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
SCANS - Applies 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.
  

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
Computer Skills Needed for Writing 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

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!