World Computer Literacy Day: 02nd December
World Computer Literacy Day is marked on 2nd December every year. This day is celebrated to drive digital literacy, specifically among women and children. Although the world is progressing toward an increasingly digital future, certain sections of society still have either limited or no digital access. As much as Computer Literacy Day is about celebrating computers, it is also about advocating for computer literacy in all sections of society.
Digitally literate people have a benefit over those who lack digital literacy, and this is creating a digital divide in the world. Therefore, Computer Literacy Day aims to spread awareness about the inculcation of technological skills in people from marginalized communities.
History of World Computer Literacy Day
World Computer Literacy Day started as an initiative by an Indian multinational corporation, NIIT, to mark its 20th anniversary. The first celebration of the day happened in 2001, and the topic of discussion at the event was a research that suggested that the majority of people fluent in computer usage were men.
Annual events such as Computer Literacy Day can be a great opportunity to amplify the need to bridge this digital divide. Access to computers should reach women, children, and marginalized people; it is only possible through collective efforts.Significance of Computer Literacy Day
On the event of Computer Literacy Day, people emphasize the importance of computers in daily lives. Computer literacy refers to the level of expertise an individual has in using computers efficiently. In the present world, computer literacy might extend to using search engines, social media platforms, and basic daily-use software like Microsoft Office or Google Suite. Check out some insights about computer usage in developing and developed countries below:
- Internet users made up 55% of the world population in June 2018.
- Even though Asia carries 55% of the world’s population, only 49% use the internet.
- North America has 4.8% of the global population, and 95% use the internet.
- This disparity is one of the primary reasons why computer literacy is being highlighted.
Computer Literacy Day is significant because, on this day, the adoption of digital technologies, particularly by children and women is encouraged. It is also significant because as per reports, developing countries have limited access to computer literacy. So, the word about the need for computer literacy must be spread.
World Computer Literacy Day – Important Facts
World Computer Day is all about spreading awareness regarding computers, their usage, and exploring their possibilities. Today, computers and other digital devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. To honor this day, and these powerful machines, check out some facts about computers and Computer Literacy Day below:
- Charles Babbage invented all the parts that modern computers use in 1833, while the first modern computers were invented 120 years later.
- The first generation of computer was invented in 1946. This was the turning point for the technological use of computers.
- In the year 1947, the first keyboard was created. It replaced the old system of punch cards.
- Douglas Engelbert invented the first mouse in 1964 using wood.
- Something that Microsoft, HP, and Apple have in common: they all started building their computers out of a garage.
- The full form of the term CAPTCHA is ”Completely Automated Public Turing Test to tell Computer and Humans Apart.
