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Computer Literacy

This LibGuide discusses computer literacy and how one should improve one's level

Computer Literacy Versus Digital Literacy According to IEEE

  • There is a difference between computer literacy and digital literacy as noted by IEEE 

    • Computer literacy is essentially completing simple tasks with a computer or a piece of technology 

      • Turning on or off the machine 

      • Resolving easy problems that may arise with the technology 

      • Turning on or off a car with an ignition button 

      • Downloading and uploading files 

      • Starting and stopping computer programs 

      • Utilizing the computer mouse 

      • People with an increased computer literacy can complete the following tasks:  

        • Render novice code for an application 

        • Invent artificial intelligence programs 

        • Install proper and updated cybersecurity instances 

        • Put a new motherboard in a computer 

    • There are obstacles that can be present that hinder people’s progress in computer literacy, and IEEE states that these hinderances are institutional, dispositional, and situational 

      • One may not possess the financial means to access a computer or get an education on computers and technologies 

      • One may not be able to attend computer or technology education due to too much enrollment in the classes or terrible advertising that makes one not want to take the course 

        • Required technologies for the classes may also be unable to be obtained due to lack of finances 

      • One may not have enough self-esteem or drive to get a computer or technology education 

    • Digital literacy is understanding an immense amount of extensive and eclectic facts about technology and computers that aids in the utilization of technology and computers 

      • Utilize the world wide web to hunt for legitimate and rational facts quickly and easily 

      • Spot phishing scams and viruses right away and not fall for tricks by scammers 

      • Utilize the best the web has to offer for communication and social media in order to effectively reach multiple people throughout the world 

    • One must know the dissimilarities between digital literacy and computer literacy because jobs in today’s world are obtaining new employees that possess digital literacy skills more so than computer literacy skills 

      • Jobs that give a better income also look for digital literacy skills instead of computer literacy skills 

      • Going up the corporate ladder is easier with digital literacy skills than with computer literacy skills 

      • Future economies, democracies, and societies will rely heavily on digital literacy skills rather than computer literacy skills, thus leading to a schism in the world’s digital life 

IEEE Source

  • https://ctu.ieee.org/blog/2023/01/12/what-is-the-difference-between-computer-literacy-and-digital-literacy/