Computer Literacy: A Responsibility of the Social Studies.

A review of the literature regarding computer literacy reveals that schools have much to do to meet their obligation in helping develop a computer literate citizenry. A comprehensive computer literacy instructional program should include the components of awareness, acquisition of skills, and the ability to apply computer knowledge and skill in problem-solving situations. The numerous social issues related to computer technology place a major responsibility on the social studies curriculum of the schools. An examination of elementary, secondary, and college commercial social studies textbooks reveals, with very few exceptions, an absence of discussion of computer technology as a topic to be studied. There is a need to infuse computer technology throughout the social studies curriculum. Social studies programs, to be more relevant, should involve students in using software and in using computers to process data for decision making and problem solving. (RM)