Computer Literacy in the Computer Literacy in the Workplace Workplace

Deborah Mahaney

What you need to knowWhat you need to know

Basic Typing Skills Word Processing Spreadsheets and

graphs Database management Internet searching E-mail

Technology is EverywhereTechnology is EverywhereEmployers expect high levels of

competence:– selecting and using appropriate technology– using a variety of software packages,

especially Microsoft Office– using technology to monitor tasks– maintaining and troubleshooting complex

equipment– effectively know how to use E-mail and

sending attachment files

Survey of EmployersSurvey of Employers

96

8683

75

93

63

0

20

40

60

80

100

Percentage of What Employers Say Are Important to Know About Microsoft Office

Word Processing

Excel

Access

PowePoint

Outlook

Internet

www.quintcareers.com

SCANSSCANS Technology Competencies

– Selects Technology – Applies Technology to Task – Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology

SCANS - SCANS - Selects Selects Technology Technology

Judges which set of procedures, tools, or machines, including computers and their programs, will produce the desired results.

Demonstrating competence in selecting technology includes determining desired outcomes and applicable constraints; visualizing the necessary methods and applicable technology; evaluating specifications; and judging which machine or tool will produce the desired results.

SCANS - SCANS - Applies Applies Technology to Task Technology to Task

Understands the overall intent and the proper procedures for setting up and operating machines, including computers and their programming systems.

Demonstrating how different parts of machines and how machines interact with broader production systems; setting up machines efficiently to get desired results; accurately interpreting machine output; and detecting errors from program output.

SCANS - SCANS - Maintains and Maintains and Troubleshoots TechnologyTroubleshoots Technology

Prevents, identifies, or solves problems in machines, computers, and other technologies.

Identifying, understanding, and performing routine preventative maintenance and service on technology

detecting more serious problems; generating workable solutions to correct deviations; and recognizing when to get additional help

Computer Skills Needed for Computer Skills Needed for Writing and MathWriting and Math

Mathematics– reconciling differences

in inventory records– using spreadsheet

programs to track expenditures

– creating charts and tables for presentations and proposals

Writing– memo to justify

additional resources– preparing instructions for

operating simple machines

– developing a narrative to explain graphs and tables

– drafting suggested modifications in company procedures

Careers - ClericalCareers - Clerical

Typing letters, memos, agendas, proposals

Sending e-mail and attachments

Creating graphs and charts

Designing slideshow presentations

Careers - AutomotiveCareers - Automotive

Keeping track of customers

Diagnostic testing of automobile by make of car

Update database for upcoming mailing reminders

Careers – Retail SalesCareers – Retail Sales

Keeping track of inventory

Completing a sale with customers

Organizing merchandise sold by day

Keeping track of commission

Marketing your Computer Marketing your Computer Literacy On Your ResumeLiteracy On Your Resume

Include all software packages you know and have used– Microsoft Word and Excel– Email and Internet browsers

Highlighting computer skills shows your ability to learn new software packages.

Employers will Evaluate Your Employers will Evaluate Your Computer SkillsComputer Skills

When employers interview prospective employees they want to make sure candidates are computer literate because less training will be involved.– Which computer programs in the office will the

candidate be expected to use?– Does the candidate have experience/knowledge

of these programs?– How much time and money does the company

want to invest in the candidate for training purposes?

www.derebus.org

How to become competent in How to become competent in Computers………Computers………

Take advantage of computer courses in high school, otherwise pay a lot of money to get trained

Enroll in a community class Take an on-line course Buyer helpful books to guide your learning

Being competent in basic Being competent in basic

computer skills and a computer skills and a

variety of software packagesvariety of software packages

will determine if you sink will determine if you sink

or swim in the workplace! or swim in the workplace!