Defining Computer Literacy

What does it take to be technology-savvy in the new Millennium? Recently, Nancy O'Neill, former Program Director for Arts & Humanities, sat down with Carol J. Monical, the Career Information Manager and current Web Committee Chair for the Career Center, to discuss the fundamental computer skills she'd like to see Arts & Humanities students obtain while in college:

Nancy O'Neill: Carol, years ago, all students needed to know about technology in a professional position was keyboarding and a little word processing. What's important for students to learn today with regard to computers and technology?

Carol Monical: It depends on what your career goal is, but everyone needs to know how to use word processing, e-mail, a spreadsheet for financial analysis, presentation software and a database program. Naturally, the Microsoft products (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Access) are important to learn; they are the dominant products in the business world. The Macintosh computer and design software are still very popular for desktop publishing and Web design. For some employees, knowing the basics of these programs is enough, but certain kinds of positions require intermediate and advanced skills.

Nancy: Tell me more about databases. We use them to manage information and they are fundamental to the work that is performed in most organizations.

Carol: Many students think that a spreadsheet such as Excel is enough, but spreadsheets are best for financial management. To manipulate data in a highly flexible and interactive way, students should learn to use a relational database management program such as Access, FileMaker Pro (which is also a Mac program), or any SQL product. For the latter, MySQL is the freeware version. AskSam is a free-form database/word processing software that is fairly easy to learn. Sybase and Oracle power many of the major e-commerce sites, but they are much more sophisticated.

Nancy: What about the Internet?

Carol: Students should feel comfortable with Web browsers such as Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator, including bookmarking, and they should know how to assess sites for accuracy and bias. They should know how to find information on the Web using directories such as Yahoo and search engines such as Google. Finally, they should know how to download programs to a computer to obtain demos and free/shareware.

Nancy: What should students know about Web design, even if they aren't art studio majors specializing in graphic design or adding on a computer science degree?

Carol: Again, there are different skill and knowledge levels. For web design, the introductory level includes basic and preferably intermediate HTML coding and familiarity with a graphics program to design or re-design photos and graphics. For the latter, I recommend Photoshop. Other graphics programs are simpler to use, but this is the standard in the field. Students at the introductory level should also know how to use an HTML editor like HomeSite or Arachnophilia a freeware program. Other editors include Netscape Composer, HotDog and BBEdit for the Mac.

Nancy: And the intermediate and advanced levels of web design?

Carol: Beyond the basics, I'd like to see students learn how to create cascading style sheets and how to tweak or write Javascript. Students at the very advanced levels should know how to use site management programs such as Fusion or Front Page, drawing programs such as Illustrator, and comprehensive programs such as Dreamweaver or GoLive for animation and dynamic Web sites. Interactive Web sites use cgi scripts (usually written in Perl), Cold Fusion, and XML. Flash, Shockwave, and Java are great for animated sites with movement.

Nancy: It's a lot to learn. Where would a student start?

Carol: Take advantage of the inexpensive Peer Training classes offered by the Office of Information Technology. Web sites such as Sizzling Jalfrezi, Webmonkey, Webreview , Webtechniques, Webgrrls, and Webdeveloper are free. The Capital PC Users Group offers inexpensive classes. The Web also includes Mac user groups. Some books can be expensive, but students could share to cut costs.

Nancy: Any other advice for Arts & Humanities students who want to be technology-savvy?

Carol: Practice your skills by volunteering to do a Web site for a campus organization, UM department, non-profit or charity group. Obtain an internship where you can develop a database. Utilize your strong communication, writing and editing skills. Finally, be brave! Realize the most important aspects are creativity and a willingness to learn as software and other technologies evolve. Although it's settling down, the Web in particular has great potential for students who want to learn the skills and find their niche!