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Fluency with Information Technology: an Introduction. CMPT 109 Montclair State University. Why fluency?. Traditional computer literacy emphasized immediately useful skills , like using a word processor or a web browser.
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Fluency with Information Technology: an Introduction CMPT 109 Montclair State University
Why fluency? • Traditional computer literacy emphasized immediately useful skills, like using a word processor or a web browser. • Fluency with Information Technology (FITness) includes literacy, but also comprises concepts and capabilities that will (we hope) help you deal with changes in technology throughout your life.
What is FITness? • Skills means proficiency with current applications, for example e-mail, word processors, web browsers, spreadsheets, and databases. • As applications change, the necessary skills also change. • New applications • New versions of existing applications
What is FITness? (2) • Concepts refers to fundamental knowledge underlying information technology. Examples include the following: • How computers work • How information is represented internally • How information is transmitted over a computer network • Concepts change more slowly than skills.
What is fluency? (3) • Capabilities refers to the higher-level thinking abilities needed to use a computer effectively. Here are some examples: • Troubleshooting an operating-system problem • Organizing a research report using a word processor. • Setting up a spreadsheet to perform a what-if calculation. • Concepts and skills are necessary but not sufficient conditions for using IT effectively. One also needs higher-level capabilities.