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Definitions That Don't Work
The following definitions of computer literacy were found on the web and come from sources that many would consider authoritative. There are many different definitions that can be found but none that is universally accepted. Most fail because they confuse using a computer with understanding a computer. It is the goal of Computer Literacy USA to promote a simple, practical definition everyone can agree on that includes the conceptual aspects of self-sufficient computer use.
Definition: The ability to use a computer and its software to accomplish practical tasks. —Webster's II New College Dictionary
Problem: Focuses "abilities" and "tasks," not understanding.
Definition: The regular use of a major microcomputer application,
such as word processing" —The
Instructional Technology Program and Its Curriculum, Instructional Technology,
University of South Florida, Tampa
Problem: Clearly indicates that using a computer with a particular program is enough.
Definition: The level of expertise and familiarity someone has with
computers. Computer literacy generally refers to the ability to use applications
rather than to program. Individuals who are very computer literate are sometimes
called power users. —Webpeodia.
Problem: Focuses on applications (using programs), also seems to indicate that a deeper understanding involves programming. The "power users" comment is especially silly. One is either computer literate or not.
Definition: Computer literacy is the set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes
about computers that is necessary to function in a technology oriented society.
—From a
public school.
Problem: Actually this comes the closest to a meaningful definition but it is a little too vague.
Definition: "Computer Literacy" is seen as a relative term whose
interpretation depends also on the needs and interests of already experienced
computer users. —University
of Guam.
Problem: Too much sun and surf, perhaps.
Statement: By developing multiple modules, it is possible to have
more than a single or generic definition of computer and information literacy.
—Utah State
University.
Problem: Really? That sure clears things up.
Definition: (The) basic skills of using a computer and software, and more complex skills of accessing and organizing information.—Canadian education research information system (CERIS)
Problem: Focuses exclusively on "skills." There is nothing wrong with developing skills but it is no substitute for knowing how to manage a computer system.
Definition: As new computer technology is created or updated, the definition
of computer literacy itself continually changes and expands. Computer literacy
could be defined as using the computer as a tool to access and disseminate
information, as well as to communicate. This definition includes using a
computer to solve problems, make decisions, and manage information.—GateWay
Community College--Phoenix Arizona
Problem: Although the refinement of the technology continually ncreases the amount and variety of functionality, the nature of computers and computer literacy does not change."
Definition: To utilize computer technology as a tool to access and
prepare information.
—Maysville
Community College
Problem:
Again, the "tool" theme.
Computer literacy is an understanding of the concepts, terminology and
operations that relate to general computer use. It is the essential
knowledge needed to function independently with a computer. This includes
being able to solve problems, adapt to new situations, keep information
organized and communicate effectively with other computer literate people.
Note: this is the definition of computer literacy adopted by Computer Literacy USA, an organization dedicated to creating realistic standards for computer literacy, education, testing and certification. VirtualBill Inc., is a founding member of CLU.
The following questions are often heard and reflect the confusion surrounding basic computer literacy...
Q1: "Why is it I can't always find my letters after I 'save' them'?"
Q2: "I've taken some computer classes so why am I still having so many problems?
Q3: "Why is it everybody seems to know this stuff but me?"
Q4: "I've read the 'Dummies' and 'Idiots' books. Why do I still feel like one?"
Q5: "I know a little bit about computers. Isn't that enough?"
Q6: "What are all these icons for?"
Q7: "I just want to write letters and do e-mail, why do I need to understand all this stuff about computers?"
Q8: "I'm really new to computers. What's the best way to get started?"
Q9: "I've been using a computer for years. Do I really need this?"
Q10: "I just got a computer and I'm really lost. What can I do?"
Q11: "I thought this was all supposed to be so easy to do. Why am I so confused?"
Q12: "My job depends on my learning to use a computer. Where do I start?"
Q13: "Why can't I just learn to use my particular computer?"
Answer: Today's "Intro to Computer" classes (and books) rarely teach anything of significance about computers. Or if they do it is either far too deep and technical than the average person needs or so superficial that it is almost worthless. The most popular classroom approach is to sit people down to a computer and have them work through a number of exercises. The idea is that by memorizing procedures you will somehow learn how to use a computer. One of the biggest misconceptions is that using a computer means having an understanding of computers. This is like trying to drive a car without first learning what side of the road to drive on—or why it needs gas from time to time. Unfortunately most people leave these classes more confused than ever. The real issue here is not "how do I do this? or that?" it is "what does it mean when I do this or that?" Memorizing procedures is an important part of using a computer, but without an understanding of the underlying concepts (which are not difficult to learn) the best anyone can hope for is to learn rote tasks while the computer remains a magical in incomprehensible beast. Becoming a confident, self-sufficient and independent computer user is the goal of Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation. As Virtual Bill says, "It's the Information Age people! Let's get real about this!"
Answer: This is not true. Many of the people who appear to understand computers really don't have a clue. Often they have just managed to get themselves to a point of limited functionality by memorizing procedures they don't understand. Some of them pass themselves off as being computer "literate" because they throw around the terms, jargon and buzz words that we all hear as if they know what they mean. Just because someone uses terms like "memory," "hard disk, "boot," "download," "load," "install," etc. in a confident way, it doesn't mean they are using these terms appropriately. They are able to get away with this often enough because most everyone else is just as clueless as they are. When people give conflicting information it's hard to tell who to believe! To make matters worse, the people who truly understand computers cannot explain anything to the people who don't understand computers. In order for any explanation to make sense, the fundamental concepts must be fully understood—by both parties. This cannot be done in just a few minutes with a quick explanation. As a result, conversations between these two types of people usually degenerate very quickly into exasperation on both sides. Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation bridges the communication gap by providing a solid base of knowledge that makes it possible to converse intelligently with any computer literate person, whatever their level understanding.
