Markus Strasser

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Computer literacy, unlike reading, is not a general purpose skill

Outtake from an Interview with David Deutsch

There is a myth going around that because of the increasing importance of computers, soon everybody will need to be “computer-literate,” that is, able to program computers.

It is like saying that the Channel Tunnel will soon be in extensive use, so we should all learn how to dig.

Computer literacy is like dentistry, mathematics, or agricultural engineering: it is wonderful for those who like it – like me – but useless for those who don't. John Holt identified this myth. He hated the term “computer literacy” because the very term has behind it lots and lots of lessons, and it justifies a whole new type of coercion.

It is a specific skill which is right for some people and wrong for others.

I see no reason to expect most children to like computer programming.

Of course, forcing children to program is a good way of making sure they do not take it up, but I think even if you don't force them, there is no reason why most of them should become interested in it.

Computer literacy, unlike reading, is not a general purpose skill