the need for computer literature by eguriase s. m. okaka

The need for computer literacy By Eguriase S. M. Okaka Computer literacy is the knowledge and ability to use computers and allied technology efficiently. Computer literacy covers a range of skills from elementary use to programming and complex problem solving issues. A useful component of computer literacy is the understanding of how computers works and operate. Knowledge of basic computer skills is always regarded as an essential asset in most counties giving its owner significant edge in employment and educational applications. An extended definition of computer literacy describes it as the ability to self-teach or learn new programs as they encountered. Some people also regard a computer literate person as someone who can use a variety of particular applications like Microsoft Word, Microsoft excel, Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft Outlook, for certain simple tasks.

To be computer literate, a series of skills are needed. These skills are broadly divided into three – basic, intermediate, and advanced. Basic computer skills consist of knowing how to power on a computer, being able to use a mouse to interact with items on the monitor screen, and being able to shut down the computer properly after use. Intermediate skills involve the knowledge of word processing, how to use e-mail, how to use the internet, installing software and navigating a computer file system. Advanced skills comprise programming, data security, use of a computer for scientific research and repairing computer hardware. Computer literacy is of immense benefit to the modern world. In composing or writing words, computers are fast. In communication, computer works faster than pen, paper and typewriter because it can duplicate and store information. You can also easily edit your work. Computers have big memory. You can store a whole lot of information from books, music and films to e-mails and journals. One of the most valuable uses of computers is the ability to give access to a universe of information that has been buried for thousands of years from legions of people. Information can be obtained in the twinkling of an eye, in fact, in micro seconds or less. Modern large-scale manufacturing will be complex, if not impossible, but for computers. Many sophisticated machines, used in the production of toys, cars,. medicines, food, text books textiles etc. are computerized or computer aided. Virtually everything in the modern world has a touch of computers. Imagine our world without computers – such imagination may take us back to the Stone Age. Even a smattering of computer literacy is needed to operate your cell phone. Hence, many educational and government institutions have made it mandatory for every citizen or student to be computer literate. Comprehension questions • Who is a computer literate person? • Mention the types of skills needed for computer literacy? • Describe the basic computer skill needed by a computer literate person? • Which category of skill does repairing computer hardware belongs to? • Explain four things computer can do for man. • How is the knowledge of a computer skills regarded in some countries? • Give a six-letter synonym of the word ‘virtually’ as used in the last paragraph. Animal Husbandry Animal husbandry was important in the savannah. It was difficult to rear herds in the south because of lack of pasture. Secondly, tsetse flies posed a great menace to the animals. Unlike in the south where there were no professional herdsmen, the cattle herders in the savannah were famous for the milk, butter and skins which they provided. Like farming, cattle rearing depended on family labor, each pastoral family minding it cattle. The herds were usually large and the herders drove the cattle to where they would get food and also trade in cattle products. In places where the occupation was well established, the supply of cattle was usually high. One feature which distinguished animal herdsmen from others was their nomadic nature. They moved from place in search of pasture and water, and to exchange their animal products for foodstuffs. It was mainly the scarcity of pasture for the animals that always kept them on the move in search of greener pastures. Except in full migration when the pastoralist moved to a new area, the movement was usually from their homes in the sahara margins to the savannah, and up to areas below the Niger. (From History of Nigeria 1 by T. Falola et al, pages 140 – 141) Comprehension question • It was difficult to raise herds in the south of Nigeria a) Because of the absence of grazing lands. b) Because tsetse flies attacked herders. c) Because the heat in the south was excessive. d) Because cattle-rearing families were not nomadic. • According to the passage, professional cattle herders can be found in the -------------- Nigeria. a) South b) North c) East d) West • Which one of the following statement is supported by the passage? a) Most herds that are raised are usually small. b) Herders hardly trade in cattle. c) Cattle rearing get its labor from herder’s families. d) Young herders are not allowed to rear cattle. • A major characteristics of cattle herders is that a) They were mostly women and children b) They are nomadic. c) They do not exchange their animal products for food. d) Most of them live in areas below the Niger. • As used in the passage, menace means a) Possible source of danger b) Attacking tsetse flies. c) Men holding aces. d) Disease-causing species of tsetse fly. • The passage seem to suggest that a) Cattle herders are not popular for providing butter. b) Cattle herders engage in trade by barter. c) Cattle herders never return to their homes. d) The supply of cattle is low during the rainy season. • Cattle herders are nomadic because a) They need to escape from inter-tribal wars. b) They are searching for pasture and water for their animals. c) They want to sell more cattle in the sahara. d) Their cattle like pasture in the south. Exercise Read the comprehension passage entitled ‘Animal husbandry’ and answer the following question by using a preamble. An example has been done for you. • In three sentences. One for each. State the reason why animal cattle herders move from place to place. • In two sentences, one for each, state why it is difficult to raise animals in the south. Example Answer The reasons why animal cattle herders move from place to place are: • They move to search for pasture for their animals • They look for water for their animals • Animal herders exchange their animal products for foodstuffs. Vocabulary Vocabulary of animal husbandry Use the words below to complete the following passage. • Nutritionally • Hides • Nomads • Livestock • Regularly • Dairy • Pasture • Veterinary • Poultry • Doctor • Cattle ------------ (1) ------------ farming or the rearing of animals for food is common among the Fulani. Those among the Fulani who move seasonally from place to place with their ------------ (2) --------------- in search of grass covered land or ----------- (3) ------------- are referred to as -------------- (4) ----------------. Animal husbandry could be a very productivity activity. First, -------------- (5) ---------- Products such as milk, butter and cheese are obtained from cattle. Secondly, --------------(6)--------------- or animal skins are the major material in the leather production, Thirdly, -----------(7)------------- products such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and their eggs are beneficial commercially and -----------(8)------------ , however, to achieve great success in breeding animals, the services of a --------------(9)---------- should be engaged so that animals can be ------------10------------- checked and treated. Eguria.blogspot.com