Technology plays a large role in our everyday lives, fact. As a student at a university, I am expected to have an understanding of computers, their programs, and how to use them. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school I was required to take classes dealing with computer literacy, teaching us to be comfortable using different programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, as well as improve our navigation skills [of computers], typing, and general comfortability using such. This learning of technology, especially computers, is ongoing. Here at MTU we are part of the STEM Education Coalition, which is a coalition which presses the issue of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. For most, if not all, degrees, students are required to take 16 STEM credits; classes which are meant to improve students' knowledge of computers and technology. They push for more people to be more computer literate, or fluent as the text, Literacy and Computer Literacy: Analyzing the NRC's Being Fluent with Information Technology, says.
I feel that computer literacy is a good skill to have, though it is not an essential part of our lives. There are those who will understand and use computers, those who will not understand and use computers, and those who will not understand and not use computers.
I disagree with the statement that computer literacy is not an essential part of our lives. I believe that everyone needs to be computer literate in this era. One does not have to understand the intricacies of the computing itself, but understanding of how to get information and navigate is a literacy that is as important as reading and writing.
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