Computers in the Workplace

    The industry I have chosen would have to be education as computer literacy is important in this day and age. Based on my experience of instruction and giving classes to members in the military, computers are integrated into nearly every aspect of teaching and learning. From elementary school to college and even online school, computers support classroom instruction, admin tasks, and research. Educators will use computers to build lesson plans, grade papers, and access additional teaching materials to be better suited for each class they teach, and students will rely on computers to complete online coursework, research different sources, and collaborate with their peers.

    Teachers must effectively use digital tools to create engaging lessons, access student performance and communicate with students and parents. Without fundamental computer skills, educators might struggle to integrate technology to enhance the effectiveness of their students. As stated by Angela Mance (2021), teacher’s abilities should include “the ability to critically evaluate information, promote digital citizenship, and utilize technology in ways that respect cultural diversity and inclusivity”.

    As students, we are expected to research information online, complete digital assignments, and prepare presentations. Computer literacy lets students leverage technology for a more productive learning experience (Atlantic International University, 2024). This better prepares students for future careers where technology might be the standard and at the rate that technology is expanding, this will definitely be the case.  

    Looking forward 10 years, advances in computer hardware, operating systems, networking, and AI technologies will continue to transform education.

    From the past we can see how much computer hardware has transformed to what it is today. We will more than likely see faster and more portable computers with powerful processors that students will use to run more in-depth virtual labs and augmented or virtual reality experiences. As stated in the 2025 Educause Horizon Report regarding Virtual Reality, “…more efficient processors—have significantly increased the capabilities of VR devices, offering educators the opportunity to integrate VR into teaching, research, and student engagement efforts more effectively” (Robert et al., 2025).

    Operating systems will “implement more robust security features, such as advanced encryption” (Fantastic IT Solutions, 2024) and “With the rise of cloud-based systems, operating systems are no longer limited to a single device” (Khot, 2025). Meaning, students and teachers will be able to access their work from anywhere, with better protection of sensitive data.

    Networking will continue improving with faster internet speeds and stronger wireless connections. As an example, Wi-Fi 7, “Educational environments with many students and faculty members can utilize Wi-Fi 7 to support online learning platforms, digital resources, and streaming services” (Cisco, 2025). This means stronger networks will support hybrid learning and make classrooms more connected and efficient.

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have a more noticeable impact. As stated by Lenovo (2025), “AI can personalize learning experiences, automate administrative tasks, and even predict student outcomes and suggest curriculum changes”. This means students can receive customized support based on their individual needs, while teachers save time on grading and data tracking. As a result, educators can focus more on instruction, mentoring, and student engagement.

    Overall, education will become more connected, personalized, and technology driven. As all of these advancements continue, computer literacy will be essential for both educators and students in this evolving digital world.

References

Atlantic International University. (2024, December 20). Computer Literacy: A Vital Skill in the Digital Age | Atlantic International University. Atlantic International University. https://www.aiu.edu/blog/computer-literacy-a-vital-skill-in-the-digital-age/

Cisco. (2025, April 18). The future of work is here with Wi-Fi 7. Cisco. https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/topics/networking/what-is-wi-fi-7.html

Fantastic IT Solutions. (2024, August 16). The Future of Operating Systems: What to Expect in the Coming Years - Fantastic I.T. Fantastic I.T. https://fantasticit.com/the-future-of-operating-systems-what-to-expect-in-the-coming-years/

Khot, V. (2025, October 19). The Future of Operating Systems in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Medium. https://medium.com/@vishwajeetkhot1210/the-future-of-operating-systems-in-the-era-of-artificial-intelligence-dd004cbb6a60

Lenovo. (2025, March 14). Ethical Use of AI in Education. Lenovo.com. https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/education/ai-in-education/ethics-of-ai-in-education/

Mance , A. (2021). Teachers’ Computer Literacy | EBSCO. EBSCO Information Services, Inc. |Www.ebsco.com. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/computer-science/teachers-computer-literacy

Robert, J., Muscanell, N., McCormack, M., Pelletier, K., Arnold, K., Arbino, N., Young, K., & Reeves, J. (2025). Teaching and Learning Edition. In Educause. https://library.educause.edu/-/media/files/library/2025/5/2025hrteachinglearning.pdf