How To Develop Digital Literacy Skills Practically

A few days ago, I identified a number of skills that are important for staying relevant today. The first on the list was digital literacy. The way the world is evolving, you can’t afford to resign to fate and imagine that these technologies belong to your children’s generation – No. You need to get into the game and understand these apps, platforms, and channels.

Here are some practical ways to develop and enhance your digital literacy skills:

1. Social Media Familiarization: Explore different social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Familiarize yourself with their features, privacy settings, and how to use them responsibly and safely. Engage in discussions, follow relevant pages or individuals, and learn to navigate through the various functions and settings.
2. Digital Communication: Practice effective digital communication skills, including email etiquette, writing clear and concise messages, and using appropriate tone and language. Learn to use video conferencing tools, instant messaging platforms, and collaborative platforms for effective remote communication.
3. Online Privacy and Security: Educate yourself about online privacy and security best practices. Learn about creating strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, identifying phishing attempts, and protecting your personal information online. Understand the importance of privacy settings on social media platforms and how to manage them effectively.
4. Online Collaboration Tools: Familiarize yourself with popular online collaboration tools such as Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365, Trello, and Slack. Learn how to create and share documents, collaborate with others, and manage projects effectively using these tools.
5. Multimedia Creation: Develop skills in creating and editing multimedia content. Learn to use graphic design tools like Canva, video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or iMovie, Capcut and audio editing software like Audacity. Practice creating engaging presentations, videos, and images to effectively convey your ideas.
6. Online Learning Platforms: Engage in online learning platforms such as Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning that offer courses and certifications on various digital literacy topics. These platforms provide structured learning paths and resources to develop specific digital skills.
7. Continuous Learning and Exploration: Digital literacy is an ongoing process due to the rapidly evolving nature of technology. Stay curious and open to learning new tools, platforms, and digital skills. Explore emerging technologies, attend webinars, workshops, or seminars, and stay up-to-date with digital trends and advancements.

Practical application and consistent practice are essential to develop and enhance digital literacy skills. Actively engage with digital tools, platforms, and resources to gain confidence and proficiency in various aspects of the digital world.

Kind Regards,

Adeolu Akinyemi.