What I know about you

Let's start with the easiest thing – you grew up with computers and the Internet. You use the Web, email, and text on a regular basis. (Sometimes, too regular – turn those phones off during lectures.) You take digital pictures & videos and share them on social media web sites. Some of you use computers for a great deal more; some don't.

Most incoming college students self-report a high level of computer literacy. It stands to reason. You have been using computers most of your lives and spend hours each day doing so. Clearly, you know how to do the things you do on a regular basis. So, what's the problem?

What about the things you don't regularly do? Every professor, and your future employers, (and your current peers) will expect you to be able to handle Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. For most of you – so far, so good. But, a significant number of students have spent years passing off the computer parts of projects to others. If you're in this category, you need a course like CPSC 110 just to catch up. For the rest, what about managing a computer system? Setting up a wireless network? What about Web research? Real research, not ten minutes with Google and Wikipedia. The list goes on.

So, are you computer literate? In one sense, the answer (for most of you) is a resounding "Yes!" You get things done. A major part of computer literacy is the ability to figure out how to do something quickly, to figure out what is wrong and fix it, or find a work-around.

Sidebar

Some people like to compare computer literacy to driving a car — there is even a certification program called the European Computer Driver's License. This is a terrible analogy. With the exception of standard transmission (stick shift), any of us could get in virtually any car and drive it effectively. Not so with computers; try changing the operating system to one you are not used to: Windows, Mac OS, or Linux on a PC, or iOS, Android or Symbian on a smartphone. What we do with these devices extends far beyond simply "driving" them.

If you've always liked that analogy, try adding into the mix being able to "drive" a lawn mower, an ATV, a truck, motorcycle, boat,... any "vehicle" with an internal combustion engine. (Effective use of a hybrid or electric vehicle belongs in there too.) I'm willing to leave specialties like operating a bulldozer, flying a plane, or piloting a freighter out of the mix as something done by professionals.

Running the computer that controlls a microwave oven is like driving a car.

But computer literacy is more. First, we need to emphasize being able get things done quickly, and add that you need to be able to do it yourself — consider all the times someone else got you past the sticky parts. All of the skills mentioned above are rooted in a basic knowledge of how computers (hardware, networks, applications) work. Providing that foundation of knowledge is what this class is about!

And, literacy is yet more. It includes purchasing and setting up a computer, understanding and avoiding risks like viruses, and maintaining the degree of privacy you want.

We will attempt (together) to increase your overall understanding of computing, including some of the social and ethical issues, to make adapting to new computing systems easier throughout your career and life. Along the way, we will keep in mind the enormous amount of money you will be spending on computers over your lifetime.

Every one of you will find at least one section of the course trivial – something you already know about. Unfortunately, I can't customize the course for each individual. Bear with it. I promise to try to add at least tidbits of information in each area that you did not know. I will also provide links for you to explore each topic more deeply. I know you're thinking, "Sure, I always do all the extra work teachers suggest". But, consider this course a challenge. It's Pass/NC grade won't motivate you much, but the awareness that this is your last chance to catch up to your peers might. There is no other class you can take that will do this. Strive for the "A" I can't give you.