This article defines Twitter[TM]; outlines the features, affordances, and common uses; and conceptualizes "tweeting" as a literacy practice, comprising both traditional and new literacies, and impacting both informal and formal learning settings. Also provided is an overview of traditional and new literacies, and insights from a scan of the…

This article addresses the following questions: What impact does using the theoretical framework of new literacies have on understanding language, literacy, and learning practices today as technologies are constantly being developed and used? What is the state of research in this area? What are some new directions the field might take in order to…

Literacy skills honed from reading books and writing papers has long been recognized as invaluable to building and sustaining intellect. Educators are charged with strengthening literacy programs, and they typically rely on conventional practices and increased time focusing on text-based media to do so, yet their efforts have not significantly…

In this article, the author has advanced the view that the world is currently on the threshold of a new status quo--the hegemony of the image. Yet, this seems a mixed blessing, for people, and especially young people, are not equipped with the necessary critical viewing and thinking skills to survive it. Nevertheless, this unfortunate situation…

Levels of skill in the use of computers are defined. "Computer literacy" means a fundamental ability of computers. "Computer competent" implies being able to use the computer as a tool--professionally. "Computer fluent" implies knowing several computer languages, and "computer geniuses" are those who change the field. (MLW)

An operational definition of computer literacy for higher education is offered after reviewing various views concerning literacy and computer literacy. Some writers have specified levels of expertise beyond that of nonuser, ranging between the casual end-user and the programmer. Other definitions emphasize the computer as a tool and the importance…

Examines many imprecise definitions being given to the term "computer literacy," proposing a universal standard of interpretation which required minimal understanding and ability in programing. The proposed definition focuses on computer structure/operation as well as computer applications and limitations. Differing viewpoints for including…

Presents a glossary of 146 terms related to computers and their application in education. (KC)

The basic principles of computing are explained and a discussion of how a computer performs its "logical" functions is presented. A dictionary of some computer terms is provided. (MLW)

Explores the concept of computer literacy: in comparison with the early history of written literacy and in relation to what contemporary practitioners--users from education and industry--report about their computing experiences. Discusses implications for education and society. (PD)

This digest summarizes diverse viewpoints in the controversy over the meaning and practice of "computer literacy." The issue of whether being able to read and write computer programs should be a a computer literacy requirement for teachers is specifically addressed. Attempts to define computer literacy goals for teachers are noted,…

Definitions of computer literacy, educational planning concerns, topics for a computer literacy course, computer literacy for teachers, and a community computer literacy project are addressed in this review of literature. Although no agreement exists among computer experts about what computer literacy is or should be, it is apparent that a…

A discussion on who should teach computer literacy in academe is presented. Computer science can be described as an experimental science with the computer as the laboratory but computer science is an interdisciplinary area. Defining a computer scientist is difficult. (MLW)

This brief, non-technical narrative for teachers addresses the following questions: (1) What are computers? (2) How do they work? (3) What can they do? (4) Why should we care? (5) What do they have to do with reading instruction? and (6) What is the future of computers for teachers and students? Specific topics discussed include the development of…

Describes a computing course which emphasizes practical applications of computers in the various disciplines of the humanities and social sciences; provides details of the course and its objectives; and presents recommendations based on experiences in offering the course for several years for professors wishing to institute such a course. (MBR)