Computer applications as a high school graduation requirement

Abstract

Computer use in the educational setting is a topic of much research, teacher concern, and debate at the national, state, and district level. Topics of concern include, course requirements regarding computer applications, teacher training in computer use, the digital divide gap among high schools, and the uses of computer applications after graduation. The purpose of this study was to review, analyze and critique literature and statistics on the usefulness of computer knowledge for graduating high school seniors. The information found in this study was used to help determine if a computer applications course should be a graduation requirement. This information was presented to the Site Based Decision Making Council at Bryan Station High School for the purpose of deciding future recommendations for the curriculum, involving computer courses. It was recommended that the Fayette County Public School district add a computer applications course to the existing graduation requirements; that the district become more involved in the training of teachers in the uses of computers in the classroom setting; that each high school employ an on-site technology coordinator to assist with the implementation of technology in the curriculum; and, that the each high school in the district possess the same computer systems.