Erase Computer Illiteracy

Who’s friends with a mouse? Almost anyone who uses a computer! Help others learn what wonderful tools computers can be for research, writing, shopping, and staying in touch with friends and family.

• 1.

  What’s your favorite use for a computer? Games? E-mail or instant messaging? Keeping financial records? Lots of people are still learning to use computers. Who could you teach to use a computer? Are younger students eager to learn? Neighbors who are retired? Family members? You and your classmates can be their computer mentors!

• 2.

  Some people need to be convinced about learning to use a computer. Others are just waiting for the opportunity! Why not show the benefits of computer literacy with a bright, eye-catching poster?

• 3.

  Use Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils on white paper to create a convincing computer literacy poster. Show how wonderful computers are! Start with a decorative border. Illustrate your ideas with words and drawings. Simply erase some of the color to add details, highlights, and other special effects. You can leave white space or fill erased parts with another color.

• 4.

  Now it’s time to find someone who would like a computer mentor. Use your poster to get your message across. Soon, others will be as handy with a mouse as you are!

Benefits

• Students recognize their competence in using computers.
• Students identify many values of computer literacy and individuals who might enjoy working with a computer mentor.
• Students creatively express their ideas about computer literacy in a graphic format.

Adaptations

• Use the computer to research a science project, such as finding out how healthy fast food is. Visit the USDA’s Web site to gather nutritional information on their favorite restaurants. Compile the data in a spreadsheet, analyze, and draw some conclusions.
• Using reference software, such as a world atlas, go on a cyber-scavenger hunt. In a small group, compile a list of questions. Exchange questions with another group and use the software to discover the answers.
• Younger children and those with special needs many have unique computer skills and interests. Encourage them to demonstrate their skills to other adults and children.
• Assessment: How broadly do students see the use of computers? How well is that knowledge communicated in their posters? If students act as mentors, ask them to write about their experience. What did they learn? What did the mentee learn?