COMPUTER LITERACY: IS IT MUST TO INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY INTO PRACTICE

Computer literacy is the knowledge and ability to use computers and technology efficiently. The pervasiveness of computers is continuing to grow at an outstanding rate. As companies become ever more dependent on technology, the value a potential employee has may be measured in terms of his or her technological competency. The highest goal of a computer-literate person is to be able to learn and use new computer programs without large amounts of help. Computer literacy gives people of all ages an edge in both their careers and education. 

The precise definition of "computer literacy" can very from group to group. Generally, literate (in the realm of books) connotes one who can read any arbitrary book in their native language [s], looking up new words as they are exposed to them. Likewise, an experienced computer professional may consider the ability to self - tech (i.e. to learn arbitrary new programs or tasks as they are encountered) to be central to computer literacy. In common discourse, however," computer literacy" often connotes little more than the ability to use several very specific applications (usually Microsoft word, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Outlook) for certain very well - defined simple tasks, largely by rote. (This is analogous to a child claiming that they "can read" they have rote - memorized several small  children's books. Real problems can arise when such a "Computer Literate" person encounters a new program for the first time, and  large degrees of "hand holding " will likely be required.) Being "literate" and "functional" are generally taken to mean the same thing.

The pervasiveness of computers continues to grow at an outstanding rate. Computers always change; they become smaller, faster and more powerful. These changes have motivated the modern society to become comfortable with basic computer - related skills.

The level of computer literacy one must achieve to gain an advantage over others depends both  on the  society one is in and one's place in the social hierarchy. Prior to the development of the first computers in the b1950s, the word computer referred to a person who could count, calculate, compute. The fear of some educators today is that computer training in schools will serve only to train data-entry clerks of the next generation, low level workers of the  so called knowledge  industries. On the other hand, some hope that enhanced computer literacy will enable  a new generation of cultural producers to make meanings and circulate those in the public sphere. The wildfire of cultural production associated with sites such as Youtube seems to support this notion.

Different countries have different needs for computer literate  people due to their society standards  and level of technology . The world's digital divide is now an uneven one with knowledge nodes such as India disrupting old North/South dichotomies of knowledge and power.

Computer Literacy is considered to be a very important  skill to possess while in the first world. Employers want their  workers to have basic computer skills because their company becomes ever more dependent on computers. Many companies try to use computers to help run their company faster and cheaper.

Computers are just as common as pen and paper for writing, especially among youth. For many applications - especially communicating- computers are preferred over pen, paper, and typewriters because of their ability to duplicate and retain information and ease of editing.

As personal computers become common place and they become more powerful , the concept of computer literacy is moving beyond basic  functionality to more powerful applications under the heading of literacy.

Of course, arguments about computers being common - place in the first world has equal access to the latest forms of technology. however, there is a pronounced digital divide that separates both physical access to technology and the ability to use that technology effectively. Where computers are widespread, they are also a part of education. Computers are used in schools for many applications such as writing papers or searching the Internet information. Computer skills are also a subject being specifically taught in many schools, especially from adolescence onward - when the ability to make  abstractions forms.

References :

Gateway Education and Welfare Society (Regd.)
(An ISO 9001 Certified Organisation)

 

(http://www.techfluency.org/computer-literacy.htm )

Why Is Computer Literacy Necessary?

There is a good chance that, if you are reading this, you have some hands-on computer experience. However, I do know many people for whom surfing the Web was their first contact with a computer. Many have not gone further than that. This is written for those people.

In most places of business, a computer is standard. In the bank they use computers to look up your account information. They use computers in the auto repair shop to assess your car. You can't find books in the library by looking in a card catalog — you must use a computerized database. Doctors' offices utilize computers to store patient information. The point is this — no matter where you find employment, there is a good chance a computer will be a basic tool you will have to use. It is in your best interests to start off computer literate. It will help you get a job and it will help you advance in your career. Computer literacy does not mean you need to know how use every single piece of software you may encounter. It does not mean you need to know how to write programs or network computers. You just need to know some basics — how to save and open a file, how to use a word processing program, and how to send and receive email — for starters. It means having some sort of level of comfort around computers rather than a look of fear and a feeling of foreboding. 

How Do I Become Computer Literate?

Basic computer courses are offered by most continuing education programs. They are usually reasonably priced and conveniently scheduled. These courses can usually be found in your local school district or community college, on evenings and weekends.

Career retraining programs often offer computer courses for free or at a low fee for those who qualify. Check with your local Labor Department Office for more information on these programs.

There are also online courses and tutorials available. You don't have a computer? Don't worry. Many public libraries allow patrons to use computers with Internet access. Here are two Web sites that offer free online courses. 

Career Planning

 

 

SYNTHESIS :

We need to be computer literate to be able for us to use this technology. Computer is one of the most common used technology nowadays. Even a child knew how to use computer if they are already exposed to it at their younger age. Each schools are required to have their own computer laboratory to be used by the students and to expose them. And some other schools are also having their computer lesson to teach students in the usage of computers. Computer is very important for us. It helps us to gather information. It have many usage to people and so we need to be computer literate. We need to practice the usage of computers so that we not behind to our modern technology.