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Let's face facts. Computers are here to stay for the foreseeable future. If you plan to advance your education without becoming computer literate, it will be to your detriment. At the very least, you need to know enough about computers to type into a word processor. Here is a list of several compelling arguments regarding becoming knowledgeable about computers as part of your continuing education.

Computers are superior to typewriters in every way. With the advent of the laptop, even the portability of small typewriters is left in the dust. Being able to move around in a document to make adjustments to spelling and word usage was only ever practical on the last typewriters made before computers booted them out the door. Even those marvels pale beside even the most simple word processing program.

With the availability of spell check, grammar checking, and numerous other programs to help correct and polish your work, tens of hours can be saved on just one paper. Not only is time save, but the end product will be far superior in content and appearance. You can store the paper inside your computer for later corrections and reviews without ever printing it if you choose.

The whole idea of research is being changed with the internet. Hundreds if not thousands of more resources are available to the average computer user without leaving the house. Everyday, more schools are recognizing the power of the internet. Nearly every scholarly journal can be located in seconds. Hours of searching can be reduced to a few minutes. Days of digging in the library can be completed in an hour or two once you learn how to search the web.

Laptops are now acceptable in most classrooms for taking notes. Not only does this conserve paper, but the notes can be reviewed and enhanced without hours of rewriting. When the class ends, you save the notes on your hard drive and lost notes are a thing of the past.

Many schools have gone to online enrollment and registration. Classes now are frequently offered only online. Papers must be submitted online for review by programs that check for plagiarism. The list goes on and on. Some work is expected to be turned in on flash drives instead of paper.

Presentations in class are now expected to use Power Point or some other similar application with projection capabilities to enhance them. If you cannot produce this type of material, your grade will suffer.

The list goes on and on. Just the thought of continuing adult education without becoming computer literate is absurd in all but a handful of careers. Even jobs like those of construction and assembly work are becoming somewhat automated in many areas.

Learn more about this author, Allen Teal.
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