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The Computer Literacy Potpourri

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Robin Holding Kay at University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Robin Holding Kay
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Abstract

Defining computer literacy has proven to be an elusive endeavour. A variety of conflicting criteria has created a somewhat confusing and chaotic state of affairs. The following paper provides a framework to organize and understand the evolving and ephemeral meaning of computer literacy. Employing Marshall McLuhan’s now famous axiom “the Medium is the Message,” it is proposed that advances in computer technology have strongly influenced the way in which computer literacy has been defined. Significant advances in computer technology have spawned six relatively distinct perspectives on computer literacy. These perspectives or stages include (a) computer awareness, (b) programming, (c) evolving concept and planning (d) behavioural approach, (e) reaction and process, and (f) personal needs. It is argued that significant advances in computer technology should allow educators to stop focusing on how to use computers and start focusing on how to apply computers.
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Kay, R. H. (1992b) The computer literacy potpourri: A review of the
literature or McCluhan revisited. Journal of Research on Computing in
Education, 24(4), 446-456.
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