How Can You Improve Your Digital Literacy?

In today’s workplace, digital literacy is more critical than ever. Technology is constantly changing, and if you are out of the loop when it comes to learning the latest development, you might feel overwhelmed. But the good news is that you can always catch up. There are resources at your fingertips, ranging from free online courses to colleagues who can share their knowledge. And above all, you are not alone. Everyone has something to learn when it comes to digital literacy; it’s a lifelong learning commitment.?

By Helen Harris ?

Think about the tools you use daily to complete your job. You may use project management tools such as Trello, Salesforce, Workfront, Asana or Monday — just to name a few. And to stay in touch with your teammates, you probably find it easy to respond to a Google chat, a Slack notification or a Microsoft Teams chat.?

Communication, project management and collaboration keep the wheels of productivity rolling within workforces. And modern-day technology has played a major role in enabling this.?

This is why it’s imperative both for employers and for those entering the workforce to understand the value of digital literacy.?

What Is Digital Literacy??

Microsoft (the parent company of LinkedIn) defines digital literacy as the ability to navigate the digital world using reading, writing, technical skills and critical thinking.

It’s the ability to use technology, such as a smartphone, PC, e-reader, and more, to find, evaluate and communicate information, writes Microsoft.

So just how important is digital literacy in today’s career landscape?

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), digital literacy has become indispensable to every global citizen, whether communicating, finding employment, receiving comprehensive education or socializing.?

“Acquiring the right set of digital skills is not only important for learning and workforce readiness but also vital to foster more open, inclusive, and secure [workplaces],” reported CSIS.?

Caroline Castrillon , career coach, freelance writer and marketing expert, states that digital literacy is now non-negotiable because it is relevant for almost every job role and has a great impact on the employee experience.?

“Without it, workers will struggle to perform even basic tasks,” said Castrillon. “When employees aren’t digitally fluent, it can also impact the overall business. For example, now that hybrid and remote work is so prevalent, being able to collaborate and communicate through Zoom, Slack, and other tools and platforms is a critical business skill.”

To stress that digital literacy is paramount in today’s workplaces, Castrillon referenced a Markle study that revealed 8 in 10 mid-level jobs now require basic digital literacy.

An even more telling statistic from a Pew Research “Digital Readiness” study reveals a vast number of people feel uncomfortable with technology and/or don’t feel prepared or skilled enough.?

Data shows 52% of adults were “relatively hesitant” to embrace technology, but this 52% consists of three groups who are less likely to use digital tools in their learning. This is due, in part, because these groups have generally lower levels of involvement with personal learning activities. But it’s also because of their professed lower level of digital skills and trust in the online environment, Pew reports.

Here is the breakdown of the three groups within the 52%:?

• The Unprepared (14%): This group has low levels of digital skills and limited trust in online information. This group ranks at the bottom of those who use the internet to pursue learning and is the least digitally ready of all the groups.
• Traditional Learners (5%): This group consists of active learners — but they use traditional means to pursue their interests. Members of this 5% are less likely to fully engage with digital tools because they have concerns about the trustworthiness of online information.
• The Reluctant (33%): This group has higher levels of digital skills than The Unprepared but very low levels of awareness of new “education tech” concepts. Additionally, they have relatively lower levels of performing personal learning activities of any kind. This is due to their general lack of internet usage in learning.

But even with the doubt nestled in employees’ and job seekers’ minds, there are ways to grow digital literacy skills in the workplace. Becky Schmitt , EVP and Chief People Officer of Cognizant, emphasizes the importance of hiring people with a growth mindset, who want to upskill and learn today’s digital skills.?

“The role of technology is changing: productivity tools like word processing, which were cutting edge a generation ago, are now table stakes for employment,” said Schmitt. “Job seekers need clarity into the digital skills that are required for employment, and employers need to hire not just for the digital skills of today, but also for the digital resilience and growth mindset that will enable workers to continually upskill in their career.”?

Now with a clear understanding of digital literacy, as well as its importance in today’s society, you may be wondering how to improve your skills and how doing so could potentially impact your career.?

Ways To Advance Your Digital Literacy Capabilities

First acknowledge that everyone has — and always will have — something to learn in the digital space. You are not alone in wanting or needing to improve your skills.?

Regardless of where you are in your digital literacy journey, you can start by looking into online courses that most appeal to your current capabilities and interests.?

“Online courses are an easy, affordable way to hone your digital skills,” said Castrillon. “I also support the idea of reverse mentoring — finding someone more junior that can share their technical expertise in exchange for your expert knowledge.”?

Castrillon says you can also improve your digital literacy skills by staying abreast of new trends through podcasts, videos, webinars, and online research.?

One more aspect to consider is increasing your online presence, as Castrillon notes that more than 80% of organizations recruit through social media (and growing daily). You do this multiple ways, whether it’s creating a profile on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.?

Forbes also offers these additional tips when building your digital literacy:??

• Consider the impact that your digital education might have on your workplace and your job. For example, could learning a new program automate certain parts of your job, freeing your time up to learn new skills and other value-add tasks??
• Figure out the basic skills outlined above and assess whether you have any gaps in your knowledge. For example, if you find you need to learn more about how to succeed in the digital world, look for courses online that pertain to that subject.??
• Go beyond the basics and stay current on new technology and trends (i.e., the metaverse and AI). This does not mean you need to be an expert; it just means you should consider knowing about the topics so you aren’t in the dark about their relevance in today’s society and workspaces.?
• Think about the value and benefits of new technologies to you personally. Technology is here to stay and is here to make our jobs easier — if we take the time to understand it. Consider how the tools in your workplace can help you do a better job in achieving your personal and professional goals.?
• Consider digital literacy a lifelong commitment. Constant change is the new landscape of today’s workforce. By staying agile and staying committed to learning the digital advancements — you will have an advantage.?

“In this environment, digital skills will quickly grow stale and need refreshing,” reported Forbes. “In other words, it's not a case of acquiring digital skills, and then you're done. It requires an ongoing commitment. Luckily, there are so many flexible ways to learn these days, including online courses, video tutorials, audiobooks, and more. It’s never been easier to be a lifelong learner.”

Ultimately, the more you know about a specific tool relevant to your job or field will help you stand out in a pool of applicants. Dig into as much research as you can. Subscribe to the latest news and updates, and show that you are interested in forging the path to advancement within the company you are applying to, or already working for.?

“Depending on the industry and the role, some knowledge of the technology is required,” said Castrillon. “The demand for digital literacy has spiked since the pandemic. That means employers have greater requirements when it comes to employees being proficient in specific software and project management tools. If you aren’t proficient in a specific tool and you know it’s a job requirement, get the training prior to your interview. It will help you stand out in a crowded job market and possibly give you more leverage.”

Top Takeaways?

How Can You Improve Your Digital Literacy?

• Digital literacy is the ability to navigate the digital world using reading, writing, technical skills and critical thinking.
• Digital literacy has become indispensable to every global citizen, whether communicating, finding employment, receiving comprehensive education or socializing.?
• “Acquiring the right set of digital skills is not only important for learning and workforce readiness but also vital to foster more open, inclusive, and secure [workplaces].”
• You can improve your digital literacy skills by staying abreast of new trends through podcasts, videos, webinars, and online research.?
• Over 80% of organizations recruit through social media (and growing daily). Because of this, it’s important to consider increasing your online presence: You can do this multiple ways, whether it’s creating a profile on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.?
• Consider digital literacy a lifelong learning commitment, and use it to your advantage:? Knowing more about a specific tool relevant to your job or field will help you stand out in a pool of applicants.