Technology literacy is an indispensable skill in today’s increasingly digital world. From the computers we use at work to the smartphones we use to stay connected with family and friends, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives.
However, not everyone is as comfortable with technology as they ought to be. In fact, many people don’t have the basic technology skills they need to function effectively in the digital world.
The lack of technology literacy can put people at a disadvantage and create a number of challenges. For example, individuals who are not technologically literate may struggle to keep up with their peers in the workplace. They may not be able to use the latest software and tools to their advantage, which can make them fall behind or underperform.
Also, employees who don’t know how to use technology may have trouble serving clients or meeting the productivity standards they need to move up in their careers.
On the other hand, technology literacy can help individuals and businesses become more efficient and productive. It can also help companies attract and retain the best talent. [Click to tweet]
Before we go any further, let’s discuss the meaning of “technology literacy” so that everyone understands what we’re talking about.
What is technology literacy?
Technology literacy is the ability to understand, use, and make decisions about technology. It is more than just understanding how to use a computer or mobile device. It’s a comprehensive understanding of the different types of technology available and how they work together. It’s also the ability to understand the pros and cons of using technology, and to make decisions based on this knowledge.
As an entrepreneur or a professional, you can think of technology literacy as being able to use technology effectively in your business or profession. It involves being familiar with the range of hardware and software that are available, understanding how they work, and knowing how to use them in an efficient and secure manner.
With the ever-evolving digital landscape, technology literacy has become an essential skill for individuals and businesses to stay competitive. People who embrace technology literacy can gain a competitive edge by being able to identify the right solutions for their needs.
For example, they can take care of boring and repetitive tasks by setting up automated processes and taking advantage of cloud-based services. They can also keep up with the latest trends in the industry and make sure their products and services are up-to-date.
Why you can’t afford to be deficient in technology literacy
If you don’t have basic technology literacy, you’re going to find it difficult to navigate the digital world. This can be severely limiting. It can make it unusually hard to grow your business, find a job, keep in touch with friends and family, and even stay safe online.
Some of the other challenges that come with not being technologically literate include:
- Inability to find information online or use the internet efficiently.
- Finding it difficult to understand how to optimally utilize a computer, smartphone, or other digital devices.
- Inability to stay up-to-date with the changing technology landscape.
- Finding it difficult to use new apps and software. This means that you will not be able to get the most out of new technology that can enhance your experience in life and improve your results at work.
- Being unable to troubleshoot and fix minor issues with computers and other devices.
These challenges can be especially significant for entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses and professionals who are looking to gain new skills that will help them advance in their careers.
If you don’t know how to use the latest tools and technologies, you might not be able to win a significant market share for your business or stay competitive in today’s increasingly globalized workforce.
Practical ways to develop technology literacy
Developing technology literacy begins with investing in the right technology education and training. Fortunately, there are lots of training options for anyone who wants to become more technologically literate. You can take advantage of resources available online, from tech tutorials to online courses, that can help you become more tech savvy.
Many experts have taken it upon themselves to create free and high-quality tutorials that break down technology concepts and tools in such a way as to make them accessible to anyone. For example, Kevin Stratvert, a former senior product manager at Microsoft, regularly publishes helpful videos on his Youtube channel, which has attracted almost two million subscribers and over 245 million views between January 2007 and February 2023.
Such platforms provide an excellent opportunity to gradually improve your technology literacy skills. Start by learning the basics. Don’t try to become an expert overnight. The goal is to understand the basics of how technology works and how to use it. This will equip you to take advantage of new and existing technologies, while also helping you to stay safe online.
You should also take advantage of online courses to improve your technology literacy skills. There are lots of courses that can help you understand the basics, as well as more advanced topics. Even if you don’t have a lot of time to devote to learning, you can get started with plenty of free and bite-sized courses that will help you gain the skills you need.
One of the simplest ways to get started is by sampling courses from platforms like Google Digital Garage and Hubspot Academy.
Another option is to sign up for hands-on training or to find a mentor who is technologically literate and can help you learn the ropes. This can be a great way to get firsthand experience and advice from someone who knows the ins and outs of the digital world.
Furthermore, try to keep up with technology trends and news. This will help you stay informed about what’s happening in the tech world and give you the insights you need to stay up-to-date.
Finally, remember that you should always ask for help when you need it. Learning new technology skills can be daunting, but you can make it significantly easier if you’re not afraid to reach out to friends or family who may be able to provide guidance and support.
Conclusion
With a little bit of consistent effort, anyone can learn the skills they need to navigate the digital landscape and benefit from the vast possibilities. By taking the time to become more technologically literate, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of the opportunities that technology brings.