THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTER/ICT LITERACY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

BY Engr Ugo Wokoma Madugba

Today, computers are no longer specialized tools used only by scientists or engineers. They do not hum behind sealed, glass walls in climate-controlled environments. Computer systems are everywherein places you cannot see or would not expect to find them. They are a fact of life, a common thread that ties together our education, work, and home life. With computers touching nearly every facet of our lives, the issue of computer literacy becomes important. But what is computer literacy, and why is it so crucial? Why should you spend your time and energy studying books like this one, and becoming "computer literate"? Technically, to be "literate" in a subject means to have knowledge of that subject. You understand its basic terms and concepts. As an example, consider driving a car. If you have a drivers license, then you are literate in driving-related terms and you understand the rules of the road. You were not born with such knowledge or abilities, but it may be hard to imagine living without them today. Someday, perhaps sooner than you think, you may not be able to imagine living without computer skills. Consider the fact that computers are an essential part of business today, whether you are an auto mechanic or a surgeon, a journalist or an airline pilot. Like the cars that take us to work each day, we rely on computers more with each passing year. If you do not use a computer regularly, chances are great that you will soon. WAYS TO BENEFIT FROM COMPUTER/ICT LITERACY Increased Employability: If you have basic computer knowledge along with specific job skills, employers will consider you more trainable in and adaptable to the computerized work environment. Greater Earnings Potential: As you increase your computer skills, you become a more valuable worker, especially if you focus on high-tech skills such as programming, network administration, or hardware maintenance. However, you do not have to become a computer expert to increase your earnings. Skills that involve application of the computer to specific tasks (such as desktop publishing or database management) are highly valued. Greater Access to Resources: Computers are incredible learning tools, especially when you have access to data on CD-ROMs or the Internet. You can use a PC to access vast knowledge bases on almost any topic, search archives of information dating back decades, and even take online courses for credit. Greater Control of Assets: Using the power of the Internet and only a little knowledge of computers, you can manage your personal finances and indulge your interests in ways that were not possible just a few years ago. Online banking and investing give you control of every dollar you earn. Online shopping makes it easier than ever to spend your money, too. New technologies enable you to monitor your entire household via a PCto set your air conditioner or alarm clock, start your coffee makers or sprinklers, and activate your alarm system.

Because of the growth of computer technologies, we now live in an information society where information is considered to be an extremely valuable commodity. Those who control important information, or who simply know how to access and use it, are key players in the information-based economy. Computer literacy and the skills you can build with that literacy are essential to success in this society, not just in our working lives, but in the way we learn, manage our finances, and improve our standard of living.

COMPUTERS AND CAREERS Although there are still many professions that do not rely on computers, they are becoming fewer all the time. Remember that computers do not necessarily take the form of a PC, so there is a good chance that your career path will bring you in contact with some type of computer. Many of the tools in today's workplace use computer technology. So it is important to have a basic understanding of computer technology. Regardless of your career choice, you can benefit from knowledge of computer hardware and software, and how these components function together, even if your job does not require you to work directly with a computer. This knowledge may help you to envision new ways of using computers in your work, resulting in a more productive work environment. This can also lead to career advancement opportunities. If you think this case is being overstated, and that computers are not being used that much, consider this: computers are popping up in places and professions that may seem unlikely. CAREERS WHICH REQUIRE COMPUTERS 1. Game Designers, Testers. 2. Help Desk Operators 3. Secretaries, Writers, Journalists, Teachers, and Sales Professionals 4. Accountants, Bookkeepers, Business Owners and Managers, and Financial Planners 5. Database Programmers and Developers 6. Database Administrators. 7. Software Engineers. 8. Networking Careers: 9. Graphics and Design 10. Multimedia Careers 11. Technician Careers 12. Information Systems 13. Programming 14. Restaurant and Grocery Store Managers: Restaurants, grocery stores, and retail outlet managers use computer systems of all kinds--from handheld units to mainframes--to monitor inventories, track transactions, and manage product pricing. Store managers frequently use portable devices to check stock levels and to change prices. These devices can be networked with a single store's computer system or a chain's wide area network. 15. Courier Dispatchers: Courier services of all types use computerized terminals to help dispatchers schedule deliveries, locate pickup and drop-off points, generate invoices, and track the location of packages. Such systems are used by cross-town delivery services and by national carriers such as Federal Express. 16. Construction Managers: Construction managers and estimators use specialized software to analyze construction documents and to calculate the amount of materials and time required to complete a job. These computerized tools--which often read information directly from disk files provided by the architect--help contractors manage costs and make competitive bids. On the job site, construction workers use computerized measuring devices and laser beams to calculate precise measurements quickly. Field managers and laborers alike routinely use portable computers to check plans and other construction documents or to manage inventories of materials. 17. Automotive Mechanics: Automotive mechanics and technicians use computer systems to measure vehicle performance, diagnose mechanical problems, and determine maintenance or repair strategies. These systems are sometimes networked to regional or national databases of automotive information.

