Computer and Information literacy

 

What are Computers, how do they work and what are they used for?

By answering these questions the Whole Wired World takes the mystry out of the micro. This Web site will help any Web surfer aged 9 or 90 who wants an introduction to the many different jobs a computer can do and clear step-by-step guide to the technical basics. So not only will you know its different jobs, you'll know how they work and how to use computers effectively!

The research has noted that a century ago, wealth and success came to those who produced and distributed manufactured good. Today, the eqiulibram has changed all together, wealth and success come to those who use computers to create, collect, apply, and disseminate information. In business, the winners are companies who know how to use computers and information to compete more effectively. For individuals in almost any line of work, the winners are those who possess computer and information literacy. In this page, you learn how to acquire computer and information literacy, begginning with the basics:

Why study Computers and Information Literacy?

Chances are good that you're already sold on the need for computer literacy, knowledge of computer and Internet use. You need computer literacy to do well in school and to find a good job. But growing numbers of educators question whether computer literacy is enough. They believe information literacy is needed, too. An information-literate person knows how to gather information, evaluate this information, make an informed decision.

The Need for Information Literacy

Do you really need information literacy? The answer is yes if you'd like to get a good job. In fact, you need computer literacy for almost any job. Businesses have gone far beyond the stage of merely putting computers on everyone's desk. They are building information system, advanced computer systems built around data that's crucial to their capability to compete. What's more, besinesses are using these systems to push decision-making responsibilities further down the corporate ladder. In the banking and insurance industries, for example, customer service personnel now have direct access to the same information that was once seen only by the approval department. But only a few people are left in the approval department-if it exists at all. The customer service people make the decisions!

Incresingly, individuals need information literacy, too. One reason: People are now finding that they must make choices that were once made for them.

The need for Critical Thinking

Information literacy skills pay off handsomely, whether you're at work or at home. People with Internet skills are better informed, know more about current events, and find information more quickly than equally well-educated people who lack these skills. But information literacy also requires critical thinking, the capacity to evaluate the quality of the informaiton you're getting.

You also need critical thinking skills to understand the impact of computers on our society. Computers are reaching into every facet of our lives and transforming them in ways that experts are only beginning to understand. Inceasingly, these computer-induced changes are forcing us to confront deep questions. These questions ultimately boil down to what type of society we want to have, and what kind of lives we want our children to lead. For example: choosing whether or not you believe adds, services found on the Internet)