5 Big Reasons...Computer Skills Sink or Save

As I was reading an article in this month's COCC Broadside newspaper, Are COCC's online programs saving or sinking students, I thought about students who start college with little or no computer skills.  My observation has been, overwhelmingly, students who have at least basic computer skills have a smoother transition into college.  Whether you are planning to start college or already attending, here are five good reasons you might consider adding computer skills to your college readiness checklist:


1.) From the Start- Students who possess computer skills will find it easier to answer their own basic questions about college.  Computer skills are useful from the time students begin researching colleges and programs of interest to submitting the college application, registering for classes, completing classes, all the way to graduation  and job search.

2) Surviving- Whether searching for basic contact information from the campus directory, downloading and printing a campus map, reviewing the school calendar of important dates, or learning about tutoring, computer lab, library and other student services, the ability to navigate the website is essential.


3)  Doing Business - Just to conduct basic college business, students often need to be comfortable using a computer.  For instance, a student may be required to log-in to their student account in order to complete pieces of their financial aid requirements, add themselves to a class, check student email (for official communications from the college), look-up grades,or to order transcripts. 

4)  Minimum Expectation - It doesn't stop there.  Students are usually required to type and format writing assignments or complete math homework on a computer learning system, not to mention research using the internet or online library resources.  Even in the lowest math and writing classes, students may be expected to know basic computer and keyboarding skills in order to perform well. Students without these skills spend more time doing homework and tend to feel more stress during the first few months of college.

5) Over-the-Top- Students who have good computer skills may spend their time enhancing their assignments by inserting images or creating charts, graphs and other features.  They may utilize online resources that help them be more organized, miss less deadlines and manage time wisely.  They also may take advantage of the convenience of online classes, (offered to students who successfully pass the online orientation at COCC ). 

So if you are not sure you have basic computer skills, consider reviewing the course description for an introductory computer class or check out some of the free computer tutorials found on the "Cool Learning Links" page.  Word processing, email, navigating the internet, typing and basic file management are just some of the essential computer skills you will use in college.  At COCC, school computer lab attendants are available to assist students with questions about how to access their student accounts and basic computer questions too.

Also, if you do not have regular access to the internet at home, make sure you learn the Computer Lab Hours and remember to check your student email at least twice a week.  Consider inquiring about financial aid loans that may be available to assist you in making a laptop purchase.