Understanding Computer Programming as a Literacy

Annette Vee University of Pittsburgh

Abstract

Since the 1960s, computer scientists and enthusiasts have paralleled computer programming to literacy, arguing it is a generalizable skill that should be more widely taught and held. Launching from that premise, this article leverages historical and social findings from literacy studies to frame computer programming as “computational literacy.” I argue that programming and writing have followed similar historical trajectories as material technologies and explain how they are intertwined in contemporary composition environments. A concept of “computational literacy” helps us to better understand the social, technical and cultural dynamics of programming, but it also enriches our vision of twenty-first century composition.

Journal
Literacy in Composition Studies
Published
2013-10-31
DOI
10.21623/1.1.2.4
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (12)

  1. Communication Design Quarterly
  2. Research in the Teaching of English
  3. Written Communication
  4. Computers and Composition
  5. Computers and Composition
Show all 12 →
  1. College English
  2. Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  3. Computers and Composition
  4. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Literacy in Composition Studies
  6. Computers and Composition
  7. Philosophy & Rhetoric

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