2008 Woodie Awards
Computer literacy now graduation requirement
By Brandon Himes
Rocket Web Editor
Issue date: 10/7/05 Section: Life
Students graduating from Slippery Rock University are now required to demonstrate computer literacy in order to graduate. The new requirement applies to incoming freshmen this semester as well as transfer students that came to SRU this semester. Literacy must be demonstrated by passing an exam by the time students reach 59 credits. Those who oppose learning the basic skills necessary to function here at SRU, guess what, you can't run and you can't hide.
Tests will be given at the career services during selected hours. There is a book to buy or check out from the library to study for the test. Also, students who take Computer Concepts or Introduction to Information Systems (CPSC110 and CPSC130) are not required to take the exam. Beginning next semester scheduling for the computer literacy exam will be available through RockTalk.
As you can imagine, this got the normal crew of whiners and complainers doing their thing. "Why should I have to take a test that has nothing to do with my major to graduate," or more commonly, "That's just dumb." There are plenty of good reasons for a computer literacy test. The most obvious reason is that you should be computer literate anyway. Come on guys, is this really an issue? Do we really struggle with this stuff? As for it being "just dumb," let's just say you and I disagree about what falls into that category.
Seriously though folks, this test is for your own good. The test covers computer hardware, operating systems, software, technology, the web and networks. You use all of this stuff unless you live under a rock somewhere. If you haven't already learned the things that are on this test then you darn well should: everyone else has. It'll help you in your day-to-day life. If you've got a computer it'll teach you how to take care of it and how to use it. You'll also understand how the rest of the world gets their information.
If you prefer not to be computer literate in your personal life then you're right up there with the Danny Bonaduces of the world, but that's your choice. You might want to keep in mind that unless you're a certifiable loser, you're going to have a career when you graduate. There aren't many left out there that don't require the skill set in question. If you haven't mastered at least the basics when entering one of these careers then my guess is that your prospective employers and I will hold similar opinions of you.
Tests will be given at the career services during selected hours. There is a book to buy or check out from the library to study for the test. Also, students who take Computer Concepts or Introduction to Information Systems (CPSC110 and CPSC130) are not required to take the exam. Beginning next semester scheduling for the computer literacy exam will be available through RockTalk.
As you can imagine, this got the normal crew of whiners and complainers doing their thing. "Why should I have to take a test that has nothing to do with my major to graduate," or more commonly, "That's just dumb." There are plenty of good reasons for a computer literacy test. The most obvious reason is that you should be computer literate anyway. Come on guys, is this really an issue? Do we really struggle with this stuff? As for it being "just dumb," let's just say you and I disagree about what falls into that category.
Seriously though folks, this test is for your own good. The test covers computer hardware, operating systems, software, technology, the web and networks. You use all of this stuff unless you live under a rock somewhere. If you haven't already learned the things that are on this test then you darn well should: everyone else has. It'll help you in your day-to-day life. If you've got a computer it'll teach you how to take care of it and how to use it. You'll also understand how the rest of the world gets their information.
If you prefer not to be computer literate in your personal life then you're right up there with the Danny Bonaduces of the world, but that's your choice. You might want to keep in mind that unless you're a certifiable loser, you're going to have a career when you graduate. There aren't many left out there that don't require the skill set in question. If you haven't mastered at least the basics when entering one of these careers then my guess is that your prospective employers and I will hold similar opinions of you.
