by Elizabeth Gilbert

Created on: December 29, 2008

Value of Computer Training in Vocational-Technical Schools

Computer training in Vocational Technical Schools is a must just as it is should be in all middle schools and high schools. There are many life skills that need to be acquired and a computer classroom provides those skills.

In a Computer Literacy or Computer Applications class students should be learning the proper keyboarding techniques. I know many think that it's no longer necessary but believe me if you're paying someone high dollars to type programming or do other typing speed and accuracy is quite necessary.

Also, such a class should provide Internet Usage skills and Ethics. Students should learn what are considered inappropriate sites and how to avoid them. They should be learning to do Internet searches for very specific information. Students need to learn to validate the information by finding who put up the site, who the author is, the date of the information and whether that constitutes validity. This also helps higher level students determine which ones are primary and secondary sources.

Students should learn emailing techniques and etiquette. Emails are a common way to apply for a job. They fill out an on-line job application and attach a resume to an email. Once they get a job they will need to be using emails every day since it is common for all in-house correspondence to be done via emails. Schedule changes, meetings, etc. are sent via email.

Students need to learn to use a word processing program for typing assigned reports, writing resumes and letters of application, college applications, and more. It more important than ever for everyone to learn these techniques since no one relies solely on secretaries for correspondence anymore.

Presentation programs are another must in today's society. Anytime you do a presentation to a group whether it be for a class, an organization, or a business they expect to be entertained. Every meeting, luncheon, workshop, and convention has technological gadgets to keep us mesmerized. Students must be taught how to make it happen and how to operate the projectors, laptops and interactive screens that allow them to "show their stuff".

So, if you think that technology and particularly computers are not functional as educational tools let's examine the facts. Computers are only pieces of equipment and if the teacher doesn't know how to use them effectively they won't work. If we don't teach a student to use a ruler correctly they won't be able measure accurately.

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