Computer Literacy
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The Biggest Hurdle

Convincing people that computer literacy does not come from using a computer is a difficult thing to do. Although this notion seems counterintuitive it begins to make sense when we consider that the majority of computer users, many of whom are very good at using applications, are not computer literate. Generally, most computer users feel they are missing something when it comes to their understanding of computers.

No amount of memorizing procedures ("training") will ever make one computer literate (see Establishing a Definition), and yet this brute force method is how nearly all computer "education" is conducted. "Training" is not a substitute for education and computer literacy.

Those who understand these issues can help by encouraging others to become computer literate. Get Involved.

As we get ramped up, you can join Computer Literacy USA and become an active participant in the Computer Literacy Initiative in several ways:

Become a partner or sponsor (see "Become a CLU Partner sponsor"). You will be added to our e-mail list (if you choose) and kept up to date.

If you are not computer literate, make it your goal. It's easier to achieve than you may think (see "Courses" and "Books and Reviews"). Then encourage others.

If you are computer literate, get the word out and promote the CLU definition of computer literacy (see "Home Page").

Give us feedback. We welcome all comments and suggestions. If you have stories and anecdotes to share, send them along too.

We like to say that computers are not going away any time soon, so love 'em or hate 'em (we kind of like them) they're here to stay. When we come to a common understanding, agree on the terminology and prioritize the learning process we will have cleared a major hurdle that is standing in the way of our productivity and unnecessarily creating a great deal of stress and anxiety.