Introduction: It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that without an online presence, you don't have an existence. In today’s digital age, digital literacy is more crucial than ever. From education to workspace, virtual scapes have managed to permeate all aspects of life. Understanding and mastering digital literacy skills can unlock your full potential, both personally and professionally.
What is Digital Literacy?
UNICEF defines digital literacy as possessing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that allow one to flourish in the digital age. When the need for distance education arose during the pandemic, many teachers faced numerous challenges in adapting to virtual teaching spaces and strategies. The pandemic exposed the drastic ‘digital divide’ embedded in society due to class, economic, gender, and spatial variances.
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Digital literacy is not just about having the technical know-how; it encompasses the ability to bridge information and communication gaps within the masses. Having the practical knowledge of digital literacy opens one’s eyes to discerning misinformation and ethical open-source information. This includes understanding how to find, evaluate, and implement online information effectively. It is also a medium for participation in various digital communities, thus helping one grasp the moral implications of the digital world.
Why is Digital Literacy Important?
Digital literacy is essential for traversing the modern world, allowing one to improve their creativity, communication, and problem-solving.
Increases Employability: Many job roles require proficiency with digital tools and platforms. The use of virtual workspaces, product software, digital marketing, and content management systems has risen exponentially. Since workforces in corporate environments are driven by technology-based interfaces, employers prefer candidates who have basic digital literacy skills. Hence, business operations necessitate the collaboration of digital knowledge along with professional skills.
Educational Significance: The shift to distance education taught us that a wealth of knowledge exists in the folds of the virtual world. Digital literacy skills enhance students' critical thinking values. Students can find and access e-books, online databases, and the latest research and educational platforms. One can listen to a lecture and make notes from the comfort of their home.
Effective Communication: Digital channels such as email, social media, and collaboration tools have revolutionized global communication. Building and maintaining relationships is of the utmost importance in corporate and academic settings. Having open access to networking promotes diversity and inclusivity in the global workforce. Since we are no longer bound by geographical boundaries in many capacities, being competent in digital literacy can become your next rags-to-riches story.
Conscientious Decision-Making: Digital literacy has paved the way for a more informed public. The power of influencers, social media, and activists has the potential to question and change the current status quo. Armed with knowledge, people now assess the credibility of any information they receive. This has led to a more transparent and responsible chain of command. Moreover, it enables recruiters to hand-pick top candidates from online job portals. For instance, one can optimize one's LinkedIn profile to rank higher and thus get better opportunities.
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Never stop improving: Another essential advantage is being able to learn new skills online, get promotions, and achieve a better livelihood. Since virtual competence allows flexibility through remote style, one can monetize their time by enrolling in online courses. Through upskilling and access to lifelong learning, one can stay updated with the latest industry trends.
Social Inclusion: Access to open knowledge and online information increases social mobility. Digitalization provides a relatively safer virtual space for marginalized groups to mingle virtually with the dominant circles and have their voices heard. This helps bridge the digital divide, ensuring that everyone has the chance to benefit from digital advancements and services.
Types of Digital Literacy Skills
Technical Skills: Having professional command over digital skills provides job seekers a competitive edge over other candidates. The technical skills required for corporate companies include file management, word processing software, creating presentations, and using spreadsheets. For instance, recruiters use the Application Tracking System (ATF) to filter resumes by keywords, so embedding relevant keywords can improve a resume’s ranking.
Digital Citizenship: With command over the virtual landscape, you can exercise your right as a digital citizen of the country through the following ways:
Participating in online public forums.
Having a stage to share your opinion.
Learning about new government schemes.
Being aware of your digital rights.
Privacy and Safety: The rise of online scams, document fraud, ID leaks, and phishing emails, should act as a wake-up call. Digital literacy enables people to recognize privacy risks and secure browsing, while also learning how to protect personal information.
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Media Literacy: Digital Literacy goes beyond browsing the Internet; it also includes making informed decisions about consuming and producing content. Different types of media, such as text, audio, and video, can train a person to spot potential growth opportunities.
Practical Ways to Enhance Your Digital Literacy Skills
Did you know that only 38% of households in India are digitally literate? To address this, the government of India has initiated several initiatives towards achieving digital literacy. Here is a list of free and open-access digital literacy courses that anyone can enlist in from anywhere!
Akshaya Portal: Inaugurated by the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in 2002, the Akshaya Portal aims to bridge the gap between “the information rich and the information poor.” The portal includes a digital financial literacy campaign that teaches citizens the know-hows of digital and financial literacy required to carry out transactions.
Digital Empowerment Foundation: Through educational programs and training, it has a vision to help rural communities achieve digital literacy. Some of their programs include ‘Helping Women Go Online’, ‘Digital Swaraj Fellowship’, ‘Internet Saathi’, and ‘Gyanpedia’.
Apart from government provisions, Google provides an online space for learning practical digital skills. Google’s Applied Digital Skills has courses available for job seekers, everyday life, financial literacy, and small business owners respectively.
Conclusion
To be a part of the global revolution towards digital literacy, one must endeavor to find their niche task. Continual learning and upskilling is the only way to not lose your job due to automation and artificial intelligence. Learning digital literacy skills and improving yourself is a surefire way of making your space in the virtual future.
