Computer literacy |
Computer literacy is the knowledge and ability a person has to use computers and technology efficiently. Computer literacy can also refer to the comfort level someone has with using computer programs and other applications that are associated with computers. Another valuable component of computer literacy is knowing how computers work and operate. As of 2005, having basic computer skills is a significant asset in the Developed country.
The precise definition of computer literacy can vary 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-teach (i.e. to learn arbitrary new programs or tasks as they are encountered) to be central to computer literacy. In common discourse, however, computer literate often connotes little more than the ability to use several very specific application software (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 because they have rote-memorized several small childrens 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.)
= Background =
The pervasiveness of computers is continuing to grow at an outstanding rate. Computers are also always changing; they are becoming smaller, faster and more powerful. To keep up with the changes a good knowledge of computer basics might come in handy. Computer literacy is just like any other acquired skill; it is easier to expand on what is already known than to try to start fresh with no prior knowledge or experience at all.
= Social implications =
The level of computer literacy needed to have an advantage, depends both on the society one is in and your place in the social hierarchy. Different countries have different needs for computer literate people due to their society standards and level of Technology.
== Computer literacy in the first world ==
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 multimedia literacy.
== Computer education ==
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 for information. Computer skills are also a subject being specifically taught in many schools, especially from puberty onward - when the ability to abstraction forms.
One problematic element of many (though not all) computer literacy or computer education programs is that they may resort too heavily on rote effect whereby graduates are afraid to switch to competing computer systems.
Graduates of computer education programs based around rote memorization may be heard asking things such as just tell me where to click , and may need to rely upon paper notes for some computing tasks. (Example: A note on the monitor reading Hit enter after power up. ) Many such users may need tremendous amounts of hand-holding even after years or decades of daily computer use. (This can be especially frustrating for experienced computer users, who are accustomed to figuring out computers largely on their own.) The primary factor preventing such functionally computer illiterate users from self-educating may simply be fear (of losing data through doing the wrong thing ) or lack of motivation; in any case, more technically oriented friends and relatives often find themselves pressed into service as free tech support for such users.
=Aspects of computer literacy=
Aspects of computer literacy include:
= Future =
The ever-growing processing power of modern computers is used to present the user with an interface that requires minimal computer skills to operate. Modern software often utilizes buttons, s...)
One of the major goals in computer engineering is the construction of a Natural Language Interface, possibly with speech recognition, body language recognition and automatic visualisation. This would eliminate the need for computer literacy in everyday work and life in areas where such machines are available. An example of a futuristic Natural Language Interface can be found throughout the Star Trek series, where characters simply tell the computer what they want using ordinary English language.
=External links=
*http://careerplanning.about.com/od/importantskills/a/comp_literacy.htm *http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/complite.htm *http://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/|
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