Why are computing skills necessary in the modern world?
Information Technology (IT) has caused an unprecedented change in the world and revolutionized our view of life. Since the onset of IT in the third industrial revolution and up to the current fourth industrial revolution, endless opportunities have been introduced via computers. IT has become an important part of every business. IT plays a role from governments to multinational corporations to small and medium-sized businesses to individuals across the various business spectrums.
The following section explores some of the key benefits that computing has introduced to the environments we live in.
Benefits of Computing Skills in our World Today
1. Pathway to Career Progression
In the 21st century workplace, computer literacy is undoubtedly a vital and invaluable skill. Technology no longer acts as an enabler to business but forms the foundation on how business processes operate. To obtain this foundation, individuals can get basic computer training and, in doing so, build new skills.
Many jobs are being automated by computers and improving productivity and efficiency in the work environment. However, employees need to ensure they stay relevant in the employment opportunities that are, in turn, be created. In terms of personal development, the internet has opened an array of opportunities for individuals to learn and grow through the immense courses and resources on skill and hobbies development.
2. It is a tool for Innovation
The path to business success is innovation, which is largely driven by technology and the digital revolution. From agriculture, transport, education, healthcare, and beyond, technology revolutionizes how work is done. The digital innovation wave can be traced to the invention of the computer and the momentum of the wave with the realization of Tim Bernes Lee's (internet founder) idea of the internet. Currently, with the fourth industrial revolution taking shape and quantum computing taking us into new heights of computer processing, the world seems limitless with innovations.
Many confuse technology with innovation, which is not accurate. The key driver of innovation is the need to solve complex problems faced by society. Technology comes in as an enabler to the insight one has towards attending to the various needs efficiently and effectively. Through technology, the innovative individual can explore his or her creativity and imagination even. Even more, they now have a world view of things through the power of the internet. Innovation results in smarter apps, improved data storage, faster processing, and wider information distribution. Through innovation, businesses can run more efficiently, enhance the quality of services provided, and boost productivity.
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3. Business Growth Acceleration
Advancement in technology and its extensive adoption over the years have resulted in radical changes in how businesses operate. A clear example is evident in areas of online shopping, digital marketing, and cloud computing. Businesses that thrive in the future will be businesses that adapt to change mostly brought about by technological advancements.
IT has given businesses the tools to solve complex problems and to operate in niche markets successfully. It is now easier to research how to create appropriate business models and plans to improve business. Data analytics has also proved very useful in business decision-making, using previously unused data. Businesses need to operate optimally to drive development or better known as efficiency. Businesses are reaping great rewards, from more accurate business planning with project planning software to higher global sales due to the extensive market that online platforms offer and targeted marketing, which can easily be achieved with market analytics technologies.
Thus, whether you are an up and coming entrepreneur in business or have been operational for decades, computing skills will be a game-changer for your business's ultimate success. Looking into how to incorporate technology into your business will be important, but of greater importance will ensure your staff continuously update their IT skills. They must strive to remain relevant, even with the changes the fourth industrial revolution introduces how we operate and live.
4. It is the basis of Communication & Globalization
Technology improvements have made the world more globalized. We are almost a global village with our worlds brought much closer, and the systems more interdependent. The ease with which information can be shared across the globe breaks down the geographic boundaries that previously were an inhibitor. Linguistic barriers are also no longer a hindrance as software translation software is available over the readily accessible internet services. All thanks owed to the power of technology.
The international interactions, global integrations, and collaborations enabled by technology are not limited to businesses and individuals, but also, governments have benefited from these effective information exchange channels. The 'Gig Economy,' which has been on the rise in the past few years, is an indicator of how the world can harness individuals' skills/talents wherever they are in the world by connecting them to relevant opportunities; what is commonly known as freelancing.
In the corporate world, email has been adopted as the primary mode of communication. In recent years, we have witnessed the evolution of many other communication tools that have simplified the process even further. Global communication has become part of us from live chat systems, phone-based communication and meeting applications, and video conferencing. The current pandemic has also shown the importance of proper communication tools to facilitate working remotely. In the last few months, organizations have seen the importance of proper technology to facilitate such diverse work.
The article tried to highlight the major benefits of computing skills in our modern-day world and bring to our attention the need to continuously update our skills to thrive in the new normal technology. Let's learn through the various online platforms available, like Cybrary, which offers a broad range of courses in the technology sphere geared towards keeping our digital skills up to date.
