As a minimum, being computer literate means having a basic understanding of how the computer works. The professor's job is to instill in students an understanding of the computer and its basic capabilities. During the computer literacy course, varying the format of classes can keep student interest. Lecture, discussion, demonstration and practice mixed in the same course keep students from getting bored. Lecture offers the professor the opportunity to control the course of the class and provide facts and abstract concepts without interruption.
Lecture provides an opportunity for explanation of and expansion on the material in the text.
A well-designed lecture can level the playing field by going beyond the knowledge level of the more technologically advanced student without losing the beginning student. Starting the students with World Wide Web experience early is another variation in teaching techniques. Web browsers are easy to use and learn. Students can 'get on the Web' within the first week of class. A number of recent computer literacy textbooks provide their own Web pages.