Today is World Computer Literacy Day!

There’s never been a more important time for computer literacy in today's world…

At the University of Bolton, we’ve been in the Top 10 in the UK for Student Satisfaction in Computer Science* for the second year running. So computer is literacy something we’re truly passionate about.

Join us in promoting World Computer Literacy Day, a global event that raises awareness of the importance of computer skills in the modern day and providing access to education for all. 

Why celebrate World Computer Literacy Day?

This calendar event was first celebrated in India, a country where only 38% of households are digitally literate. The problem is even more apparent in rural areas, where there are more barriers to education. In urban areas, digital literacy is relatively higher at 61% relative to just 25% in rural areas.

With a mission of promoting the value of computer literacy in today's world, and the need to provide adequate schooling to children everywhere, World Computer Literacy Day is a great reminder that higher education in the UK is indeed a privilege!

What is this year’s theme?

The theme for World Computer Literacy Day 2021 is “Literacy for human-centred recovery: Narrowing the digital divide”.

The ‘digital divide’ refers to the gap between those who benefit from the Digital Age and those who do not. And communities, families and individuals without access to the internet and other communication technologies exist everywhere in the world, not just third world countries.

In fact, the pandemic has intensified the UK’s digital divide, so access to both technology and education are vital in closing the gap and ensuring everyone gets equal opportunities. According to a study, 22% of people in the UK don’t possess basic digital skills, and this was the case long before COVID.

The 2021 theme puts focus on narrowing this gap, highlighting the need for computer literacy in today's world, where every single employer demands basic computing skills from employees.

The importance of computer literacy

Not only are basic computer skills needed for almost any occupation, with more and more companies going digital, but those with advanced computer skills have much better job prospects. Graduates in the UK with skills in computer science earn five times more than anyone else, according to reports.

Many of our computing graduates move on to work for top tech companies in the UK, or further afield. Others decide to use their undergraduate degree to earn a PGCE so they can teach vital computer skills to children.

Whatever you decide to do with your degree, there’s no denying that this is one of the most important skillsets for the future.

If you’re passionate about improving your skills in computer science at undergraduate or postgraduate level, there’s nowhere better to study than the University of Bolton. We offer a range of degrees, covering everything from app development, software engineering, and computer networks and security, to cybercrime and Big Data.

For graduates looking to do a master’s and boost earning potential, our postgraduate degrees offer one-to-one mentorship, as well as access to state-of-the-art computing suites and laboratories.

To find out more about applying in 2022, see our available courses.

Want to get involved in World Computer Literacy Day 2021? Share this post to spread the word using the hashtags #WorldComputerLiteracyDay and #UoBolton.

*Complete University Guide 2022 & 2021