Essential Student Technology Skills

Basic Computer Knowledge

It is not enough for students to be familiar with basic computer terms, but also, they must master their main functions. Learn to understand how the computer works with the things around it, like when it’s plugged into a network or using a wireless network. Students must know how to take care of their computers by knowing how to install or update software, check for viruses, and to replace the printer cartridge. These are simple student technology skills, so no need to call an IT person for these tasks.

E-Mail Etiquette

E-mail has now become an essential part of everyday communication. Whether it be at school, in the office, or in public agencies, almost all formal online interactions utilize the convenience of e-mails. For students, proper writing etiquette must be observed at all times and in any situation. Knowing that all e-mails have the potential to be forwarded, one must write politely and directly so as to deliver the message without misinterpretation. Student technology skills consist not only of technical knowledge but also of courtesy and etiquette.

Word Processing and Spread Sheets

Writing is one of the most basic skills expected of a student. One should be able to work well with programs like Microsoft Word and Excel to properly format documents, create spreadsheets, and complete reports. Also, a student must not get too dependent on spell-check or grammar check. But in cases where strict formatting has to be followed, he or she should know how to use basic commands and their shortcuts. Encoding data in a spreadsheet sometimes uses a basic formula and graphing functions. Excel commands can be tricky but there are cheat sheets available online for support.

PowerPoint

PowerPoint presentations, a standard tool for group meetings, have become an essential part of every classroom. Students should know how to produce a compelling presentation on any topic he or she reports about. The slides, as visual aids, must be creative with the observance of proper grammar and engaging images. Avoid copy-pasting the words from books, instead, come up with short descriptive summaries that are easy to retain. On the web, there are some tutorials to add to these types of student technology skills.

Search Engines and Internet Searches

Students must be taught to be careful consumers of online information. The data gathered from search engines like Yahoo or Google must be sifted through as not all sites are trustworthy. They should discern which information cited supports a claim. For instance, when using Wikipedia, take a step further and check the reference articles for verification.

So long as students are able to master tech skills,  they will gain the required repertoire of skills to become successful in whatever projects they work on and in whatever circumstances they end up in. Having student technology skills enables readiness for school and future opportunities that are sure to follow.