This document discusses the importance of computer literacy in the workplace. It notes that employers expect competence in selecting and using appropriate technology like Microsoft Office programs. A survey found that over 75% of employers said word processing, Excel, and Outlook were important to know. The document also discusses SCANS competencies around selecting, applying, and maintaining technology. It provides examples of how computer skills are needed for careers in clerical, automotive, and retail work. Overall, the document emphasizes that having basic computer skills and knowledge of common software packages is essential for functioning in today's workplace.

1. Computer Literacy in theComputer Literacy in the
WorkplaceWorkplace
Deborah Mahaney

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

3. Technology is EverywhereTechnology 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 EmployersSurvey of Employers
96
86
83
75
93
63
0
20
40
60
80
100
Percentage of What Employers Say Are
Important to Know About Microsoft Office
Word Processing
Excel
Access
PowePoint
Outlook
Internet
www.quintcareers.com

5. SCANSSCANS
 Technology Competencies
– Selects Technology
– Applies Technology to Task
– Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology

6. SCANS -SCANS - Selects TechnologySelects 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 -SCANS - Applies TechnologyApplies Technology
to Taskto 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

8. SCANS -SCANS - Maintains andMaintains and
Troubleshoots TechnologyTroubleshoots 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 forComputer Skills Needed for
Writing and MathWriting 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 - ClericalCareers - Clerical
 Typing letters, memos,
agendas, proposals
 Sending e-mail and
attachments
 Creating graphs and
charts
 Designing slideshow
presentations

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

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

13. Marketing your ComputerMarketing your Computer
Literacy On Your ResumeLiteracy 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 YourEmployers will Evaluate Your
Computer SkillsComputer 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 inHow to become competent in
Computers………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 basicBeing competent in basic
computer skills and acomputer skills and a
variety of software packagesvariety of software packages
will determine if you sinkwill determine if you sink
or swim in the workplace!or swim in the workplace!