10/06/2020
Why Computer Skills Are Important in
Achieving Academic Success and Improving Retention
By Karen LaPlant
Business and Information Technology Faculty Hennepin Technical College www.hennepintech.edu
Computer literacy is the knowledge and ability 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. The precise definition of “computer literacy” can vary from group to group. However, “computer literate” often connotes little more that the ability to use several specific applications (such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Internet Explorer) for certain very well-defined simple tasks.
Computer literacy is considered a very important skill to possess. Employers want their workers to have basic computer skills because their company becomes ever more dependent on computers. Many employers try to use computers to help run their company faster and cheaper. Computers are just as common as pen and paper for writing and for many applications – especially communicating – computers are preferred over pen and paper because of their ability to duplicate and retain information and ease of editing.
Another common definition of computer literacy is the knowledge and skills required for basic use of computer hardware, software and the Internet. These critical computer and Internet skills are valued in today’s academic and professional environments. This leads to success in education and employment since computer skills are integral to all areas of study and work. The 3 R’s (reading, writing and arithmetic) should now also include the 3 C’s (communicating, calculating and computing) since the ability to use a computer is on the same level as reading and writing skills.
Educators are pushing greater computer literacy requirements since student exposure does not necessarily translate to understanding. Computer literacy is a crucial component for success at a higher education institution since the student interacts with the school, the faculty, and the community by using the computer. Students cannot complete their coursework or search for online solutions without this competency.
Hennepin Technical College provides excellence in career and technical education for employment and advancement in an ever-changing global environment, embracing quality and innovation in career and technical education, workforce development, and lifelong learning.
