The present era is the one with the most extensive development of technology and its applications in every walk of life. Today our world seems to be overshadowed by the applications of technology from daily household activities to bigger takes such as manufacturing. The world has witnessed the most inventions related to health, science, education, etc., than ever before. Today, an individual requires adequate knowledge, information and training to use technology to survive in this world. One of the much-needed requirements in this regard is computer literacy.
Computer literacy, as the name refers to, is concerned with the ability and knowledge that enables an individual to use computers and other related technologies efficiently. It involves the knowledge and the skill that is necessary to use the computer in the best possible manner. In today’s world, being computer literate is as crucial as being literate is. Unlike older times when it was considered as a competitive advantage, nowadays, it is considered as a prerequisite for any individual seeking for job or university admission.
The main reason for the increasing significance of computer literacy is that nowadays everything is computer reliant and you come across using computer several times a day. Ranging from daily routine activities to professional work, you need to operate a computer or get your things done through it. Therefore, it is necessary to know how it works to get the maximum benefit from it. Earlier, knowing how to use Ms Office was considered as enough computer literacy. However, with the passage of time, the requirements associated with computer literacy have also changed.
Table of Contents
Essentials of computer literacy:
Some of the activities associated with the requirements needed to be fulfilled to be considered as computer literate are the following.
· The ability to make presentations, spreadsheets and word documents: These are basic skills required on almost a regular basis. A person not able to do these cannot be considered as a computer literate individual.
· Adequate knowledge of safe use of computers and protection of privacy: Along with the knowledge of computer operations, protection of privacy and safe use of computers is also crucial.
· Composing and sending an email: Emails is one of the most sophisticated ways of written communication, especially when it is formal. A person claiming to be computer literate nowadays must be able to compose error-free emails and know how to send them.
· An understanding of connectivity: One of the most significant benefits of computers is the network connectivity it provides. An individual must have enough understanding and knowledge of network connectivity.
· The effective use of a search engine: Nowadays, computers and the internets are part and parcel of life. Search engines open gates to unlimited knowledge, and a person with computer literacy must use a search engine effectively.
Some of the reasons for increasing reliance on computer literacy in the present era are discussed below.
Role In Education:
Education is one of the most significant and vital parts of our lives, without which no society can achieve the desired level of progress and development. The incorporation of training regarding the efficient use of computers remained a part of our educational systems for a long period of time. However, now we witness a change in the trend, and today we see more frequent use of computers in educational activities such as maintenance of attendance sheets on Excel, visual presentation of lecture, submission of assignments, etc. The most recent example of the significance of computer literacy in education was witnessed during the pandemic when the learning process went online. During that time, those who had adequate knowledge of computers faced comparatively fewer problems than others as far as education is concerned. Each and every teacher, irrespective of their field of expertise and the subject they taught, had to use a computer or similar devices to conduct online classes. Similarly, students had to rely on a computer for attending classes whether or not they had studied it as a subject. This proves that computer literacy nowadays is a necessity instead of a symbol of distinction.
Employment Opportunities:
A stable job or a handsome source of income is the basic requirement of every human. To keep the financial cycle moving, everyone seeks a job to provide him with enough livelihood to fulfil his needs and wants. To prove yourself in the highly competitive job market, you must be computer literate. Studies show that computer literacy provides better job opportunities to individuals than the ones lacking this knowledge. Any field of work you choose would have a direct or indirect dependence on computer literacy. Moreover, there are various opportunities in freelancing for activities such as graphic designing, assignment writing service, data entry, bookkeeping, digital marketing, and others dependent on basic computer literacy. Even if you own a business, you need to have basic computer literacy; otherwise, you would be wiped out by competitors in this world of digitalization.
Effective And Cheap Communication:
Communication is one of the most significant activities of life, whether it is oral, written or non-verbal. It plays an important role in individual as well as collective lives. Computers are a source of cheaper, better and more effective communication. Whether you are an individual or a business entity, the significance of computer literacy in communication remains the same. Nowadays, remote communication is common, which is greatly supported by computer networks. It facilitates oral as well as written communication. A widely used tool for communication for regular or commercial activities is email. Long story short, computer networks facilitate effective communication at a reasonable cost.
Latest Information:
In today’s world of digitalization, staying up to date with current happenings all around the world is necessary. Whether you are a student, an employee, a businessman, or even an ordinary citizen, you need to have the latest information about your surroundings and the whole world. Computers, along with the internet connection, provide you with an unlimited source of information about any and everything you want to know. You are one click away from a whole new world from events in the past to current happenings and future predictions and forecasts. You can even check the authenticity of the source and choose from multiple sources that match your interest and understanding well. Staying up to date with the latest information provides you with countless personal and professional benefits.
