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Show THE CAMPUS GenEd to include cotnputer literacy By BRANDON RHODES OF THE JOURNAL STAFF The semester conversion next fall will bring more than just longer classes and potentially confusing schedules. Several new courses will be added to the general education · req_uirements for students who will matriculate u nder the new catalog for 199899. Among these courses is another basic skill requirement-technology literacy, also known as computer literacy. However, this requirement isn't a new idea. For last few years, a task force designed by the State Board of Regents has been discussing Utah's higher education institutions and their specific learning competencies. T he task force is composed of various subcommittees, with members from all nine institutions in Utah, which have been deciding what students will need to prepare them for the future. D ean of the College of Science Al Tait was on e of two SUU faculty members chosen to represent the university on the technology committee. So, what does that mean? "The task force has subcommittees for each category, arts, humanities, sciences, etc., of general education. Representatives fro m the nine institutions decided [the state] needed a computer literacy competency, said Tait. Competency, according to the committee, meant a student sh ould know have knowledge of word processing, spreadshee ts, the Internet and as well as other basic computer skills. However the committee also intended for these skills to be attained in high school, so students would be prepared if 11 or when they decided to continue their education. Nevertheless, not every student has technology av ailable at their high school to meet these requirements. "We decided the individual institutions should determine how they would approach this competency," Tait said. For SUU, that meant setting up a coruse that would fill the requirement, and then choosing which courses already installed tha~ would also meet the necessary competency skills. As for those who do have experience with computers, Tait said the best thing to do would be to set up a performance examination, allowing students to demonstrate their competency without taking the course. The test would be based on performance and conceptual knowledge. But why even have a computer literacy requirement? Computers are useful tools, Tait said, that can be used throughout a student's college experience. "We'd like students to be able to access all the information available here on campus, to be able to prepare their papers efficiently and to be able to interpiet the data they receive off the computer." Tait also said he hoped students would complete this competency in their first year of school, because it w ould prove extremely helpfuJ later on. Several additional facu lty m embers were also involved with this decision, giving their input and suggestions for the program. "If students.graduate w.i_tbout this n eeded experience, 1 feel we have, in some way, failed them as an institution," Tait said. KENSINGTON APARTMENT COMMUNITIES is now accepting applications at our office for the following: ' : · -- (BULLOCH DRUG) Old- fashioned ice cream Soda Jountain •Serving ;arrs hard ice cream • Largest selection Carlton Cards in Southern IAtah • Cje/11:1 (je/11:1 cand0 • ;ull line Pharmacy r------------------------------------------------, ! ! I I I I I I I I 1'u~ 1 get 1 free lee Cream Cot1e or $1 off malt or s6ake Jjulloch Drug 91 N. JYl.ain • 586-9651 Will you marry me? KENSINGTON EAST II Featuring NEW 2 Be drooms I 1 Bath Apts Rental Assistance is available for all units. Qualified hou~eholds pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income for rent. Located at: 426 E. Nichols Canyon Road, Cedar City, UT 84720 Ph: (435) 865-1455 Fx: (435) 865-1427 T.D.D. # 1-800-436-4128 - ALL UNITS FEATURE • Central Air• Gas ~eat• Cable Ready •Extra Storage • Frost Free Refrigerator• Handicap Accessible• Playground For Children Nw th1t w1sn't so h1rd, w1s 111· Stop by and let us show you an apartment and the features of affordable living at Kensington Apt. Communities Jewelers - Gemologists . . OPEN MON-FRI • 9 to 6 • SAT 11 TO 3 • 75 N. Main St. Cedar City, UT 84720 (801) 586-2422 u |