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Computer Literacy: A New Approach

Ken BaldaufFlorida State University

Session Topics

Computer Literacy: A Retrospective College Requirements Curriculum Considerations

The State of Technology Job Market Demands Today’s Technically Savvy Student

Computer Literacy Defined A New Approach

Professional Profile

FSU Computer Science faculty member BA in Music, MS in Computer Science Eight years teaching Computer Literacy @

FSU Over 5,000 students annually

CGS2060: Computer Literacy CGS2100: MicroApps for Business

Assisted by 30 teaching assistants

Ken Baldauf

Computer Literacy:A Retrospective

Stretching to Accommodate Trends

and Growth

Computer Literacy: A working knowledge of personal computers

Skills focused Supported by Concepts

Computer Literacy Circa 1996Traditional Definition

Concepts PC Components PC Software PC Multimedia LAN The Internet & Web Security

Skills DOS/Windows File Management Email (Elm) Internet/Web MS Works

Word Processing Spreadsheets Databases

Computer Literacy Circa1996Traditional Definition

Changes Over Time

1996 Implemented computer-based concepts testing

1997 Moved to MS Office1998 Added Web-based versions to

accommodate experienced students and classroom space issues. Organizational restructuring.

1998 Implemented computer-based skills testing. Goal: consistent exams across classes and teachers

Changes Over Time

2000 FSU implemented Computer Competency Requirement – developed university-wide testing system.

2002 Moved from Office textbooks to CBT.

1999 Started using Blackboard

What’s Next?What’s Next?

College Requirements

Setting the Bar

University’s and accreditation agencies have recognized the value of computer knowledge and skills in all career areas.

Requirements are being imposed to verify that students are acquiring computer knowledge and skills prior to graduation.

Does your institution have such a requirement?

FSU’s Requirements

FSU’s Computer Skills Competency Requirement

All undergraduates at The Florida State University must demonstrate basic computer competency prior to graduation. The computer competency requirement may be satisfied be taking an approved course, or exam. Regardless of the vehicle used to satisfy the computer competency requirement, students must demonstrate:

FSU’s Requirement

Basic familiarity with computer hardware, operating systems, and file concepts;

Working knowledge of a word processor or text editor and at least one other software application (e.g., spreadsheet, database, etc.); and

Working knowledge of the World WideWeb (WWW) and electronic mail.

OSU’s Requirement

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education policy requires

that students …must demonstrate computer proficiency for graduation with a bachelors degree. These skills include word processing, spreadsheet, email, and web use.

USU’s Requirements

Ethics Test Email Test Operating Systems Test Document Processing Test Information Resources Test Spreadsheets Test

NC State’s Requirement

The following may be used to fulfill computer literacy instruction: instruction and assignments required

within courses, and/or required use of a computer to complete

assignments.

Princeton’s Requirements

No computer requirement or intro applications course.

One gen ed course: Computer Science 109:Computers in Our World taught by Brian Kernighan (inventor of C)

Princeton provides applications training through Resident Computer Coordinators (RCCs) that assist students with computing questions.

Clearly colleges have differing opinions on what computer literacy is and what should be required of their students.

min max

The Problem

College-wide requirements tend to result in: Lowest common denominator

specifications with minimal expectations

Lots of administrative overhead

FSU’s Solution

Move the responsibility of defining computer literacy down to the department level, subject to college approval.

Departments may select already approved courses or develop one of their own.

Requirements will come and go. They will require less than we, the

experts in the field, feel is appropriate. Our focus should be on providing our

students with the knowledge and skills that we believe they will need through our courses and teaching.

Designing the Course

Influences on the design of a Computer Literacy class include: An evaluation of the relative importance

of varying aspects of technology Goals of the institution - the target job

market Knowledge of the student’s level of

experience

Evaluating The State of Technology

These are the days of miracles and

wonders….

