Computer Literacy in the Workplace

1. Computer Literacy in the Workplace Deborah Mahaney

2. What you need to know • Basic Typing Skills • Word Processing • Spreadsheets and graphs • Database management • Internet searching • E-mail

3. Technology is Everywhere Employers 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

4. Survey of Employers www.quintcareers.com

5. SCANS • Technology Competencies • Selects Technology • Applies Technology to Task • Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology

6. SCANS - Selects 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.

7. 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 - Applies Technology to Task

8. SCANS - Maintains and Troubleshoots 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

9. 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 Computer Skills Needed for Writing and Math

10. Careers - Clerical • Typing letters, memos, agendas, proposals • Sending e-mail and attachments • Creating graphs and charts • Designing slideshow presentations

11. Careers - Automotive • Keeping track of customers • Diagnostic testing of automobile by make of car • Update database for upcoming mailing reminders

12. Careers – Retail Sales • Keeping track of inventory • Completing a sale with customers • Organizing merchandise sold by day • Keeping track of commission

13. Marketing your Computer Literacy 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.

14. Employers will Evaluate Your Computer 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

15. How to become competent in 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

16. Being competent in basic computer skills and a variety of software packages will determine if you sink or swim in the workplace!