What is Computer Literacy?

As I sit here typing away on my keyboard, I realize that I am as comfortable holding a computer mouse as I am holding a pen. That wasn't always the case, though. As a high school senior taking my first class in BASIC, I marveled at the freshmen who were effortlessly creating error-free and complex programs. I did not reach that level of comfort around computers until many years later, after being exposed to them a little in college and more in graduate school. Computers have come a long way since I took that first class in BASIC and, I guess, so have I.

I was shocked and disappointed, when a college professor friend of mine told me about his students, juniors and seniors at a highly competitive university, who knew little about computers, and did not know how to retrieve an emailed file and operate a simple Windows based program. "How is that possible?" I asked. Hadn't computers been a standard part of their education — hadn't they learned reading, writing, and computing?

Why Is Computer Literacy Necessary?There is a good chance that, if you are reading this, you have some hands-on computer experience. However, I do know many people for whom surfing the Web was their first contact with a computer. Many have not gone further than that. This is written for those people.
In most places of business, a computer is standard. In the bank they use computers to look up your account information. They use computers in the auto repair shop to assess your car. You can't find books in the library by looking in a card catalog — you must use a computerized database. Doctors' offices utilize computers to store patient information. The point is this — no matter where you find employment, there is a good chance a computer will be a basic tool you will have to use. It is in your best interests to start off computer literate. It will help you get a job and it will help you advance in your career. Computer literacy does not mean you need to know how use every single piece of software you may encounter. It does not mean you need to know how to write programs or network computers. You just need to know some basics — how to save and open a file, how to use a word processing program, and how to send and receive email — for starters. It means having some sort of level of comfort around computers rather than a look of fear and a feeling of foreboding.

How Do I Become Computer Literate?Basic computer courses are offered by most continuing education programs. They are usually reasonably priced and conveniently scheduled. These courses can usually be found in your local school district or community college, on evenings and weekends.
Career retraining programs often offer computer courses for free or at a low fee for those who qualify. Check with your local Labor Department Office for more information on these programs.
There are also online courses and tutorials available. You don't have a computer? Don't worry. Many public libraries allow patrons to use computers with Internet access. Here are two Web sites that offer free online courses.

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.

Computer Literacy: An Online Approach
Online Learning: The First Step in Computer Literacy
TFI's online testing and learning program, CAT1, provides detailed online learning material. The online learning program offers participants a full year of help with basic computer processes. Because this is an online learning program, students are able to access this information from any Internet-enabled computer. The fully illustrated learning program provides step-by-step instructions that always focus on promoting computer literacy. CAT1 uses specific programs (Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook Express, Windows XP, Mac OS-X, and Microsoft Office products including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint) as a starting point to demonstrate basic computer literacy.
Online Testing: Demonstrating Computer Literacy
Performance-based online testing enables students to apply the knowledge acquired from our learning program and complete tasks in a simulated environment. TFI provides an online simulation that enables test takers to prove their computer literacy across multiple platforms. Any computer with an Internet connection can be used to demonstrate computer literacy in various versions of Windows and Macintosh operating systems. CAT1 uses specific programs (Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook Express, Windows XP, Mac OS-X, and Microsoft Office products including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint), enabling testing participants to learn and apply that knowledge by actually performing tasks that are evaluated online. The ability to use these programs which are commonly implemented in the workplace and in academic environments is documented with a professional certification from the Technological Fluency Institute.
Certification: Documented Computer Literacy
Employee training can be expensive and time consuming for companies. Having documented skills can mean the difference between getting hired and getting passed over. Certification is provided to participants upon completion of TFI's online program. This certification can enhance your job application or résumé.
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CAT1 Now has 2 versions: Mac OS-X, and Windows XP.
Participants can now be imported into E-SESS directly from Excel.
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