Yesterday’s PC

Today’s PC

Gateway’s Gaming PC

Today’s PC

Gateway’s Profile 5

Today’s PC

Gateway’s Media PC

Today’s PC

Apple PowerBook G4

Today’s PC

Tablet PC

Today’s PC

Flip-start from Vulcan

Today’s PC

PalmOne’s Treo-600

Today’s PC

The PC has morphed into a variety information appliances of every size for every need with a strong focus on the ability to connect.

Connecting

W-fi, Bluetooth & Ad-hoc Wireless Networks

Wireless connectivity makes it possible to access information from servers or individuals anywhere, anyplace, anytime.

ConnectingThe SmartPhone

M-commerce

Bridging Phone/InternetPervasive Communications

Connecting

The power of connecting is transforming our society.

Connecting

Jan 20, 2001, Philippines: More than 1 million Manila residents, mobilized and coordinated by waves of text messages, peacefully toppled the regime.

Joseph Estrada leaves the presidential palace on Jan. 20, 2001 after resigning earlier in the day.

Sentient Things

HP’s SPECs (Small Personal Everyday Computer)

Cutting Board Web Browser

Sentient Things

RFID: Giving material objects memory and a voice.

Sentient ThingsInformation and communications technologies are starting to invade the physical world. Shards of sentient silicon will be inside boxtops and dashboards, pens, street corners, bus stops, money, most things manufactured or built, within the next 10 years. A shirt label will gain the power to disclose what airplanes, trucks, and ships carried it, what substances compose it, and the URL of the webcam in the factory where the shirt was manufactured.

From Howard Rheingold’s

“Smart Mobs”

Sentient Things

About the size of a grain of rice, the VeriChip is injected beneath the skin and transmits a unique 125-kilohertz radio frequency signal. Solusat, the Mexican distributor of the VeriChip, is marketing the device as an emergency ID tag under its new VeriKid program.

Pervasive Digital Photography

Global Positioning System (GPS)Showing us the best route and keeping track of kids.

Wherify GPS Locator for Children

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality: The layering of additional information over sensory input.

The State of techology…

…has dramatically changed since 1996.

Centering a curriculum around the Desktop PC seriously under-equips students for the challenges they will face.

Work/Life Demands

Preparing Students to shoulder the load

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office skills remain overwhelmingly the most desirable application skills for non-IT staff.

A search on Monster.com turns up over 5,000 hits each for keywords “Word”, “Excel”, “Access”, and “Powerpoint”.

Program Computational Function

Word Document Production

Excel Mathematical and Logical Calculations

Access Data Storage and Manipulation

PowerPoint Vector (Object-Oriented) Graphics

Office also serves well to illustrate to

students four primary uses of

computers

Certification

Employers hiring in positions that depend on specific application skills like to have proof of skills.

“College certified” may be a cheaper alternative.

Beyond Microsoft Office

Many careers also require familiarity with a variety of digital communications and networking technologies: Internet, Email, IM, Web LAN, Intranet Virtual Private Network (VPN) Wi-fi Voice over IP SmartPhone Technologies

College graduates require a technology comfort-level that exceeds that acquired through casual use.

Beyond Microsoft Office

Many careers require computer skills other than Microsoft Office: Personal Information Management Web Development Graphics Animation

Programming Skills?

An understanding of system and application development demonstrates problem-solving skills.

Non-tech users are becoming increasingly involved in system and software development in businesses and organizations. Why? They understand the problems at hand They are increasingly technically savvy Software development tools are increasingly easier to use Programmers are not able to keep up with organization

demands

Technology @ Home

An understanding of digital technologies is equally important in our personal lives: High Speed Internet Access Home Wi-fi Networking Digital photography and video Digital Entertainment Media

The complexity of digital technology is outpacing the industry’s ability to make it “user frienly”.

Summary

Information and communication technologies are integral to the success of businesses and individuals.

Employers in all career areas realize the importance of an employee’s ability to APPLY computer knowledge to resolve problems and increase effectiveness and efficiency.

