Do Your Students REALLY Know How to Use Computers?

Do we need computer classes for our students, starting at the primary levels or can the computer skills be taught throughout the curriculum?  Courtney Cairns Pastor, in her article in the Tampa Tribune, interviewed teachers and students about computer skills.  She found that, although students are using computers they may not know what they need to know for the academics and the future employment. Sure, they know texting, gaming, and Googling, but have they mastered typing skills, do they know how to edit in word processors, do they know how to use programs and applications? In the Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida, elementary students learn about computer use in reading and mathematics, middle school students have in-depth computer courses, and at the high school level there are courses and a program that includes certifications in software such as Adobe applications. Years ago, most schools had specific computer courses for students. For example, most grade levels had computer class with a computer teacher once or twice a week.  But as technology has moved into the curriculum and the economy tightened, some schools no longer have these courses, which is fine if schools make sure that necessary tech skills are being taught in the regular classrooms.