Computer literacy
Siddharth Malik
Marketing Executive at Ueducate | Ex Marketing Associate at Acme Drinktec Solutions | Netaji Subhas University of Technology
Computer literacy can be defined as the level of expertise and familiarity someone has with computers. Computer literacy generally refers to the ability to use applications rather than to program. A person who is computer literate should be able to use computers to perform a few tasks such as writing letters or reports, calculating and comparing numbers or objects, or communicating via connections that support e-mail or (perhaps) a web page, as personal, business, or educational circumstances require. Computer literacy is not corroborated through a tidy checklist that set forth how many and which functions an individual can complete using the tool. It occurs at the intersection of knowing how to do or find what one needs or wants in a particular place, at a particular time, for particular reasons.
In order to properly use a computer or computing device, it is necessary to have a basic understanding of what a basic computer is and how it operates. All computers have two things in common, hardware and software.
Why is computer literacy important?
Having a foundational understanding of computers makes it easier to learn more advanced concepts and programs, as needed by a company. This results in less time spent by supervisors in training employees in company software and platform applications. Computer literacy also helps in enhancing efficiency, workflow, and overall experience within the workplace. Employees can produce more in a shorter amount of time, freeing up resources to do more. Being computer literate may also make it easier to work with customers or clients because it streamlines communication. Employees can easily connect with clients via email to share documents and important resources.
How to improve your computer literacy?
If you get stumped or confused by a computer program, search online. You’re likely not the only person to have encountered the issue. Often, there are many step-by-step articles online that will help you resolve the problem easily.
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A great way to enhance your current computer skills is to practice them regularly. The more you use what you already know, the easier it becomes to perform these tasks often. Once you’ve become more confident in these current skills, learning new computer skills will become easier and less intimidating.
If you want to learn specific software systems or skills and can’t find the info online, enroll in those educational courses, in in-person, or as a part of an online curriculum. Not only will you achieve a better, implementable knowledge of these computer skills and software; but you will also likely have an instructor on-hand to field questions you might have.
When you find a computer skill or program you want to learn but don’t have the resources, talk to the leadership in your office. Your supervisor or HR manager may be able to connect you with the tools to help you learn more, such as workshops, specialized training, and conferences. Also, there may be other employees in the office who have the same interest. Ask around. Leadership might be more willing to pay for these kinds of resources if they know there is a general need for them.
Since the coronavirus pandemic started it had huge effects on the schooling of the children and as a result, both schools and offices chose the internet as a solution. Providing computers and hotspots is just step one in closing the digital divide. Although the internet and the computers served as a solution, the schools will need to address disparities in computer literacy so that students who are unaccustomed to using computers regularly are not left behind.