COMPUTERS AND YOUR HEALTH Computers are wonderful tools. They help us work more productively, they provide new opportunities for communication and education, and they can be entertaining. For these reasons and others, many people find themselves spending increasing amounts of time using their computer and the Internet. Despite all the advantages of computer use, however, there are also disadvantages. Although it may be hard to believe that a PC can pose a threat to its user, consider the caution we exercise when using any other appliance or tool. We carefully choose the television programs that children watch to ensure that they do not view inappropriate material. When operating a vehicle or a power tool, we are cautious to protect not only ourselves but also those around us. It also makes sense to be cautious when using a computer, especially if you use the Internet regularly. Careless use of computers can result in physical injuries. Careless use of the Internet can result in a loss of privacy. These issues affect individual computer users every day--and may affect you directly or indirectly-whether they work with computers in business or use them at home or school Any office worker will tell you that sitting at a desk all day can become extremely uncomfortable. Sitting all day and using a computer can be even worse. Not only does the user's body ache from being in a chair too long, but hand and wrist injuries can result from keyboarding or from using a mouse for long periods, and eyes can become strained by staring at a monitor. Such injuries can be extreme, threatening the victim's general health and ability to work. Much is being done to make computers easier, safer, and more comfortable to use. Ergonomics, the study of the physical relationship between people and their tools--such as their computers--addresses these issues. Thanks to the publicity that computer-related injuries have received over the past decade, most people now recognize the importance of ergonomically correct computer furniture and proper techniques for using the computer. (The term ergonomically correct means that a product is designed to work properly with the human body, reducing the risk of strain, stress, or other types of injuries.) POSSIBLE COMPUTER-USE RELATED INJURIES TO AVOID Repetitive Stress Injuries: repetitive stress injuries are caused by continuously using the body in ways it was not designed to work. They began appearing among clerical workers who spend most of their time entering data on computer keyboards. One injury that is especially well documented among these workers is carpal tunnel syndrome, a wrist or hand injury caused by extended periods of keyboarding. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the best-known repetitive stress injury. It can become so debilitating that employees suffering from it have to take weeks or even months off work. In some extreme cases, surgery is required. Eyestrain: Eyestrain is the most frequently reported health problem associated with computers. Electromagnetic Fields: Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are created during the generation, transmission, and use of low-frequency electrical power. These fields exist near power lines, electrical appliances, and any piece of equipment that has an electric motor. A debate has continued for years whether EMFs can be linked to cancer. There is enough data, however, to raise suspicion.

WAYS TO AVOID COMPUTER-USE RELATED INJURIES If you routinely use a computer, you can avoid fatigue and strain by choosing the proper furniture for your workspace. A good chair: Perhaps the most important piece of computer furniture is a comfortable, ergonomically designed chair. Look for three characteristics in any office chair: 1. Adjustable height 2. Lower-back support 3. Armrests (preferably adjustable)

A proper desk: Your desk should also be well-suited to computer use. Your desk should hold your keyboard and mouse at the proper height. Ideally, your hands should be at the same height as your elbows, or a few inches lower, when they hover above the keyboard. An ergonomic keyboard: Another important factor in avoiding keyboard-related RSIs is the keyboard itself. A few years ago, keyboard designers realized that a flat keyboard is not well-suited to the shape of our hands. If you relax your arms, your thumbs tend to point up. Logically, then, keyboards should be designed with two sides, one for each hand. Ergonomic keyboards allow the user's hands to rest in a more natural position than traditional flat keyboards. Wrist Support: If you type a great deal, a padded wrist support can also help. The support can be built onto the keyboard or placed in front of it. A wrist support allows you to rest your hands comfortably when you are not actually typing. Remember, however, that you should never rest your wrists on anything--even a comfortable wrist support--while you type. Use the support only when your fingers are not moving over the keyboard. Ways to Avoid Eyestrain: Avoid staring at the screen for long stretches of time. Remember to blink. Lack of blinking causes dryness of the eye and eyestrain. Position your monitor between 2 and 2 feet away from your eyes. Position your monitor so that no light reflects off the screen. If you cannot avoid reflections, purchase an antiglare screen, keep your screen clean. Look for a monitor that holds a steady image without appearing to pulsate or flicker. Make sure that the dot pitch is no greater than .28 mm and the refresh rate is at least 72 Hz.

How to Avoid harm from EMF's: Take frequent breaks away from the computer. Sit at arm's length away from the system unit and monitor. Use a flat-panel display, which does not radiate EMFs