Computer Information Literacy Competency - CILC

The CILC Outline and Instructions

COMPUTER AND INFORMATION LITERACY

Before a community college issues an Associates degree, they need to make sure that the graduate is competent in crucial areas.  Therefore, Merced College has a competency requirement before graduation.  This course, CPSC 30-Computer Applications, fulfills most of this important requirement. 

The College Literacy Competency Requirement for Graduation

Merced College instituted a competency in Computer and Information Literacy in Fall 2000.  To meet the competency required in Computer and Information Literacy, you must receive a grade of “C” or better in courses which meet each of the competency requirements [to graduate] A through G listed below.

  1. Name and describe the typical digital computer components and their functions;
  2. Describe common computer applications and related social and ethical problems/impact;
  3. Learn fundamental operation and concepts of word processing, spreadsheet, and/or database software applications;
  4. Understand the difference between information and knowledge;
  5. Understand the links among information centers and the access points available through technology and reference sources;
  6. Understand the basic structure of electronic databases and the strategies used to access them;
  7. Recognize the different levels, type and formats of information including but not limited to primary vs. secondary, and popular vs. scholarly. &

Your Role in CPSC 30-Computer Applications
Successfully completing CPSC 30-Computer Applications fulfills requirements A through F. 
To begin fulfilling this requirement, we will visit the library or Learning Resource Center (LRC) during the second week of class.  This will begin fulfilling D., E., and F.
In order to verify that you have fulfilled the computer and information literacy competency (CILC), write a research paper (using MLA writing style) explaining A through F as listed above.  This paper is due near the end of the semester. 

Begin writing this research paper directly after the library visit.  Please ask me any questions that you may have (throughout the semester) regarding this important requirement.