Critical Computational Literacy // Mission Statement

At C3S, our mission is to establish and activate Critical Computational Literacy (CCL) as a transformative framework. We empower students, citizens, and communities to thoughtfully relate and engage with the algorithmic and data-driven technologies in postdigital times.

Purpose and Approach:

CCL imparts a critical - as in vital and evaluative - attitude by providing individuals and communities with foundational computational skills intertwined with robust reflective capacities. This combination equips them to interact with and influence digital and computational technologies skillfully, equitably and justifiably. Our approach takes note of the widening digital divide and hence emphasizes the critical assessment of the role and impact of such technologies within social (cultural, economic, educational, legal etc.) contexts, enabling active and responsible participation.

Vision of Impact:

We advocate for a society where everyone, be it individually or collectively, possesses the agency to relate to the postdigital landscape, upholding principles of personal and political autonomy and social equity. CCL champions the empowerment of individuals through a multidimensional understanding of transformation that goes beyond mere competence to integrate the transformative potential of education, learning, and socialization.

Goals:

1. Educational Integration: Implement CCL across disciplines as well as educational and formative settings (from schools to universities and continuing education programs), making it a guiding principle of Critical Computational Studies.
2. Social Engagement: Foster a society capable of advancing technologies and critical self-reflection, questioning authority, challenging oppressive structures, and cultivating a critical examination of norms, including those that inhere algorithms and data.
3. Innovative Leadership: Equip individuals and communities not only to critique existing technologies but also to drive innovation and improvement by interweaving critical insights with computational methods.
4. Sustainable Development: Develop strategies for designing and using computational technologies that are sustainable, trustworthy, and justifiable, thereby promoting a co-active dialogue with technology.

Commitment to Transformation:

We are committed to integrating CCL's unique perspective into our educational and formative systems and societal structures, recognizing that true empowerment comes from the ability to critically reflect on and actively engage with the technologies at our disposal, the societal dynamics they influence, and the planetary dynamics that drive them. By merging computational skills with robust understandings of social dynamics, CCL prepares us, as individuals, groups, and communities, not only to adapt to technological advancements but to lead in shaping more equitable and thoughtful postdigital futures.