How to Become Computer Literate

No matter what you do in life one thing is a given--you need to know computers. Many schools are teaching basic computer skills, but others are not, which is a shame because computers are everywhere. Many children learn to be computer literate from their parents and many parents learn from their children. The following is what you need to know to become computer literate.

Instructions

1. Sign up for basic courses in computers. Many adults can find classes at the local high school or college for free. Likewise, children can find summer camps or after-school programs that will teach them to become computer literate.

2. Take courses in word processing, spreadsheets, email and surfing the Internet. You can find these in adult education classes, summer camps and after-school programs. However, you and your child can learn together by practicing at home. If you don't have a home computer, you can usually use the one in the public library.

3. Allow your work to pay for your classes, by taking whatever they offer you. You can learn how to make folders, save your work, and organize your documents all in a basic computer course.

4. Understand what programs are for what. The most important program is your word processor since you use this for most tasks. However, if you want to email people in your life this becomes a high priority also.

5. Share your knowledge with your children and let them teach you if they understand something better than you do. Sharing helps both people--when you explain it, it seems to penetrate better and the one learning gets to see the work in action.

Tips & Warnings

• Books can also teach you to become computer literate.

• Practice as much as possible--only by doing can you learn.