A Look at The Importance of Computer Skills

Though most students use computers for video games and social media, computers also hold a huge role in education in today’s world. Most high schools prepare students for college by having computer labs; where students can gain skills and a better understanding, of the significance of computers. In recent years, computers have become the ultimate resource for information and communication. They are extraordinary machines created to help make our lives easier and more efficient. Students soon realize becoming comfortable with a computer is very beneficial when entering the college level. Computer skills are essential for college.

Computer skills are essential for classwork. In college many teachers will give out work where it is necessary to use a computer to finish it. In fact, most students type papers and do all of their research on computers. Becoming familiar with certain software like Microsoft Office is very useful for many students who have projects and presentations. Almost every class I’ve taken in college has had some type of work, where a computer had to be used. Students can access information from around the world within a few seconds, after an input on a keyboard instead of going to a library and browsing through books. A lot of teachers want properly formatted and typed final drafts, so knowing how to use an application like Microsoft Word is very helpful. The skills for classwork are easily gained by using a computer daily.

Computer skills are essential for online work. Most colleges now offer online classes where the student does all the work form their own personal computer. This makes it a lot easier on the student and offers more freedom. For example, if a student wants to take classes over the summer, but lives far away from the college, they can take online classes while still staying at home. Being on the computer repetitively for online classes will allow the student to gain knowledge and skill, while executing their work. In addition, the student will become better with typing, because of the constant demand for it. Being able to access different websites to turn in work and organizing files is part of online courses. In fact, most teachers ask the student to save their work as files and store them in specific folders, so they can easily be accessed again.

Computer skills are essential for communication with faculty and classmates. Most colleges have a school network setup, so the faculty can communicate any information they may need or haven’t received yet, to the student. Communication between students and faculty are normally done via email. If a teacher has an emergency and has to cancel class, it is easy enough for them to send an email to every student letting them know. Some schools use websites that are setup similar to social media sites, but where students are allowed to communicate about specific classes to each other and the teachers. Having a discussion board where students can ask for help if they get lost on certain assignments is a big advantage. For example, if a student has a question they can post a comment or send an email to the teacher. Most students are already using social media websites for their own personal interest, so the skills for communication are easily gained outside of school.

In the end computers skills are essential in everyday life and school. Students who gain the skills in high school definitely have an advantage in college. After looking at the role computer skills play in classwork, online work, and communicating with faculty, it should be a lot clearer to see why these machines are so important. The relevance of the computer will only grow in the coming future.