In Defense of Computer Literacy

In: Social science computer review: SSCORE, Volume 7, Issue 1, p. 27-35

Abstract

This article is a response to the article by Kevin Robins and Frank Webster entitled "Computer Literacy: The Employment Myths." Our critique of their work is based on three central points. First, we believe that computer literacy is a straw man for Robins and Webster. Their real concern is over the profound changes in British education, including the elimination of tenure for university faculty. Second, we contend that they employ a very limited definition of computer literacy and base their observations on the "start up" period of computer literacy instruction. Finally, we argue that education policy should be directed toward increasing computer literacy instruction in order to insure economic equity. Keywords: computer literacy, computer-assisted instruction, tool software, computers and equity, curriculum, computers in Britain.