© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Computer Literacy: A New Approach Ken Baldauf Florida State University

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Professional Profile FSU Computer Science faculty member BA in Music, MS in Computer Science Eight years teaching Computer FSU Over 5,000 students annually  CGS2060: Computer Literacy  CGS2100: MicroApps for Business Assisted by 30 teaching assistants Ken Baldauf

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Computer Literacy: A Retrospective Stretching to Accommodate Trends and Growth

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Computer Literacy: A working knowledge of personal computers Skills focused Supported by Concepts Computer Literacy Circa 1996 Traditional Definition

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Concepts  PC Components  PC Software  PC Multimedia  LAN  The Internet & Web  Security Skills  DOS/Windows  File Management  (Elm)  Internet/Web  MS Works Word Processing Spreadsheets Databases Computer Literacy Circa1996 Traditional Definition

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Changes Over Time 1996Implemented computer-based concepts testing 1997Moved to MS Office 1998Added Web-based versions to accommodate experienced students and classroom space issues. Organizational restructuring. 1998Implemented computer-based skills testing. Goal: consistent exams across classes and teachers

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Changes Over Time 2000FSU implemented Computer Competency Requirement – developed university-wide testing system. 2002Moved from Office textbooks to CBT. 1999Started using Blackboard What’s Next?

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. College Requirements Setting the Bar

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. College Requirements 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?

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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:

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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, , and web use.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. USU’s Requirements  Ethics Test  Test  Operating Systems Test  Document Processing Test  Information Resources Test  Spreadsheets Test

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. College Requirements Clearly colleges have differing opinions on what computer literacy is and what should be required of their students. minmax

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. The Problem College-wide requirements tend to result in:  Lowest common denominator specifications with minimal expectations  Lots of administrative overhead

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. College Requirements 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.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Evaluating The State of Technology These are the days of miracles and wonders….

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Yesterday’s PC

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Today’s PC Gateway’s Gaming PC

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Today’s PC Gateway’s Profile 5

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Today’s PC Gateway’s Media PC

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Today’s PC Apple PowerBook G4

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Today’s PC Tablet PC

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Today’s PC Flip-start from Vulcan

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Today’s PC PalmOne’s Treo-600

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Connecting W-fi, Bluetooth & Ad-hoc Wireless Networks Wireless connectivity makes it possible to access information from servers or individuals anywhere, anyplace, anytime.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Connecting The SmartPhone M-commerce Bridging Phone/Internet Pervasive Communications

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Connecting The power of connecting is transforming our society.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Sentient Things HP’s SPECs (Small Personal Everyday Computer) Cutting Board Web Browser

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Sentient Things RFID: Giving material objects memory and a voice.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Sentient Things Information 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”

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Pervasive Digital Photography

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. GPS Global Positioning System (GPS) Showing us the best route and keeping track of kids. Wherify GPS Locator for Children

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Virtual and Augmented Reality Augmented Reality: The layering of additional information over sensory input.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. The State of techology… …has dramatically changed since Centering a curriculum around the Desktop PC seriously under-equips students for the challenges they will face.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Work/Life Demands Preparing Students to shoulder the load

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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”. ProgramComputational Function WordDocument Production ExcelMathematical and Logical Calculations AccessData Storage and Manipulation PowerPointVector (Object-Oriented) Graphics Office also serves well to illustrate to students four primary uses of computers

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Certification Employers hiring in positions that depend on specific application skills like to have proof of skills. “College certified” may be a cheaper alternative.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Beyond Microsoft Office Many careers also require familiarity with a variety of digital communications and networking technologies:  Internet, , 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.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Beyond Microsoft Office Many careers require computer skills other than Microsoft Office:  Personal Information Management  Web Development  Graphics  Animation

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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”.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Technically Savvy Student

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Know Your Students Survey of my 2,200 incoming students revealed:  100% have used  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

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Computer Literacy Seeking the one true definition

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. National Study Report: Being Fluent with Information Technology National 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. ”

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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.”

