This era of computers we currently live-in, constantly keeps evolving and is innovation driven; on day-to-day basis. Thus, to keep up with the pace of such continuous innovation; one needs to have basic computer skills so as to have a comfort level while using a computer and applications that drive in improving one’s competitiveness and employability.
Lets answer a basic question first. What exactly is Computer Literacy?
Computer Literacy refers to having the skills and the knowledge to use computers competently. Computer Literacy also implies that one is comfortable with using computer software and other applications that are related to the computer. The world has started to consider computer literacy to be a very vital skill to acquire. With the influence and essentiality of becoming computer literate individuals, people now regard that living without computer skills would now be unimaginable. People rely much on computers on the amount of work they can accomplish.
Below are the 10 reasons that support why basic computer skills are indispensable today:
“The new information technology… Internet and email have practically eliminated the physical costs of communications.” – Peter Drucke
Social networking sites, Online communities, Blogs etc. have become important platforms for connecting and creating / improving relationships. Such channels helps in flow of ideas and information, which can be shared, discussed and commonly agreed. This requires one to have navigation skills about such platforms which can be used as per one’s need and availability. Electronic mail has spread rapidly to cover the whole globe in less than a decade. Now, the Internet is courting the telephone and today you can speak across the globe at the minimum possible rates and also see one another though web cameras.
9. Textual Conversing
Email, Instant Messaging etc. have become essential means of communications. One must be aware of proper etiquette (netiquette) for writing a proper conversation, business note and sharing it within the peer group, manager and senior management etc. It is an integral mode of communication where your words speak for you. It is an aught to know skill.
8. Relaxation and Entertainment
The arrival of Computer and Internet has had a profound impact on entertainment, particularly since individuals have been able to gain access to it on the computers within their own homes, and more recently on portable devices such as mobile phones and iPods. It has provided entertainment creators with another avenue to explore, not just in still image and text but interactively with sound, motion and the live updating of content.With multimedia all around us, it’s a greatest source of relaxation and entertainment in idle time where one can watch movies, listen to favorite tracks, browse through personal image gallery to refresh oneself.
7. Real-Time Sharing
Tools like video-conferencing, IM’s with advanced features (desktop / screen share etc.) has enabled led to zero-cost in communicating on real-time basis with people across the globe. Only basic required hardware and freely available software’s (e.g. Skype) is all that is required along with internet connectivity.
Proficient writing skills and its presentation is very much the need of the hour. For this, everyone must be able to use document processing tools (e.g. desktop publishing) so that effective reports, drafts, presentations can be created and shared with others.
5. Contributing & Collaborating
Idea sharing is used in every walks of life. Learning to write proficiently so that others can understand the views is very vital and essential; and is one of the most productive thing one does as every individual is not jack of all. An individual might be having an overview of any concept by a person, who is specialized and possesses domain knowledge might prove to be of great help in One must be able to collaborate on areas of work / projects with others who might not be physically close or present at the venue all the time. This can be easily done by means of utilizing document management services based on cloud computing (GDrive, OneDrive, DropBox etc.) wherein multiple users can sign-in at the same time and work on the same file at a single-go. This will eventually save everyone’s time and lead to effective delivery of task / assignment with the group working as a team, rather than one single person doing all the homework and working on the task / assignment.
To achieve success, effective action is required which depends on the ability to focus your attention where it is needed most and when it is needed most. This is the ability to separate the important from the unimportant, which is a much needed skill in all walks of life – especially where there are ever increasing opportunities and distractions. Various Organizers / Work-Flow Organizing Tools (e.g. Tasks and Calendar in MS-Outlook etc.) can be a handy tool which reminds us of critical task to be completed before a dead-line.
3. Online Research
Its a multitude of information. If you want to search a restaurant that serves your favorite food, you can search it on the web. The information related to your favourite actor,actress, singer, director is available with just a click. You have a science project or a presentation to submit, it’ll help you with providing each and every information. Ever since the internet came, the whole world has become a ‘global village’. Information can be accessed from anywhere on the click of the mouse using various Search Engines (e.g. Google, Yahoo, Wikipedia etc.) and appropriate information can be gathered, synthesized and interpretations can be made based on dedicated software’s for the required purpose.
2. Critical Thinking
We are living in the information age where, on a daily basis, an individual is constantly exposed to an ever growing and rapidly changing pool of information. If an individual is able to evaluate such information set – sort the valuables from the trivial, analyze its relevance and meaning, and relate it to other information; is a priceless skill with universal applicability. Computers being machines, provide highly accurate answers and calculations. Hence, a projected plan, a financial estimate, a profit and loss balance sheet are dependable once they are computed. The accuracy with which it can project and analyze data helps the computer literate understand better the ground reality of any given scenario. There are multiple tools available ranging from ‘business process modelling to statistical tools’ and one must master such heavily required tools to analyze things in a better way.
1. Decision Making
Decision making is simply knowing what to do based on the information available. A computer literate can use his/her time better ensuring that results roll out faster and better. He/she can analyze accurately the data for any discrepancy or fault and correct it in time. He/she can also project the demand, most likely growth curve and the best expansion plan possible. Each of the above translates into higher productivity and benefit to the organization. Being able to respond quickly and effectively with the information you have, is essential to accomplishing anything.
Keeping in mind the above mentioned points we may conclude that computers are the work horses of the present and our society greatly depends on them.