Skip to Content

The University of Texas at Austin

Computer Fluency

Computer Fluency will help you understand
how computing works in a fun way!

A lot of people are confused (or misled) about computer science and computing. It's not about the obscure commands of a word processor or the peculiar syntax of some programming language. Sure, computer scientists might know these things - but who cares? - that's not what's interesting. Computer science is about solving problems using logical thinking, then testing out candidate solutions by implementing them on a computer, a machine that at times seems incredibly powerful and other times profoundly incapable.

Computer Science is also about applying technology to everyday lives. How does an iPod work? Are you sure that picture is real? What does it mean to be "digital?"

This class will focus on what a computer is and how it is used in everyday situations. When you are done with this class you will be able to recognize a computer and understand why having information in a digital format is important. We will also do some hands on applications, like a simple web page and a spreadsheet for a budget.

Most importantly, this course is not for computer science majors. We won't be going into great detail. The course is designed to try and take the mystery out of the box in a fun way!

Topics:
  1. What are computers? Computer Hardware - binary numbers and arithmetic - gates and circuits - computer organization (input/output, memory, CPU)
  2. How do Computers "think?" -A bit about Algorithms; Computer Programming (just a little bit) - Graphical programming in Alice
  3. How does it work? - Common digital devices (digital cameras, MP3 players, HDTV) and digital file formats.
  4. Computer Networks - servers and clients - the Internet
  5. The Future of Computing - artificial intelligence - social impacts