#1) Typing. I learned to type in the 9th grade while being taught about WordPerfect (that was the common word processor then). 15 out of 30 minutes of my "Keyboarding" class was dedicated to practicing finger-strokes, while the other 15 minutes were used to actually complete assignments using the word processor. #2) Writing a proper, professional email. Figure out some standard, then teach everyone to abide by that. In fact, I think they should remove standard letter writing in English/grammar classes and instead teach how to write proper emails. For example, when making a request, the request should be explicitly stated. Proper signatures should be discussed (i.e. what is and what isn't appropriate, proper contact information, etc) #3) Basic spreadsheet use. No, they don't have to know how to use macros and all that junk (I'm an IT professional and I've never bothered), but everyone should know how to sum a number of cells or create basic charts. #4) Basic troubleshooting. Look, all software will have bugs. The most important thing for the lay user to learn is "computer resiliency". That is, if something breaks, try it again. If it breaks consistently, then the problem is likely beyond your control and you can kick it up to the next level (i.e. hire a professional, or contact tech support). #5) Basic software engineering. Grab the language-of-the-month and have the students write a simple, "Hello World!" program. This should serve to show them the huge complexity of modern-day software. Not every 9th grader is going to end up an IT professional, but they will eventually have to work with IT professionals. Having a basic understanding of how complex your requests are should temper expectations and allow for better working relationships. #6) Variable manipulation. The idea of "variables" is often too alien to non IT-professionals, yet it's an incredibly powerful tool for evolving thought processes. Once a person can strongly grasp the concept of variables, they can begin to recognize patterns, which leads to a big jump in analysis abilities. #7) Proper syntax. Reinforce the idea that computers are big, dumb boxes that take an input and deliver an output. If they put garbage into it, they get garbage out. This is important not only for computers, but in dealing with other people as well. People have allowed language to degenerate because they simply don't care enough to write correctly. Help do away with this apathy.

I'm assuming war veterans just won't buy games based on the wars they fought in? Anybody else having trouble with this leap of logic?