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Designing A New Approach Bending Over Backwards for Our Students

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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 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

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Familiar Skills Windows and/or Mac File Management Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with Word or Netscape Speadsheets Databases PowerPoint Graphics (Adobe Illustrator) Digital Photo Editing (Photoshop) HTML/Dreamweaver Macromedia Flash JavaScript Data Access Pages Consider providing outside-of-class tutorials for skills that are familiar to most students. Provide a study guide and test for all students.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Combining Skills Windows and/or Mac File Management Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with Word or Netscape Speadsheets Databases PowerPoint Graphics (Adobe Illustrator) Digital Photo Editing (Photoshop) HTML/Dreamweaver Macromedia Flash JavaScript Data Access Pages Combining applications into projects demonstrates the interoperability of software and skills. Web research, word processing, and Web authoring combine for an interesting project.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Combining Skills Windows and/or Mac File Management Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with Word or Netscape Speadsheets Databases PowerPoint Graphics (Adobe Illustrator) Digital Photo Editing (Photoshop) HTML/Dreamweaver Macromedia Flash JavaScript Data Access Pages 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. Web Design

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Ala Carte Skills Windows and/or Mac File Management Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with Word or Netscape Speadsheets Databases PowerPoint Graphics (Adobe Illustrator) Digital Photo Editing (Photoshop) HTML/Dreamweaver Macromedia Flash JavaScript Data Access Pages Some skills can be offered ala carte, keeping the basic core skills mandatory. Required Choose 2 Choose 1

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Tracks Windows and/or Mac File Management Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with Word or Netscape Speadsheets Databases PowerPoint Graphics (Adobe Illustrator) Digital Photo Editing (Photoshop) HTML/Dreamweaver Macromedia Flash JavaScript Data Access Pages Special-focus tracks can be designed.  MS Office Track  Graphics Track  Web Development  Database/Web Dev Required

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Windows and/or Mac File Management Outlook (PIM) Web Research Word Processing Web Authoring with Word or Netscape Speadsheets Databases PowerPoint Graphics (Adobe Illustrator) Digital Photo Editing (Photoshop) HTML/Dreamweaver Macromedia Flash JavaScript Data Access Pages Create a two course sequence. Students that complete both courses will have a powerful arsenal of skills. Comp Lit 1 Comp Lit 2 2 Course Sequence

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Concepts “Concepts” provide the foundation from which a real understanding of digital technologies and information systems can arise. Information System and Digital Electronics Concepts

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Concepts It is the “Concepts” portion of the course that provides students with an understanding of important technologies. Digital Media Computing Platforms Wireless Networks Digital Communications New Technologies Social Implications The world(s) around us Information System and Digital Electronics Concepts

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Concepts Most importantly, “Concepts” assist students in understanding how to apply technology, information systems, and skills toward their personal and professional success. Information System and Digital Electronics Concepts

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Concepts Digital Data Representation Hardware Software Networking Information System and Digital Electronics Concepts

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Concepts Internet/Web Info Security/Ethics Multimedia Database/Info Mng Information System and Digital Electronics Concepts

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Concepts E-commerce Information Systems Sys/Prog Dev Information System and Digital Electronics Concepts

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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 ears. WARNING!

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Concepts can be boring… …or they can REVEAL important insight for your students. R elevant – Cover contemporary Issues of interest to the students, pertinent to their future careers. E xamples – Show students how technology is assisting others professionally and personally. V aluable – Omit any topics that aren’t of relative value. Bits and Bytes are of value, ISA, PCI, and AGP slots are not. E nergize – Energize your lectures with guest speakers, games, and group discussions. Pop quizzes don’t hurt either. A ll Encompassing – Avoid platform bias. Cover everything from Super computers to SmartPhones. L ove Love what you do! Enthusiasm is contagious!!

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. The New FSU

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. CompLit 1 & CompLit 2 CompLit 1 Skills  Microsoft Windows  Managing Files   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

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Goal Students who complete both courses will have the technical skills and understanding needed to succeed and an awesome resume!

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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.

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. 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 Ken Baldauf Florida State University Ken Baldauf Florida State University

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Web References FSU’s Computer Literacy Website Ken Baldauf’s Professional Website FSU’s Computer Skills Requirement Oklahoma State’s Requirement Utah State’s Computer Technology Tests NC State’s Requirement Princeton’s Computer Science 109:Computers in Our World The Media Center PC

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Web References The Tablet PC FlipStart PC from Vulcan Bluetooth M-Commerce for All "The Cell Phone and the Crowd: Messianic Politics in the Contemporary Philippines" HP’s SPECs (Small Personal Everyday Computer) - ubiquitous RFID

© 2004 Ken Baldauf, All rights reserved. Web References Tracking Junior With a Microchip Applied Digital Solutions (Verichip, and Digital Angel) Smart Mobs Wherify GPS Locator for Children Augmented Reality “Being Fluent with Information Technology” Report