5 Reasons why Computer knowledge is an essential 21st Century Life Skill

I grew up with computers. I started playing games when I was five and was using MS-DOS-based PCs from before Windows 3.1 was even released. I started using the Internet in the mid-90s, and by the time I hit college, I had taught myself the basics of coding.

But not everyone dives into learning tech skills quite as readily as I did. It’s probably safe to say that a lot of people don’t.

The great thing about computer knowledge, though, is that learning begets learning. Once you figure out how one part works, it gets easier to dive into other parts and figure out how things work.

And the benefits of having some basic computer knowledge under your belt extend way beyond just the tech industry, especially in the 21st century. And here’s why:

1. They Make You a Better Problem-Solver

Problem-solving skills are universal and can be applied to virtually every part of your life, and work, regardless of industry. From identifying an issue and breaking it down into parts to creating, testing, and improving solutions; you’ll never regret learning how to efficiently solve problems.

2. They Future-Proof Your Career

Virtually every career and industry is becoming more tech-reliant. From agriculture to education, all are integrating tech into their day-to-day operations. It’s clear – those who have tech skills and are comfortable working with technology will have a much easier time adapting to changing expectations.

3. They Make You a Better Leader

Companies are now reliant on technology and as a manager or CEO, it’s important to be able to work effectively with either a department that handles web development or with an outside agency that handles the same. And if you don’t know the first thing about the jobs those departments or agencies do, it makes it a lot harder to work with them in a way that’s both efficient and productive. That doesn’t mean every leader needs to be a full stack web development pro but understanding the basics of computers go a long way toward working with those who are actually in charge of those things.

4. They Make You a Better Collaborator

Connecting with others from diverse backgrounds increases the ability to understand multiple perspectives. Learning from and with others all over the world is possible with digital tools like Twitter and Skype, to name a few. Students can work beyond their classroom walls to find answers to real problems. By engaging in this type of collaboration, individuals are even more prepared to participate successfully in our global economy.

5. They Make You a Well-Rounded Individual

Having a well-rounded set of skills and knowledge will serve you well, both professionally and personally. Being able to list basic tech skills on your resume will make you more attractive to virtually every employer out there, regardless of industry. And as more and more people become involved in the tech industry, having at least a passing knowledge of what it’s all about can come in handy when networking personally or professionally.

As computers are used daily, they have gained immense importance in day-to-day life and increasing utility has made computer education the need of the day. Computers are not only devices for storing and processing information, but also an excellent communication media. They are the means to access the Internet and get connected to the world.

I am still shocked and disappointed when I hear of kids and adults who have very little or no computer skills at all. I’ve met teenagers who could create beautiful complex websites by the age of 15, so how is it possible that some people have stayed in the Dark Ages? 

We give a lot of priority to our school education then why not to computer education?

Computers, which have such a wide variety of applications, are indeed ruling society. To keep up the pace in this fast life of today, computer education is extremely important.

Knowing why and how computers work provides the basis for a deeper understanding of computer use and the relevant rights, responsibilities and applications. It evokes authentic, powerful ideas that can be used to solve a real-world problem and connect understanding across multiple disciplines.

At least now let us understand the true need for computer education and support our children, youth and everyone, regardless of age, to pursue computer education.

Learning to use technology responsibly is an essential digital literacy skill for the 21st century and here’s why Dell has come up with an initiative “Aarambh”.

Aarambh is a pan-India PC for Education initiative engineered to enhance learning using the power of technology; it is designed to help parents, teachers and children find firm footing in Digital India. This initiative seeks to connect parents, teachers and students and provide them with the necessary training so that they can better utilise the PC for learning, both at school and at home.

Indeed, Computer Science is more than a discipline for a few, but rather it is an essential 21^st-century literacy for all students.

Go Mommy!