Technically Savvy Student

Know Your Students

Survey of my 2,200 incoming students revealed: 100% have used Email 99% have used Microsoft Word 96% of students own computers 88% have used Instant Messaging 53% have used Microsoft Excel 69% have used Microsoft PowerPoint 90% of students own cell phones 51% use SMS text messaging 71% of students acquire their music from file-sharing

networks or from friends Only 27% purchase music new on CD

Computer Literacy

Seeking the one true definition

National Study

Report: Being Fluent with Information Technology - 1999National Research Council, Committee on Information Technology Literacy

“Literacy is too modest a goal in the presence of rapid change, because it lacks the necessary "staying power.“ As the technology changes by leaps and bounds, existing skills become antiquated and there is no migration path to new skills. ”

FITness Report“Fluency with information technology entails a process of lifelong learning in which individuals continually apply what they know to adapt to change and acquire more knowledge to be more effective at applying information technology to their work and personal lives.”

“Fluency with information technology requires three kinds of knowledge:

contemporary skills, foundational concepts, and intellectual capabilities.”

“Fluency with information technology requires three kinds of knowledge:

contemporary skills, foundational concepts, and intellectual capabilities.”

Concerns about FITness

The general approach presented in FITness is solid (skills, concepts, capabilities).

The amount of skills and concepts included in the approach require twice the amount of time as traditional intro classes.

Some implementations of FITness include significant amounts of programming.

Designing A New Approach

Bending Over Backwards for Our Students

Desirable Skills

What skills should we be teaching to non-tech majors?

Consider all possible intro-level skills and student interests.

Windows and/or Mac File Management Email Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with

GUI Spreadsheets Databases PowerPoint Graphics (Adobe

Illustrator) Digital Photo Editing

(Photoshop) HTML/Dreamweaver Macromedia Flash JavaScript Data Access Pages

Familiar Skills Windows and/or Mac File Management Email Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with

Word or Netscape Speadsheets Databases PowerPoint Graphics (Adobe

Consider providing outside-of-class tutorials for skills that are familiar to most students.

Provide a study guide and test for all students.

Combining Skills Windows and/or Mac File Management Email Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with

Combining applications into projects demonstrates the interoperability of software and skills.

Web research, word processing, and Web authoring combine for an interesting project.

Combining Skills Windows and/or Mac File Management Email Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with

The PowerPoint assignment can be used to demonstrate integration between Office applications (created with an outline in Word, import an excel chart).

Graphics and Web development are naturally complimentary skills.

Ala Carte Skills Windows and/or Mac File Management Email Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with

Some skills can be offered ala carte, keeping the basic core skills mandatory.

Tracks Windows and/or Mac File Management Email Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with

Special-focus tracks can be designed. MS Office Track Graphics Track Web Development Database/Web Dev

Windows and/or Mac File Management Email Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with

Create a two course sequence. Students that complete both courses will have a powerful arsenal of skills.

2 Course Sequence

Concepts

“Concepts” provide the foundation from which a real understanding of digital technologies and information systems can arise.

Information System and Digital Electronics Concepts

Concepts

It is the “Concepts” portion of the course that provides students with an understanding of important technologies.

Digital Media

Computing Platforms

WirelessNetworks

Digital Communications

New TechnologiesSocial Implications

The world(s)around us

Concepts

Most importantly, “Concepts” assist students in understanding how to apply technology, information systems, and skills toward their personal and professional success.

Concepts

Digital Data Representation Hardware Software Networking

Concepts

Internet/Web Info Security/Ethics Multimedia Database/Info Mng

Concepts

E-commerce Information Systems Sys/Prog Dev

Concepts can be boring…

…or they can REVEAL important insight for your students.

WARNING!Cheesy Mnemonic

Approaching

Those with little tolerance for Cheesy Mnemonics

should momentarily close their eyes and cover their

WARNING!

Concepts can be boring…

…or they can REVEAL important insight for your students.

Relevant – Cover contemporary Issues of interest to the students, pertinent to their future careers.Examples – Show students how technology is assisting others professionally and personally.

Valuable – Omit any topics that aren’t of relative value. Bits and Bytes are of value, ISA, PCI, and AGP slots are not.