Answer: These books are generally written for dummies and idiots, not for normal people who truly want to understand what computers are all about. The premise is that you are a dummy/idiot when it comes to computers and always will be—so there's no point in trying to change that. Instead, you'll be shown how to do a lot of cool and useful things that you will never fully understand. This is not to say that these kinds of books are worthless. Far from it. They can be very useful reference books after you have learned the basic concepts—something these books don't address! With Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation you will be able to get much more out of your "dummies" and "idiots" books.
Answer: When it comes to computers you either understand them or you don't. There is no "little bit" about it. You would not say, "I know a little bit about driving a car." You either know how to drive a car or you don't. No sensible person would attempt to drive a car without learning the basics. That would be dangerous. Unfortunately this is not the case with computers since no one physically gets hurt when they "crash" their computer. Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation is the "Driver's Ed." for computer age.
Answer: You are setting yourself up for endless frustration if you try to learn to use your computer "icon" by "icon." It is much more important to know what icons represent and where they come from before you start "using" them in a serious way. With Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation you will find that there is a much simpler reality behind what you see on your computer screen.
Answer: If this is really true you do not want Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation, since you do not want to become computer literate. Your best approach is to find someone who has the patience to show you how to do what you want to do. And as long as what you do doesn't deviate from what you have memorized you will be fine—in fact many people function quite happily like this. You will just need to be sure that someone is always available to help you when you have problems. You will certainly be at least a minor annoyance if not a crushing burden to somebody. Who really wants that, especially when all it takes is a little investment in time—enjoyably spent—to save a lifetime of aggravation for yourself and those around you.
Answer: Become computer literate! If you are a new computer user, Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation will get you started on the right foot, possibly saving you years of anguish. If you are a long-time-but-frustrated computer user, it's time to stop the hurt.
Answer: If you feel at all uncomfortable with any aspect of using your computer (apart from using specific programs) then you probably need start at the beginning. Even though many people function with some degree of success over long periods of time, there are often large gaps in their basic understanding which put limitations on what they are able to do with their computers. Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation fills in these gaps making it much easier to move ahead and take advantage of the advances in the technology.
Answer: Don't feel like you're alone in this. It's like getting a new car with all the fancy options and you can't wait to take it out on the road. The only problem is you don't know how to drive. Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation is the "Driver's Ed." for computers—something you must learn in order to work safely and effectively with your computer. This doesn't mean you can't start enjoying your computer right away; there are a number of fun and useful things you can quickly learn to do but until you have the "big picture" you will not feel at all comfortable managing your computer system.
Answer: This is the deceptive message the industry is putting out. They are right in saying that this is all easy to do—hitting keys on a keyboard and "pointing and clicking" with a mouse are very easy things that anybody can learn to do. Unfortunately, we are led to believe that we don't have to understand computers in order to use them. However, once we get involved with computers all the information we get about how we're supposed to use them assumes we have this understanding. There is a mixed message here: we are being told we don't need to know anything and then treated like we do. The essential knowledge we need is kept hidden from us! This is at the heart of why so many people are so confused—and stay that way. It's no wonder there are so many very frustrated computer users. There is a big difference between doing things with a computer and understanding the things we do and it's this important distinction that gets lost in the confusion. We must understand the computer and what it does for what it really is. This is what Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation is all about.
Q12:
"My job depends on my learning to use a computer. Where do I start?"
Answer: In this day and age many jobs involve
a computer in some way. It is also true that many people learn to use
specific programs like Microsoft Word or Excel or other programs well
enough to hold down a job without ever learning how to use a computer!
And it's not a bad thing if you start this way. In the long run, though,
it is very useful to learn how to use a computer and manage your programs
and other information in a more general sense. It is one thing to be
able to write a letter with Mircosoft Word and another thing altogether
to be able to manage the many letters you have written. It's never too
late to learn. You can achieve this general understanding quickly painlessly
with Virtual Bill's Computer Orientation.
Answer: This is like saying "I only want to know how to drive my particular car." Except for the most superficial things (color, engine size, placement of buttons and controls, etc.) your car is no different than anyone else's. If you can drive your car you can drive any car. All computers, big and small, are essentially the same in what they are and how they work. Once you understand your particular computer—the way you should and the way Virtual Bill advocates—you have learned them all.
Q14:
"I don't have a lot of time. Why do I have to learn all that terminology
and stuff?"
Answer: If you're not going to use a computer
in a serious way you certainly don't need to learn these things. But
if you want to be able to function independently with a computer you
must learn the terminology and what it means. This is what computer
"literacy" is all about. This is not difficult and does not take an
unreasonable amount of time. Most people, in fact, find it quite fascinating.
And, like driving a car, once you have learned it you never forget.
So, if spending a few hours learning what you really need to know will
save you a lifetime of aggravation, why fight it? Let's get real.
Answer: The popular notion that today's kids are computer savvy is another big fallacy. Because most of them have grown up around computers, they are not afraid of them and they are usually not under any time constraints. By trial and error they manage to figure out how to do a number of very impressive things, yet their knowledge is generally very superficial. They are generally not afraid to make mistakes and are not under pressure to perform—unlike many adults who don't have much time, are often under pressure and terrified that disaster is always just around the corner. It's also natural that kids, when they realize they can get away with it, will lord it over the adults, making them think that they have mastered computer technology when usually all they have done is learned to make impressive looking things happen that they don't really understand. Because the kids can often do more than most teachers and many parents, it becomes easy to believe that today's younger generation is learning all they need to know about computers on their own! This head-in-the-sand attitude toward educating the future workforce is inexcusable. It is a sad state of affairs when the average high school graduate is essentially computer illiterate.
