Essay/Term paper: Computer literacy

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Information Technology

Computer Literacy


For over fifty years, beginning with the famous ENIAC, a revolution has
been taking place in the United States and the world. The personal computer has
changed the way many people think and live. With its amazing versatility, it
has found its way into every area of life, and knowing how to operate it is a
requirement for today's world. Those who have not taken the time to learn about
computers often do not even know what to do once one has been turned on, and
this problem should be corrected. That is why all high schools must make a
computer literacy course a requirement for graduation.
Although a computer course would take away two or three periods of a
high school student's weekly schedule, it will be well worth it in the real
world. With so many careers today involving a knowledge of a computer's basic
functions, computer literacy plays a big part in job security. If a potential
employee comes along demonstrating outstanding computer skills, he or she may
take a job that formerly belonged to another employee if that employee doesn't
even know how to check his e-mail. A good computer class would teach the basics
of computers: typing a document in a word processor, running a specified program,
and using a modem to check e-mail and access the Internet.
Personal computers now have a tremendous entertainment value due to
their versatility. Not only can a computer do all the things that are unique to
computers, it can be a television and a radio as well. Computers have also
attracted millions of people with games galore. Immersive, three-dimensional
games such as Doom 2, Quake, and Duke Nukem 3D can keep people glued to their
computers for hours. With current technology, two friends can connect from
anywhere in the world via modem and play a blazing fast two-player game against
one another. With the recent emergence of the Internet, friends that would
normally have to pay 25 cents a minute to talk on the phone long distance can
play and talk as long as they want for free.
The most important reason for required computer classes, however, is the
enormous amount of information available on the Internet. The Internet is a 24
hours a day, 7 days a week information resource that cannot be beaten by any
library in the world. An experienced user can connect and find the information
that he is looking for in as little as ten minutes, without leaving the comfort
of his own home. The Internet will only continue to grow as time passes, and
being able to navigate quickly and successfully is becoming more and more
important.
A computer course is an advantageous investment in a student's future
with today's technology. A personal computer is the most diverse machine in the
world and being familiar with its uses is a must to be successful. The amount
of practical application that it will have is astounding, and it will make all
students more successful in today's changing world.