Why Basic Computer Skills Should Be a Required Class by Yero

Why Basic Computer Skills Should Be a Required Class by Yero - June 2025 Scholarship Essay

From working in tech support, I've seen tons of folks who just don't have basic computer knowledge. Sure, smartphones and tablets are everywhere today, but lots of people still aren't good with regular computers or laptops. That lack of skills can really make life hard when people need to do pretty straightforward stuff for school, work, or just daily life.

A problem I see a lot is people who can't type a web address into a browser. Instead, they use search engines to get to web pages – even well-known ones! It's because nobody ever showed them how the internet works at its base level. It might seem like a small thing, but it wastes time and leads to confusion, especially when using systems you aren't familiar with.

I've had calls where people tell me they're not tech people, but what I'm explaining to them is just how to use a mouse or click a button. It's frustrating because they want to learn, but no one ever taught them the basics. In today's world, knowing the basics of computers is as critical as being able to read and write.

A required class would teach practical skills like using email, word processors, spreadsheets, and how to be safe online. More than that, it would build confidence. I see how glad people are when they realize they can learn something new and handle technology themselves. When people have these skills, they're set to apply for jobs, do homework, and find services online.

This class ought to start in middle or high school. This way, by the time students get to college or start working, they'll already know the basics. Being comfortable with computers isn't just about getting a job in the tech world, it's about being able to do things and feel sure of yourself in a digital world.

We make students dissect frogs, figure out the slope of a line, and remember dates from history, but many graduate without knowing how to organize files, make a document look good, or protect their info online. We can fix that.

To sum all of this up, knowing computers should be a required class because it's not optional these days. Each person deserves to be comfortable using the tools that run our lives. If we give people the right base knowledge, we can help them feel like they can take on it and not be left behind.