ERIC Identifier: ED465377
Publication Date: 2002-09-00
Author: Eisenberg, Michael B. - Johnson, Doug
Source: ERIC
Clearinghouse on Information and Technology Syracuse NY.
Learning and Teaching Information Technology--Computer Skills in Context. ERIC Digest.
There is clear and widespread agreement among the public and educators that
all students need to be proficient computer users or "computer literate."
However, while districts are spending a great deal of money on technology, there
seems to be only a vague notion of what computer literacy really means. Can the
student who operates a computer well enough to play a game, send e-mail or surf
the Web be considered computer literate? Will a student who uses computers in
school only for running tutorials or an integrated learning system have the
skills necessary to survive in our society? Will the ability to do basic word
processing be sufficient for students entering the workplace or post-secondary
education?
Clearly not. In too many schools, teachers and students still use computers
only as the equivalent of expensive flash cards, electronic worksheets, or as
little more than a typewriter. The productivity side of computer use in the
general content area curriculum is neglected or grossly underdeveloped
(Moursund, 1995).
Recent publications by educational associations are advocating for a more
meaningful use of technology in schools (ISTE, 2000). Educational technologists
are clearly describing what students should know and be able to do with
technology. They are advocating integrating computer skills into the content
areas, proclaiming that computer skills should not be taught in isolation and
that separate "computer classes" do not really help students learn to apply
computer skills in meaningful ways. There is increasing recognition that the end
result of computer literacy is not knowing how to operate computers, but to use
technology as a tool for organization, communication, research, and problem
solving. This is an important shift in approach and emphasis.
Moving f
