To prepare for a career in Computer literacy, here are the basic skills which everyone needs to master Plus links to tutorials to help you gain a deeper and more thorough knowledge of the skills required.
- Typing. You only have to watch a touch typist to realise how much more productive you could be! How long does it take to learn touch typing? 8 – 10 hours, that’s all! You would not be fast, but you would soon improve if you were motivated and dedicated. Here is one Youtube video to start you off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_zfcHlisqc Here is another https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S3lhm8LaZo
There are many others. - Mouse Easier than touch typing but still does need practice in the beginning.
There is another skill which may be useful in certain circumstances:
- Trackpad/ Graphic tablet skills. There are trackpads which offer more than just moving or tapping – these are called ‘gestures’. If you are into graphics, graphic tablets allow you to use pad with a ‘styllus’. There are many Youtube tutorials online.
Here is a good basic tutorial Computer Basics Tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4316FC411AD077AA
MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOU MASTER TECH LEARNING ONLINE
W3Schools.com
W3Schools.com focuses on written instruction and coding exercises on their site. They include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, jQuery, SQL, PHP, Bootstrap, XML
It is free for anyone to use. If you prefer video instruction, you may not enjoy this site as much. However, the coding exercises are easy and fun to use. Any experienced computer programmer will tell you that the best way to learn coding is to “tinker” with the language until you feel comfortable with it.
If you want a certificate it will cost you for example: HTML $95 (roughly R1700)
Udemy (Computer Skills Courses)
Udemy is not free, but they are low-cost (most courses cost less than R150). Their course catalog is vast. If you are looking to learn about specific computer skills or programs, you can use the search bar at the top to find what you are looking for.
Udemy: Master Computers – From Beginner to Expert in One Week
This is one Udemy class that many students with bare minimum computer knowledge say they enjoyed. The instructor is a former college professor. Check out the preview on the right-hand side, and read through the course overview to see if this is a course you’d be interested in.
MIT Opencourseware: Introductory Programming Courses
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is perhaps one of the world’s leading tech universities. Naturally, tuition costs are extremely high. But the MIT Opencourseware is a registry of free online classes.
App Academy
App Academy is a Silicon Valley computer programming school. It was the first coding school to base students’ tuition on their first year’s salaries after the course. They say ‘No matter what changes, we will continue to tie our success to yours.’ , Switchup, a comprehensive resource where prospective students can compare top-rated tech bootcamps and programs, gave it a 5 star rating.
edX Computer Science
edX is a platform for education and learning. Founded by Harvard and MIT, it is home to a majority of top-ranked universities in the world. Fulfilling the demand for people to learn on their own terms, edX is provides stackable learning experiences including the MicroMasters® programs. Courses ranging from data and computer science to leadership and communications.
Example: Python for Data Science. Beginner friendly. This course is part of a Professional:
1 Weeks Effort: 2–5 hours per week Price: FREE Add a Verified Certificate for $39 (about R700)
LinkedIn Learning (Beginner Computer Skills Courses)
LinkedIn is not just a professional social media platform, it also is a place for people to build basic computer skills.
Also, if you haven’t already built a LinkedIn Profile, doing so will help you become acquainted with some critical computer skills to boost your professional career (as well as help you connect with peers and potential employers).
Coursera
Coursera offers a wide range of courses from leading universities, free to start, and a fee once you want a certificate.
