Computer Literacy
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Setting definitions and standards for something as fundamental as computer literacy must be done by consensus (see "Mission"). Many individuals and organizations have made attempts at defining computer literacy, but a universally acceptable definition has not yet emerged—until now (see "Establishing a Definition"). Actually, there have been two major attempts at creating global computer literacy standards that have not (and likely will not) gain wide acceptance (see "Failed Attempts").

The partners and sponsors of Computer Literacy USA are leaders in business and education who recognize the importance of this issue and support a simple, common sense solution to this fundamental problem.

A sponsor is an individual or organization that supports CL-USA efforts through endorsement or contributions of time, money, promotional efforts or other resources.

A partner is a sponsor who serves in an advisory capacity, either as an individual or as a representative from an organization. From this group of partners a voting board is elected.

See "CLU Partner and Sponsor List."
See "Become a CLU Partner or Sponsor."

What Attracts Sponsors
to CL-USA?

The effect on business

Many businesses engaged in selling computer related products and services are quite aware of the computer literacy problem.

The difficulties often start with uniformed buyers trying to make decisions. Once a purchase is made or a service begun, that is often when the real problems start. Customer support is often overwhelmed by calls from unhappy and frustrated people who really should not be using the product in the first place. These calls can go on and on with progress, if there is any, being made in agonizingly slow increments.

This starts an cycle of calls which sometimes results in solving a problem, at least temporarily. But often it is only the symtom that is treated and not the cause—and generally the cause is the user's lack of understanding.

Educating customers in computer basics is not the job of these businesses, no more than an auto dealer is not, and should not be, in the businesses of teaching people to drive. Not that it is difficult to do, it's just that businesses are not equipped to do this and can't afford the time.

Until now there has been no resource for businesses to turn to for help. The CL-USA partners are excited about the Computer Literacy Initiative because they know that encouraging people to learn the simple concepts needed to become computer literate will have a profound effect, not only on their businesses, but in the overall productivity of this nation.

The effect on schools

Most public schools and universities are not providing their students with an adequate grounding in computer literacy. It is generally assumed that since an entire generation has grown up with computers that computer literacy is a non-issue. Yet most teachers, even many who teach computer-related topics, do not feel comfortable with computers. They are not computer literate by CL-USA standards.

Students often spend a great deal of time in computer classes without being exposed to anything having to do with computer literacy. Most high school graduates are not computer literate by CL-USA standards.

For an interesting perspective on the state of computer education in public schools and universities, see director Bill Stewart's articles about his experiences with the Texas Computer Education Association and his work iwith the University of Phoenix.