New Skills for the Changing Economy
Computers in the classroom help develop important skills. First, in business, the ubiquity of computers makes understanding how to use them essential. Basic computer and networking skills have become important for most jobs. By one estimate, by the year 2000, six out of every 10 jobs in America will require computer skills currently possessed by only 22% of the labor force.[1] In addition, the use of computers can help enhance information processing skills. The ability to locate information, distinguish the important from the unimportant, think critically, work effectively in groups and present information in many types of media are all aided by use of the computer in the classroom. Computers help build valuable skills for the classroom and the workplace.
[1] "Talking Points & Facts," from the participant packet for the Consortium for School Networking's "K-12 Networking: School Networking on the Emerging Information Superhighway," March 16-18, 1997.