Digital skills are the skills that help you use digital devices and online platforms effectively.
Digital devices are things like computers, smartphones, tablets, and so on. Online platforms are things like the internet, social media, online tools, and so on. You need these digital skills to do many things in school, work, and life.
Here are some of the very basic digital skills that you'll need to succeed in the world of work:
💻 Computer literacy: Very simply, this means being able to use a device and being able to open and close programs. Devices can be different in all workplaces, some have computers, laptops and Macs you might be familiar with in school or college. Other workplaces use phones, tablets and other touchscreen devices. You are no doubt a whizz on your phone, it's a good idea to get as good as that on some other devices too.
📨 Using the internet for communication and collaboration: This means knowing how to use email, social media, and online forums to talk and work with others online. Lot's of workplaces use Teams and Slack to communicate, hit the links to familiarise yourself with these types of platforms.
✅ Using online tools and platforms for productivity: This means knowing how to use word processors, spreadsheet programs, and project management software to make and manage documents and data online.
🔐 Understanding and being able to use online security measures: This means knowing how to create strong passwords and use two-factor authentication to keep your online accounts and information safe.
🤯 Find and use online resources for learning and research: This means knowing how to use search engines, online libraries, and other websites to find and use information online. If you can use Google pretty well, then start using AI chats like one of our favourites Bing AI and take your results to another level.
🎨 Creating and editing digital media: This means knowing how to use images, audio, and video to make and edit digital content online. You are probably already creating good content on your social accounts from your phone, but we recommend trying Canva, it's a free-to-use online graphic design tool, use it to create social media posts, presentations, videos, logos and so much more.
These are some of the very basic digital skills that will help you gain confidence to succeed in the workplace.
Get Started
You can learn and improve these skills by simply practicing the above suggestions on different digital devices. Check out our YouTube playlist on all the above, or take online short courses that we regularly post on our social channels, just hit the icons to give us a follow.
You've got this! 😎✌️
Gem Hallett, miFuture Founder.
www.miFuture.co.uk | @miFutureSkills
Just so you know: We are not paid to recommend any of the above platforms. Based on our own experience and conversations with many employers and companies, we think these are pretty good to get you started.
