Topic 26 学会的实用技能

1. What is the most important practical skill in modern society?
I think that being able to use a computer is the most important practical skill in modern society.Everyone should know how to use a computer, whether it’s for work, study, or just entertainment.Nowadays, everyone is focused on the digital world. So tons of jobs need people to have a certain level of computer literacy233.

2. What kinds of jobs require practical skills?
Well, jobs that involve hands-on work234 definitely require practical skills. If you’re a technician or maintenance worker235, you have to know how to handle all kinds of equipment. There are lots of skills you have to learn in order to work safely. Athletes also need to have practical skills. For example, a professional basketball player has to learn different basketball techniques.

3. Which method is better for learning practical skills, learning from teachers or learning from the internet?
I think it’s better to learn practical skills from teachers. The internet can be helpful because it provides lots of useful information. But teachers are there in real life. They can show you how to do things in real time236. Plus, you can usually trust their expertise237. There’s a lot of false information going around on the internet.

4. What kinds of skills are difficult to learn?
Skills that involve computer programing are hard to learn. Programming and related computer skills involve logical thinking238 and strong math skills. Those can be hard for a lot of people. And it takes you a lot of time to do the proper training239. Plus, skills where you have to have good physical coordination240, like sports, are also hard to master.

5. Do you think practical skills will be replaced by computers?
Well, some of them already have, like bookkeeping241 and manufacturing. But I don’t think all practical skills can be replaced by computers. For example, only humans can make different kinds of art. Any kind of skill that involves being creative is pretty hard to replace. So I don’t think people with those kinds of skills should be worried at all.

233 have a certain level of computer literacy: 具备一定的计算机知识
234 hands-on work：实际动手操作的工作
235 a technician or maintenance worker：技师或者维修工
236 in real time：及时，立即
237 expertise: 专业技能，专业知识
238 logical thinking：逻辑思维
239 do the proper training: 做适当的培训
240 have good physical coordination：好的身体协调能力
241 bookkeeping：记账