Computer Litercy in Todays World
I, as a Computer Science Instructor, always try to start out with why the students are in a Computer Science Class. I have to take a book designed for the IT Industry, and explain to a class of Respiratory Therapist why they need it. I am constantly explaining how they can be more productive on a Computer, How, when requesting support how "It's Broke" does nothing in helping them, and giving them some background in why computers work the way it does. I do like the Computer Litercy section of this course, giving me some things to think about.
Robert,
Good questions! How will students get a great job or even a fair job if they cannot work on an auto computer???
Shelly Crider
As well as automotive industry the motorcycle industry is ever growing its use of computer systems on motorcycles. As an instructor, I find many older generations that come through have never used a computer. That they for one don't like them or never had the need. I guess it also comes down to the continual learner. They understand how industry is going and try to keep up on the trends to try and stay current with technologies. I hear many students say I dont want to work on vehicles with computers to which I ask how they plan to be successful if the choose not to keep up with technologies? People coming into a school to learn a skill or trade need to be ever openminded to learning and strive to learn more. To come in to a learning enviroment and say I dont want to learn that seems very counter-productive?
Rory,
Yes we do. These people are afraid of some programs like YouTube, thinking that YouTube is for teenagers.
Shelly Crider
However, I have had a student who has never used a mouse or sent an email sitting next to a student who writes his own programs/apps. We still have quite a few people returning to school without the basics.
Scott,
This is true. Technology is here to stay and we need to step up and learn what we need to excel (or survive) in our business!
Shelly Crider
Utilizing computer and information technology is important to all industries in the world. Computer illiteracy is becoming more wide spread. Students are coming into school unable to take notes and unable to gather information on the computer. Without a joystick or game pad, they seem lost.
Charles,
Very good point. There are many smart young people, but game smart, not necessarily research or computer detailed smart.
Shelly Crider
In the automotive field a tech really needs to know how computers and software are used as most new vehicles use alot of computers and electronics. A concern is that some of the younger students I teach can play games on a computer and do not understand how to use a computer in the real world. Using a computer correctly will help in repairing a car with diagnostic trouble codes. It is a hard sell to explain to students that the real world uses computers as a tool for success.
Daniel,
This is so true. Most cars have some sort of computer that needs to be evaluated by another computer! At least that is what I have learned through my car!!
Shelly Crider
In the automotive field, computer literacy is vital to stay up to date with new technology (and the training to support it), along with the fact that there are generally more computers installed in the average car these days than most IT departments have to deal with. Not understanding how the computers themselves work will leave you with a technician that is best left to working on cars from the 1960's.
antonio,
This is a good point. So we as instructors need to have a variety of resources that we can pass along to those students who are feeling under the times.
Shelly Crider
I find that the older people are the more difficult it is for them to adjust in a classroom nvironment where computer skills are needed , don't have to ba a computer expert but at least be able to navigate the web and also use the basics available to perform certain tasks .
Sharon,
Excellent point. One term you may have fresh out of high school and the next you may have more of an older generation as a majority.
Shelly Crider
Because of the huge differences in ages of students in adult learning classes it is difficult to determine the best way to approach computer litercy
I agree with Roy - tying computer skills to their specific (future) job at hand is critical. Hopefully, it helps keep students from nodding off during the technical presentations, and motivates them to read and comprehend the dry sections of the textbook. In my teachings, I try to book-end that professional perspective with the students' more personal needs and desires as consumers. If we can assume that PCs and smartphones will continue to be an integral part of their lives (25 years ago, 1/3 of the world had not yet made a phone call - today, 2/3 of the world carry a cell phone), then teaching students basic skills in protecting themselves in the techno-world and troubleshooting technical issues at home and at work becomes a critical factor in my teachings.
I (also an IT instructor) am also happy to report that the curriculum I work with hits all the "checks in the box" described in this module.
Sadly, I still sense there are many students who resist the idea of lifelong learning (even though the world is virtually at their fingertips!). Fear or feelings of *information overload* may be the new culprit of that. I see this as evidence that we are evolving (quite speedily!) into a new way of "learning how to learn" - concepts that should probably be a prerequisite course all on its own, in every college curriculum.
Dan
Roy,
Good point. Each industry uses different software. We need to stress what one needs to be successful.
Shelly Crider
The problem is that no longer do you need a "This is a Mouse, This is a Keyboard" type of class, but one geared for the particular industry you will be working in, preferably one with the software used in the field...
Nadine,
Oh so true. An employee must be up to date on technology to be competitive in the work force.
Shelly Crider
Roy,
That is so true...just telling someone that something is broke...does not teach them a thing. Good post!
Shelly Crider
