Computers and Work The Kingsway School

New Jobs IT has spawned an entirely new industry. Many thousands of people now make their living directly from IT. You will need to be able to give examples of these jobs! Programmers Systems Managers Computer Technicians Computer consultants Data Processing staff Systems Analysts Network designers Network Managers Web designers Technical Authors IT Teachers!

Old Jobs have disappeared! Many traditional jobs have disappeared as there is less demand for manual labour. Many of the old skills are no longer needed. Typesetters. They used to set out the newspapers and they were very well paid and highly skilled but the job is now done quickly and cheaply by DTP packages. Factory workers. Many of these have lost their jobs as factory floors become automated. Car manufacturers now use robots to build their cars as they are accurate, do not require wages and can work very long hours.

Jobs Change! Most jobs have changed as a result of IT. You need to know some of these as examples! Secretaries use office software to prepare documents. Shop assistants scan bar codes as goods are bought. Doctors keep database records of their patients. They also use IT equipment to diagnose patients e.g. CAT scans The Police use databases to track criminals, store DNA and finger prints. Engineers use CAD to design constructions Civil servants use IT to model economic changes e.g. tax changes

Training New technology is constantly appearing. This means that there is a constant skills shortage. The best companies invest heavily in staff training. Training often costs more than the new system itself. Staff need to be flexible and quick to learn.

Homeworking Many people now work from home due to improved communication equipment and IT. This is sometimes called teleworking. Advantages of Teleworking Less travelling this reduces congestion and environmental pollution The individual can choose their own working hours to suit them. You do not need to live near work. Saving money on expensive office space. Disadvantages of Teleworking. Less social contact. A suitable room has to be found at home. Likelihood of family interruptions.

Internet Resource Information technology has led to many changes in how we work, where we work and even when we work. This Revision Bite looks at some of the effects IT has had on our working lives. 1.Old and new jobsOld and new jobs 2.ChangeChange 3.Better quality productsBetter quality products 4.TeleworkingTeleworking 5.VideoconferencingVideoconferencing 6.Exam TipsExam Tips 7.GlossaryGlossary Changing work patterns