I'm a bit late sharing this info, but it's not too late to brush up on computer basics.
Technology is a central part of everyday life that's always changing. Computer Learning Month encourages everyone to build and refresh their computer basics to stay up to date with our tech life.
About This Month
Computer Learning Month encourages people to build and refresh their basic computer skills. Doing so would help people stay up to date with technology as it's used in everyday life.
But how is computer technology used in everyday life for many people? Well, I'm glad you asked.
Basic computer skills are necessary for common tasks like paying a bill online, reviewing an online banking account, refilling prescription medication, making a mobile food order, and checking the day's weather forecast. Depending on the task, basic computer skills would make completing (and potentially troubleshooting) these tasks typically done on smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers easier.
Schools utilize computers and other instructional technologies to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Students often use a computer to access course materials, submit assignments, complete exams, and collaborate with classmates on group projects. Faculty frequently use a computer to keep students informed about course changes, manage their courses, respond to inquiries, and grade assignments and assessments.
Many employers require job applicants to have basic computer skills. Depending on the employer and job position, an applicant may be required to demonstrate their computer skills during an interview. At the very least, workers will need to receive and send e-mail to maintain communication with colleagues and be notified of important company information.
Heck! Even my uneducated Mom uses her smartphone to play games, listen to music, watch videos, and research new recipes to try in her kitchen. She rarely uses her smartphone to make and receive phone calls. That's what the old landline is for!
The COVID-19 pandemic made many workers and students highly dependent on technology and basic computer skills to effectively work from home. Families separated due to the pandemic use technology to keep in touch with their loved ones.
Computers are a part of our past, present, and future whether we want it to be.
How to Celebrate
The best way to celebrate Computer Learning Month is to learn and improve your computer basic skills. Technology is always adapting, advancing, and changing, so it doesn't hurt to review and refresh your knowledge and skills if you work with computers regularly.
There are a few ways to learn more about computer basics. You could visit a library, take a face-to-face or online class, or search online to research topics of interest. No matter how tech-savvy you may consider yourself, there's always something new worth learning about.
When I worked in higher education, I always recommended GCFLearnFree.org and the Computer Basics online learning module to students, staff, and faculty who considered themselves beginners. The online program was developed by Goodwill to teach employees the basic computer skills that would help them in the workforce. Since I learned about this program over twelve years ago, they've added more topics and supplemental resources, including their own YouTube videos, for online visitors to take advantage of.
Personally, I've been brushing up on creating and using macros. I got an Elgato Stream Deck that I've found useful while creating digital drawings, photo editing, video editing, and electronic communication. If you're curious about my Elgato Stream Deck and how I use it for the tasks I mentioned, check back next month for my thoughts and experiences with this new-to-me technology.
When I told my Dad it's Computer Learning Month, he thought I'd write an instructional blog post about how to teach pets to use a computer. Why did he think that?! I'm not going to write that post, but you could attempt to teach your pet how to use a computer if that's how you prefer to celebrate this month. Please email me and let me know how that goes!
What's Next?
While I won't teach my dogs how to use a computer, I will work on improving my technical documentation and video editing skills. I also have a new operating system (OS) to explore in greater detail.
How comfortable are you with computers? Login and Sign up to share what you believe your computer basics skill level is and what you'd like to learn more about.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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