Energize – Energize your lectures with guest speakers, games, and group discussions. Pop quizzes don’t hurt either.

All Encompassing – Avoid platform bias. Cover everything from Super computers to SmartPhones.

Love Love what you do! Enthusiasm is contagious!!

The New Approach

Two semesters of Computer Literacy: CompLit 1 and CompLit 2

CompLit 1 (or equivalent) a prerequisite for CompLit 2

Departments can require one or both for their students

CompLit 1 & CompLit 2

CompLit 1 Skills Microsoft Windows Managing Files E-mail Web Research Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft Access Microsoft PowerPoint Application Integration Creating a Webpage

with Word

CompLit 2 Skills Intro to Unix Web Authoring: Intro to

XHTML Macromedia

DreamWeaver Macromedia Fireworks Macromedia Flash Microsoft Access Data Access Pages Intro to JavaScript

CompLit 1 & CompLit 2

CompLit 1 Concepts Digital Data

Representation Hardware Software Networking Internet/Web Multimedia Info Security/Ethics

CompLit 2 Concepts Database Systems E-commerce Computer Graphics Multimedia Information Systems Systems Development Software Development Info Security/Ethics

Students who complete both courses will have the technical skills and understanding needed to succeed and an awesome resume!

The New Approach Summary

Skills Play to the majority, outsource the

deficiencies Provide for interests other than MS Office Build a general understanding of

computer capabilities

The New Approach Summary

Concepts Use a “digital technology” focus. Devote time to technologies relative to

their importance in today’s society. Focus on usability with plenty of

examples. Illustrate how technology empowers

individuals in professional and personal endeavors.

Thanks for your time.

Questions? Feel free to pick up handouts on your way out:

The New Approach Specifications “News Resources for Tech Teachers” reference sheet

baldauf@cs.fsu.edu850-644-5832

http://lit.cs.fsu.edu http://www.kenbaldauf.com

baldauf@cs.fsu.edu850-644-5832

http://lit.cs.fsu.edu http://www.kenbaldauf.com

Web ReferencesFSU’s Computer Literacy Websitehttp://lit.cs.fsu.edu Ken Baldauf’s Professional Websitehttp://www.kenbaldauf.com FSU’s Computer Skills Requirementhttp://websrv.cs.fsu.edu/academics/compcomp.htmlOklahoma State’s Requirementhttp://cheminfo.chem.ou.edu/undergraduate/complit.html Utah State’s Computer Technology Testshttp://cil.usu.edu/comptech/ NC State’s Requirementhttp://www.ncsu.edu/provost/academic_programs/ger/cominfo/req.htm Princeton’s Computer Science 109:Computers in Our World http://www.cs.princeton.edu/courses/archive/fall03/cs109/ The Media Center PChttp://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/default.asp

Web References

The Tablet PChttp://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/tabletpc/default.asp FlipStart PC from Vulcanhttp://www.flipstartpc.comBluetoothhttp://www.bluetooth.comM-Commerce for Allhttp://www.theregister.co.uk/content/archive/29477.html "The Cell Phone and the Crowd: Messianic Politics in the Contemporary Philippines" http://communication.ucsd.edu/people/f_rafael_cellphonerev_files.htm HP’s SPECs (Small Personal Everyday Computer) - ubiquitoushttp://www.fireflydesign.com/consulting/computing.pdfRFIDhttp://www.rfidjournal.com/

Web References

Tracking Junior With a Microchiphttp://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,60771,00.html Applied Digital Solutions (Verichip, and Digital Angel)http://www.adsx.com/index.html Smart Mobshttp://www.smartmobs.com

Wherify GPS Locator for Childrenhttp://www.wherifywireless.com/corp_home.htm Augmented Realityhttp://hci.rsc.rockwell.com/AugmentedReality/ “Being Fluent with Information Technology” Reporthttp://books.nap.edu/html/beingfluent/

© 2004 ken baldauf, all rights reserved. computer literacy: a new approach ken baldauf florida...

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