EDUCAUSE Southeast Regional Conference
Atlanta, June 2006
Beyond Basic Computer Skills:
Implementing Technology Fluency
Cynthia Edwards, Professor of Psychology
Kristin Watkins, Computer Applications Specialist
Meredith College, Raleigh NC
Copyright: Cynthia Edwards and Kristin Watkins, 2006. This work is the intellectual property of
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Institutional Background
Private, four year, women’s college,
2000+ undergraduates
Comprehensive college with liberal
arts curriculum
Wired, laptop campus since 2002
Newly revised general education
program in 2003
Meredith College General Education
Program
Graduates of Meredith College will…
Inquire critically, solve problems
creatively, make decisions ethically, and
communicate effectively.
Understand the moral responsibility to
use their skills as engaged citizens.
Recognize that global problems can be
addressed through local action.
Have the courage and curiosity to be
adaptable, lifelong learners.
So where does technology fit?
Committee charged with developing
a technology “competency”
assessment consistent with the
goals of our general education
program
From “basic computer
skills/competencies” to “technology
fluency”
Technology Fluency
More than the acquisition of basic skills
Encompasses the appropriate application
of concepts and skills
Promotes self confidence and curiosity to
generate questions and discover solutions
Develops a predisposition for lifelong
learning and continual adaptation
Reference: Being Fluent with Information Technology,
National Research Council Committee on Information
Technology Literature, 1999
Meredith College Technology Fluency
Initiative
Two-tiered Solution:
Fundamental Technology
Competencies
Discipline Specific Technology
Fluency
Fundamental Technology
Competencies (FTC)
Met within two existing general
education courses (taken by all
students)
Assessment is embedded within the
general requirements of these two
courses
Goal is to establish level playing
field for technological skill by end of
freshman year
Implementation of FTC in Gen Ed
CORE 100 (freshman interdisciplinary
seminar) – mastery of productivity
software & electronic communication
Mathematics – basic quantitative
applications; use of new software;
exploration of features
English 111 and 200 – Information
Literacy requirement -- efficient
techniques in database & internet
research
Discipline Specific Technology Fluency
Developed and implemented by individual
academic programs
Summer workgroup supports faculty in
the development of fluency plans
Assessment implemented at
program/department level through
regular assessment mechanisms
Ongoing technology and faculty
development grants are available
Challenges
Faculty buy-in for another initiative
Administrative buy-in and support
for full implementation
Assessment
Faculty training/support
Limitations of resources –
infrastructure and equipment
Ongoing…
Are the Fundamental Technology
Competencies strong enough to
support the discipline specific
fluencies?
Resource availability to support full
implementation of technology
fluency as we raise expectations.
Iterative process requiring continual
evaluation.
What is gained?
Infusion of technology as an
integral part of the broad learning
experience.
Stronger faculty, students and
programs
Faculty and students empowered
and engaged.
Cynthia Edwards
Professor of Psychology and
Director of the Honors Program
Meredith College
edwardsc@meredith.edu
Kristin Watkins
Computer Applications Specialist
Meredith College
watkinsk@meredith.edu