Basic Computer Skills for Elementary Students in 2024

In this article, we discuss the basic computer skills that should be broadly considered in elementary technology curriculum as well as why these skills are important now and in the future, even as particular technologies continue to evolve.

What Basic Computer Skills do Elementary Students Need?

When designing curriculum for computer technology classes for elementary students, it can be difficult to discern what skills are best learned now versus in later grades, as well as what skills can transcend the rapid evolution of technology. Educators should consider that not only are they building a strong digital foundation for future-ready skills but are also helping to prevent the creation of bad or inefficient habits that would otherwise take additional effort to break and rewrite.

With these goals in mind, the following are basic computer skills elementary students should learn that help to set them on a productive and successful path for digital and future-ready skills.

Computer Navigation

One of the first computer skills an elementary student should learn is how to navigate a computer. This means being able to use basic hardware such as a mouse, keyboard, touchpad or touchscreen, as well as being able to find and access basic applications and files. While the technology itself may change immensely before current elementary students are using it in a career setting, the basic ability to navigate a technological device such as a computer, smartphone or tablet will likely be transferable to most future technologies.

Keyboarding

Keyboarding is another important skill for students, despite rapidly evolving technologies. This is because current applications in education, as well as careers, rely on manual keyboarding, with those who lack efficiency in this skill requiring extra time as well as mental energy to complete most keyboarding-based activities or tasks. While the basic skill of putting words into a digital format may eventually become antiquated, the skill remains essential for efficient and effective education, while also serving as a basis for code-based and numbers-based utilization. 

Word Processing

Another basic computer skill elementary students should learn is word processing. This skill is used widely in education as well as professional settings as a form of communication, note-taking, composition and more. Being able to utilize word processing software is a college and career-ready skill integral to student success.

Spreadsheets

Elementary students should also learn reading, editing, and creating spreadsheets. Spreadsheets are a common form of data collection, presentation and manipulation, and are frequently used in a variety of careers as well as some education settings. The ability to read and write spreadsheets empowers students with skills they can later build upon as needed.

Digital Presentation 

Students will encounter situations throughout their lives in which they are required to present information digitally. Whether putting together a presentation for a school class or a sales pitch to a potential client in a future career, digital presentations are a commonly required computer skill. Understanding the basics of digital presentation provides a foundation upon which elementary students can later grow presentation skills.

Online Communication

Online communication is another computer skill that is expected to evolve greatly while benefiting from a strong skills foundation. Today’s working adults utilize a wide range of platforms for communication, from email and chat tools to collaboration software and virtual meeting technology. While the technology may change as today’s elementary students become part of the workforce, the basic skills of navigating and utilizing these programs will remain relevant.

File Management

File management includes the ability to save, retrieve, backup and protect information. The concepts of file management will likely remain relatively the same, while the hardware and software to do so will likely continue to evolve. In the present, this skill is important for elementary students in educational applications and will later be an essential part of their personal and professional technology skills.

Troubleshooting 

Younger generations typically have a reputation for being able to troubleshoot devices more effectively than some adults. While many of these skills may come from trial and error, a basic understanding of how to troubleshoot devices can strengthen a student’s ability to use technology more successfully in education and the future.

Digital Researching

Gone are the days of shelves of encyclopedias being considered a comprehensive resource for research needs. Interconnected communication has made digital research much more complete and accessible, though this comes with a different set of challenges. Elementary students should begin to understand how to complete digital research, validate the trustworthiness of resources, cite their sources and utilize information without plagiarizing or otherwise misusing content.

Online Safety

Arguably, one of the most important digital skills elementary students should learn is online safety. Digital threats evolve quickly, and it would be difficult for curriculum to evolve quickly enough to keep up with the latest threats, not to mention predicting threats the students may face in the future. Instead, students should learn the concepts of online safety, including keeping personally identifiable and sensitive information private, avoiding and managing cyberbullying, handling inappropriate or uncomfortable information, understanding the implications of their digital footprints, as well as recognizing technology’s effects on mental health and how to mitigate these risks.

Final Thoughts

Designing computer literacy curriculum for elementary students is an important responsibility because of its far-reaching effects. This makes it critical not only in building a foundation for future digital skills, but also in enabling student safety, equity, and success now and in future.

For more information about Learning.com’s digital curriculum for elementary students, click “Explore EasyTech” below. 

Further Reading