computer literacy short essay

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.