by

Joseph Weatherford

I never thought I would be sitting next to a 40-year-old, balding, white man who kept asking me to point out specific key strokes for him in a computer lab. Computer labs and the increasing trend of tech-related college assignments make daily academic life difficult for some students who are "afraid" of computers. Every college student should know how to operate a basic PC or Mac Computer when entering into the institution. Without an understanding of computer concepts, students could spend hours just navigating through a college’s website to locate information about holidays or even to download homework. With a proper grasp of such computer skills as Internet browsing and word processing, any student can effectively type reports, check for online resources, and design complex charts, graphs, or cover sheets for class assignments.

Word processing is one of the most basic computer concepts that can aid a college student. Programs such a Microsoft Word, Wordpad, and even Notepad help students design more legible essays that can be easily edited. A student-friend of mine wrote an essay about factors leading up to the American Revolution. He decided to use a blue pen to write the essay. He had so many additions that the paper, while sound in content, lacked a clear, solid format. This mistake resulted in a C instead of his usual A. If all students were required to have a general, working knowledge of computer concepts like word processing, then grades would increase across the board because of the crisp editing techniques that can be achieved with a computer.

Like word processing, a basic skill of Internet navigation is becoming more vital for students. In many of my own classes, I have to download homework from instructor’s websites. Failure to download the assignment results in an obvious lack of a grade. In my English class, I had a grammar worksheet due. I forgot the address of my professor’s homepage; however, I was able to navigate through the campus website to find my instructor’s page. Lack of Internet-related skills can result in failure to turn in an assignment. These skills are important to college success; therefore, every student should have a basic understanding of computer operation.

Along with word processing and Internet skills, it is a good idea for college students to be able to create charts, graphs, and cover sheets for class projects. Microsoft’s Excel is a spreadsheet program that contains an integrated chart function. During biology labs, I have been required many times to produce a bar graph, line graph, or chart that displays experimental data. I could have created the charts by hand, using pencil and paper, but the use of a computer graphics or spreadsheet program attaches a sense of added commitment to the project. Without the skills to create graphs, charts, and cover sheets using graphics and spreadsheet program, students are left to be overshadowed by students who use computers to express raw data graphically.

Given the time in which we live, I can say that computers and technology as a whole touch every aspect of our lives. College is no exception. With the use of computers, students are able to create term papers efficiently, download homework, navigate a college website, and design more concise charts, graphs, and cover sheets. Without computer literacy, the results are lower grades on papers and projects and failure of assignments. All students should, indeed, possess a general understanding of computers; however, I never touch computers much myself.