f riday, nov 18, 1988
cabrini college, radnor, pa 19087
vol. XXXV, no. 9
Computer competency: a mandatory benefit by Linda Smisko What thinks like a person, but is not human? What has a memory like an elephant, but is not an animal? What stores a warehouse of goods, but is not a building? Give up? It's a computer. In the fall semester of 1987, Cabrini College instituted a computer competency general education requirement. The Curriculum committee proposed the idea and brought it to the Academic Council. It was then opened to and approved by the entire faculty in the spring of 1987. Dr. Mary Ann Biller, vice president for academic affairs, said that computer competency became a requirement because there are very few areas of employment that a student would go into for which they would not need computer knowledge. Biller said, "Students ought to know the basics, and not think that the computer world has passed them by." Biller said that anyone who has computer competency on entering college can take a challenge exam on the computer to be exempted from the class. No credits are given for this. There are also learning modules in the computer lab, independent study aids, where students can teach themselves. When they feel they have mastered the skill, they can then take the challenge exam. Biller said that in the academic year 1986- l 987, about $26,000 of the school's budget was used for computers, hardware, and anotherprinter. About$5,000morewas used for part-time faculty costs.
"The equipment was purchased before the computer competency had become a requirement. With the purchasing of the equipment, it made the concept of having a computer competency more possible," said Biller. Biller said, "The computer competency remains in our new curriculum for next year along with the other requirements of foreign language, mathematics, and English writing." Should students be computer literate? Gerald Sallow, math and computer science instructor, said, "Anyone who graduates today with a Bachelor's degree and a claim to a liberal arts background should know something about computers, more than just how to spell the word." Satlow said, "Our sense of computer competency is a stronger idea than just knowing about computers. Our requirement is that you are actually capable of working with the computer in at least two very specialized areas. It's not sufficient to be able to name parts or have some sense of what they're about. It's a much stronger comprehension than that." Satlow and Julie Luckcraft, head of the computer science department, have felt that students were intimidated by computers in class. Satlow said that he felt that people were afraid of modem technology. Luckcraft said, "They think this is a high technology thing and I can't do those things, therefore, I don't want to. If they tried, they'd find out that it is not that bad." Satlow and Luckcraft teach all of the
computer courses. This semester courses in word processing, spread sheets, and data base management are being taught. Luckcraft said that the course which is most immediately usable by the students is word processing because students can apply that knowledge right away when doing papers. In the work place, all of the courses are valuable. Perhaps the most valuable course, and the one that is least taken, would be data base. Industry is moving towards data base use, according to Luckcraft. The computer lab is open from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. every weekday. There are two separate labs set up for the students. The labs contain IBM PC's and XT's. When classes are in session, there are IO computers available the entire day. When no classes are being conducted, there are 25 machines available. Luckcraft said, "We upgrade the computers as often as possible, once or twice a year, to give the students the best possible equipment and software. We update the software each semester, and last year we increased the capacity of the network to make it faster for the students. Also there are now two printers, so the students don't have to wait as long." Satlow said, "It will take several years before we know if we are successful or not in the competency of the students. If the student can use this knowledge to be competent throughout their career and professional life, then the course will have been successful." Students were asked whetheror not they were computer competent, and if computers
Massimino to draw winning Mercedes raffle ticket ~
intimidated them. Kathy Hagan.junior, business major, had taken a course in spread sheeting/word processing in her sophomore year as a requirement for her major. Hagan said that she benefited from the course and used the knowledge to type papers and reports on the computer systems at school. Bill Schellinger, freshman, secondary education major, had taken computer courses in high school in addition to a course this semester in word processing. Schellinger ·said, "The class enabled me to obtain more hands-on experience and become familiar with a different program." Bob Fuhrman, freshman, communications major, has not yet taken the required competency course. Fuhrman said that he has been exposed to computers since childhood because of the nature of his father's work. Fuhrman said that he took logo and basic computer courses in high school. He has a Commodore at school which he uses for his papers. Maria Trabocco, jun_ior, biology major, is not computer competent and is intimidated by computers. Trabocco said, "When you don't know anything about equipment like this, it seems more complex to you and you're afraid to said that she should probably take a computer course, but doesn • t want to. "It doesn't bother me at all to type up my papers on the typewriter. I get by ,'....said Trabocco.
The Mercedes Cocktail Party will be held on Sunday, November 20 in the Mansion from 5pm to 7pm. Rollie Massimino, Villanova's basketball coach will be the guest of honor. -Massimino will · draw the winn_ingraffle for the Mercedes-Benz. Those who have already purchased the $100 raffle ticket will be admitted free with a guest. At the door, tickets are $30. 350 tickets have been sold. Contact John Dzik, athletic di rector, for more information at 971-8386. (photo by Roseann Rosselle
inside perspectives .......... 2
She does more
Commitment is
news .................... 3, 6
than give out
Nerney's middle
features .............. 4, 5
band-aids
name
sports.................. 7, 8
(see page 4 & 5 )
(see page 7)