| Purpose of the study. The major purpose of this investigation is to prepare a recent chronological history and analysis of the objectives for teaching computer literacy in the colleges and universities of the United States during the period 1980-2002 as reflected by objective statements in articles from selected professional periodicals.; Findings. The major findings of this investigation included the following: (1) The number of articles relating to objectives for teaching College Freshman-level Computer Literacy decreased during the time of this study. (2) There were approximately four times as many research-oriented articles as non-research oriented articles in the two subperiods. (3) Authors in Higher Education produced the most articles and the most statements in each subperiod of the study. Secondary Education authors produced the least articles and statements in the two subperiods. (4) Statements in the Attitude and Interest category were most frequent in the two subperiods. (5) During both subperiods, the most important objectives for College Freshman-level Computer Literacy instruction were Attitudes and Appreciations (from the Attitude and Interest category), and Processes, skills, and techniques (from the Process category). The third most important objective during the first subperiod was Major facts, principles, or fundamentals (from the Knowledge category). During the second subperiod, the third most important objective was Philosophical, sociological, and political aspects (from the Cultural Awareness category). (6) Aesthetic aspect objectives were consistently ranked as least important throughout the study. (7) Authors in Higher Education were responsible for most of the research-oriented articles and statements throughout the study. Secondary Education authors were responsible for the least. (8) The emphasis placed upon partnership and balance between computer science professionals, end users, and computer educators was evident in the drastic increase of multiple author articles during the course of the study.; Conclusions. Based on the findings of this investigation, the following conclusions were made: (1) The objectives for teaching College Freshman-level Computer Literacy were influenced by historical events, especially the implementation of SDI, the Cold War, the U.S. Space Program, the rapid innovations in the computer industry---especially the microcomputer industry segment, and the explosive growth of the Internet. (2) Authors in Higher Education wrote more articles about the objectives for the teaching of College Freshman-level Computer Literacy than those in the other categories. This was probably a reflection of the "publish or perish" environment in many colleges and universities. (3) The most important objectives for College Freshman-level Computer Literacy teaching were Attitudes and Appreciations, Processes, skills, and techniques, Major facts, principles, or fundamentals, and Philosophical, sociological, and political aspects. The preponderance of these objectives is most likely a result of the rapid growth of the microcomputer hardware and software industry during this period. (4) Some authors pointed out in specific statements of objectives that College Freshman-level Computer Literacy courses should be service courses designed to teach the student how to use computers to do well in other courses. Other authors saw College Freshman-level Computer Literacy courses as unique courses with their own content. (McLean and Kappleman, 1992, p. 153). (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
