Building Employability Skills - Part 3: Digital Literacy
Technology is becoming more and more present in every aspect of our lives, especially in the workplace. Because of this, we now have ways to be much more efficient at work, whether it be communicating via email or knowing how to use certain software. Being able to adapt to changes in technology and staying familiar with how to use it is a great skill that can be useful for any job.
What is Digital Literacy?
Digital literacy can be a very broad term, but it ultimately boils down to having the knowledge and adaptability to use digital technology for a variety of purposes. In the workplace, it can include knowing how to use a particular digital tool, like Excel, or how to optimize your searches so you find better results in less time. These skills can help you complete specific tasks and be more productive about how you do them.
Digital Literacy in the Workplace
A lot of workplaces rely on certain digital tools, so knowing how to use them can make
you more employable. A lot of employers might expect you to have some basic knowledge of
tools like Microsoft Office or Google in order to participate in the work and communicate with co-
workers. Even small things like being able to respond to emails, send text messages, and use
video conferencing platforms is important in the workforce.
Digital literacy does not just help you when you have a job, but it can help you find new
ways to look for new opportunities. A lot of job openings are advertised online and the
application process is also done digitally. Having the necessary skills to use the online world to
learn about new opportunities is becoming more necessary in order to expand your career.
Networking is also an important part of navigating your career. It helps you find new
opportunities and make connections with people. As you work on building your employability,
knowing how to responsibly engage in online spaces, like LinkedIn, is an important skill to have.
Developing the Skill
Having digital literacy skills does not necessarily mean you have to know how to use every form of technology out there. It is more about having the problem-solving ability to figure things out. So, a great way to learn new things and improve your digital literacy is by experimenting with different digital tools and platforms. This strategy will give you lots of practice being adaptable so that you will be better equipped if you ever need to learn something new.
If you are interested in developing a particular skill, you can take an online course or see if there are any training sessions you can attend. Google Career Certificates is one online platform that offers courses in various topics. You can also search for tutorial videos or articles online. Making use out of those resources is also a great way to practice digital literacy as you familiarize yourself with the resources available to you online!
The great thing about living in a world that is using technology more and more is that there will be many opportunities in day to day life for you to practice these skills. The more curious you are and intentional about learning new things, the easier it will come!
-Sophie Ashton, Co-op Student