This message is for any student who thinks that if he or she wants to make big bucks all he or she has to do is learn a few computer skills.

Tuesday, August 29, 2000

This message is for any student who thinks that if he or she wants to make big bucks all he or she has to do is learn a few computer skills.

If you listen to the experts, technical skills are a plus, but it is the ability to communicate, read, write and spell that will get you the kind of job that will bring a big salary and staying power.

A representative from Amazon.com spent some time at the High-Tech Conference Monday talking to educators, government officials and others from the community about the connection between technological advances and economic development.

The conference was sponsored by Ohio University Southern Campus and U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland to help the community focus on ways to attract high-tech employers to Lawrence County and the region.

What that executive told the audience was simple: If you have a workforce that can work a mouse, but can’t spell "mouse," your workforce won’t be as valuable.

The key to success in the high-tech world in the future will be the combination of technical prowess and communication ability.

That is where our schools come into the picture.

Providing the latest in technology is not enough, we must teach our children how to do basic math and how to communicate with each other if we are going to attract high quality employers and jobs we want to keep.

Now, back to you youngsters who think that your ability to click a mouse is enough to get you through life.

Take a hint from Amazon.com: Stay in school, learn how to read, write and do your basic math and advanced skills. Get the most out of your education now. Your dedication will pay you big dividends later.