Computer Literacy
TEST SIGN-IN

The Computer Literacy Initiative: A Common Sense, Grass Roots Campaign

The Computer Literacy Initiative gets much of its support from those who would benefit most. Naturally this includes computer users who are perpetually confused and frustrated. But business owners who have to deal with and support customers and associates who are unable to communicate in the most basic terms have also been very receptive to the idea.

As astonishing as it may seem, institutions such as schools, universities and publishers have been unable to establish a meaningful definition of computer literacy—which partly explains why they cannot teach it effectively. As a result, the average high school graduate is not computer literate (by CL-USA standards) and many, if not most, college students are barely functional. It is hoped that such institutions will eventually adopt realistic standards for computer literacy such as those proposed by CL-USA.

Win-Win

Businesses that encourage computer literacy by offering guidance, rewards and incentives will develop an appreciative and knowledgeable customer base. Everybody wins big.

The CL-USA mission, the "Computer Literacy Initiative," is to see to it that every adult and child over the age of 14 is computer literate. We have enlisted the help of computer literate "partners" and "sponsors" who come from business and education. Together we are taking the following steps:

ARRIVING AT A CONSENSUS:
The CL-USA partners and sponsors understand better than anyone how pervasive and debilitating the problem of computer illiteracy is, as it impacts them directly; computer illiterate customers and associates, for example can represent a substantial loss of time and money. We believe there is a simple, common sense solution to this problem. It begins with indentifying the sources of the problem and agreeing on the steps that need to be taken. These steps must be simple, straight-forward and compelling in order to achieve wide acceptance and to effectively bring the issues to the public's awareness.

ESTABLISHING STANDARDS:
The most important step is to establish what basic computer literacy is and is not (see "Myths and Facts") and establish standards (see "Setting Standards"). These standards are based on a simple definition of computer literacy (see "Establishing a Definition").

TESTING:
We are making available a free on-line computer literacy test, based on the established standards, that anyone can take at any time. This can be used by individuals, businesses and schools as a means of evaluating themselves, their personel and their students.

CERTIFICATION AND THE LITERACY "CARD:"
The test can be taken at any of our Authorized Testing Locations in order to be issued certification and the computer literacy "card." This would be recognized by the CLU partners and sponsors who will give preferencial treatment such as discounts and other benefits.

GUIDANCE:
The CLU partners will evaluate and recommend books, courseware and classes and answer questions.