With the advancement in technology over the years, we now live in a world that is both enriched and burdened by computers and gadgets. The domination of technology in our everyday lives highlights the importance of digital literacy not just for adults but also children. The digital world offers enormous benefits and advantages to everyone, however, without proper use and understanding of technology, the digital world can be overwhelming, and even dangerous.
Teaching kids digital literacy skills are very important. Kids need to be able to understand the technology that they use so they can use it safely and effectively. Digital literacy is not just about knowing how to take a selfie or update Facebook. Digital literacy means understanding technology and using it appropriately.
Moreover, whether kids are in an online school, distance learning, or traditional brick-and-mortar school, it is expected that children have mastered all things related to computers. After all, most teens and preteens spend several hours a day on digital screens.
Basic Computer Skills for Kids to Master
These are the basic computer skills for kids to be familiar with.
1. Computer Basics for Kids – Typing Skills
When we think of essential computer skills for our children, typing isn’t something that is often discussed. But that really shouldn’t be the case, as learning to type is one of the most valuable skills that a child should learn.
It can not only help them with their school work but can also set them up with an advantage in later life when it comes to exploring job opportunities. Many jobs now require quick typing skills, but with advances in technology that’s set to become even more important.
2. Basic Computer Skills for Students – Using Web Browsers
Web browsers are as important as the first printing presses because they make it possible for anyone to share and interact with knowledge and data. No matter which web browser kids use, they should learn the basics of browsing the Web. Here are the important concepts that all children should know about web browsers:
3. Basic Computer Skills for Students – Working With Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is the most widely used tool for sharing/presenting professional information by a considerable number of companies in the world. The benefits of Microsoft Office to business productivity are so important that all computer-based professionals today are very familiar with Office. It is used at home, schools, and offices daily for organizing, handling, and presenting data and information and offers programs that can be used both in a web browser and on a desktop.
4. Basic Computer Skills for Kids – File Maintenance and Organization
Technology puts the “virtual” in “virtual school,” making the computer your student’s most important learning tool. In fact, a computer can be considered a learning space, just like a virtual classroom. Knowing how to create and save work on a computer is essential, but very quickly the prolific computer user will realize they need a system for how and where they store their work.
5. Computer Skills for Kids – Email Etiquette
Many kids enter upper elementary or middle school knowing how to text, how to quickly find information on Google, and even how to make their own YouTube videos. But a surprising number of students have never used email. It simply isn’t a preferred method of communication among today’s youth.
6. Basic Computer Skills for Students – Using the Internet for Research
Your school papers, assignments, and presentations require research that today typically includes the use of the internet, as well as textbooks, other publications, and subject matter experts. The skills necessary to navigate the internet well enough to perform research for online high school courses include:
7. Basic Computer Troubleshooting
Anyone who uses a computer on a regular basis needs to understand the basics of how computers work and what to do when something goes wrong.
8. Online Privacy, Security, and Safety Skills
During school closures, thousands of pupils are stuck at home and use the internet to attend their online classes and keep in touch with their classmates and friends. “The moment a child owns a mobile phone,” says Simon Leggett, Research Director of ChildWise, “it can be a challenge to monitor what your child is accessing online because it’s such a private technology that most keep, literally, close to their chest.”
FAQs
How do I teach my child basic computer skills?
The best way to introduce your child to a computer is to start them on a family laptop or desktop rather than a tablet or phone. This limits the child’s access and allows you to teach them the basics: such as how to turn the computer on and off and how to open and close the software.
What are basic computer skills for beginners?
These are the basic computer skills for beginners – Typing, Using Web Browsers, Working with Microsoft Office, File Maintenance & Organization, and Email Etiquette.
Conclusion
With the advancement in technology over the years, we now live in a world that is both enriched and burdened by computers and gadgets. Kids are also not untouched by this revolution. In today’s world, every kid should be equipped with basic computer skills such as Typing, Using Web Browsers, Working with Microsoft Office, File Maintenance & Organization, and Email Etiquette.