starts with nouns. Did you find any other sources that supported any of the Pros or Cons? There is not time to do a bunch more research, but did any of the other sources you read over the last month reiterate any of the claims in this list? Even if you found one that just corresponds to one of the points in your numbered list, you can add two sources to that one item.Cathygaborusf (talk) 04:46, 29 November 2016 (UTC)Cathygaborusf
- ^ Haigh, Robert W. (March–April 1985). "Planning for Computer Literacy". The Journal of Higher Education. 56 (No. 2): 161–171. doi:10.2307/1981664. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
{{cite journal}}:|issue=has extra text (help) - ^ Tobin, Catherine D. (February 1983). "Developing Computer Literacy". The Arithmetic Teacher. 30 (No. 6): 22–23, 60. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
{{cite journal}}:|issue=has extra text (help) - ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Hannum, Wallace (February–March 1992). "Reconcidering Computer Literacy: A Critique of Current Efforts". The High School Journal. 74 (No. 3): 152–159. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
{{cite journal}}:|issue=has extra text (help)