A Preservice Model for Integrating Computer Literacy into the Curriculum for Vocational Home Economics Education

A model was proposed whereby students enrolled in a four-year program in vocational home economics would be given instruction in computer literacy using an integrated rather than a course or unit approach. The model called for identification of the competencies and skills necessary for computer literacy, determination of how students can obtain the competencies, identification of existing courses into which instruction in the competencies can be integrated, development of units of instruction for the courses, selection of software, and field testing and revision of the materials. The model addressed the following student competencies: demonstrate a basic understanding of how computers work; experience the use of computers in a variety of subject matter applications; analyze the sociological and psychological impacts of computers on various segments of the school and community sectors; and apply computer technology in generating new ideas, creating new products, and solving problems. (This paper comprises a brief narrative description of the model, a flow chart outlining the model, a list of computer literacy skills organized according to courses into which they can be integrated, a practicum, a software evaluation form, a microcomputer experience, an opinion form dealing with computers in education, assignment sheets, and a list of uses of computers in home economics education programs.) (MN)