One in 10 job postings in advanced economies have now require at least one new skill, according to the IMF and digital technologies are the main reason for this. According to Skills for Success, digital skills are “your ability to use digital tools to find, manage, apply, create, and share information and content.” In this article, we’re going to look at digital skills and some of their key components. 

If you are completely unfamiliar with digital devices, you can access training from CompTIA. The CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) course offers an overview of the basics of hardware, software, and peripheral components. You can also find versions of this course on YouTube, like this course from BurningIce Tech. 

Component 2: Use common digital tools to complete tasks

If you need to learn how to use different digital tools for different purposes, you can find tutorials online. 

• Microsoft Word for Beginners
• Microsoft Excel for Beginners
• Microsoft PowerPoint for Beginners
• IBM Data Analyst Complete Course

Component 3: Use digital information

If you’re trying to figure out how to navigate the web, find specific information, determine the trustworthiness of search results, and save and organize information from online, consider the following resources: 

• Browser Basics
• Super GOOGLE: Top 12 Advanced Search Techniques
• SIFT (The Four Moves) Framework
• The SIMPLEST Way to Organize Your Files and Folders

What is the SIFT (Four Moves) Framework? 

• Stop: What you should do when something online makes you feel a strong emotion like anger, fear, or even validation.
• Investigate: Look up the author or website in a new tab and find out what others have to say about them. 
• Find: This is about finding more coverage on the topic that that first source was writing about. 
• Trace: When you read a claim in a piece of media, trace it back to its original source, such as a report, to ensure that it hasn’t been taken out of context.

Component 4: Use online tools and platforms

If you need help learning common online tools and platforms, consider some of the following resources: 

• How to Use Zoom Beginners Guide (Full Guide)
• How to Use Twitter (now X) Beginners Guide
• How to Use Gmail for Beginners
• How to Use Dropbox for Beginners 

Component 5: Apply safe and responsible practices online

You can enjoy the benefits of being online by applying safe and responsible practices such as: 

• Knowing how to create a password in order to protect your data
• Knowing what personal information you can and cannot share online
• Using virus protection software
• Learning how to identify and avoid phishing emails
• Knowing how to encrypt a data file with a password before transferring it online
• Knowing where and how you can safely enter payment details to make online purchases
• Using appropriate behaviour and language online
• Recognizing and minimizing the effects of mental stress

Component 6: Update and upgrade digital skills

As technology develops quickly, it’s important to keep advancing your skills by learning about: 

• Basic coding
• Blockchain
• Virtual reality

Digital skills are an important part of participating in society and staying competitive in today’s marketplace

As technology develops, governments will interact with their citizens differently and businesses will expect more from their employees. It’s important to at least have a basic understanding of digital tools and how they work.