The Importance of Digital Literacy and Developing Technological Knowledge

By Sam Ast, Re-Entry Workforce Development Specialist, Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas

This blog outlines the reasoning behind efforts to increase your technological aptitude and explains how to apply these proficiencies to your daily responsibilities in a rapidly changing modern work environment. If you stand to benefit from learning new computer-related skills or are just curious about how they might impact employment opportunities in the future — continue reading.

What is Digital Literacy?

Digital literacy is an umbrella term that covers a wide variety of technology and computer-related knowledge. Information learned can be used to help improve communication, ensure analytical accuracy, power electric vehicles, code robots, build websites, enhance virtual reality or allow for three-dimensional printing. At more rudimentary levels, continued learning could help you better navigate the internet or work your personal email. This basic use of tech for personal betterment and ease of life is a valid and commendable undertaking.

Perhaps you need a refresher course on common word processing applications or help setting up a new computer or smartwatch. Or maybe you have never even seen or know very little about or never had the chance to work with any of the technologies mentioned above. Don’t worry. Everyone starts at their own stage and works to upskill their own pace. Most teaching efforts and models of learning will undoubtedly include individualized approaches to instruction. Very rarely does everyone start at the same pace or from the same place. These facts should empower you, knowing that lacking technological savvy does not preclude you from entering the fray. In other words, it is never too late to familiarize yourself with something new.

The Importance of Digital Skills

In a world increasingly governed by all things tech, it becomes even more important to do your best to stay informed of new developments and know how to utilize these powerful tools in your own life and at work. Doing so can make completing tasks easier and make processes more effective. Not all technology will be applicable to your current or future work. However, knowing how to use these forces to your benefit and exploring the various ways to integrate them into your life seems like a good investment worthy of your time and energy. This comprehensive adaptation to and use of new and emerging digital essentials will undoubtedly become an increasingly in-demand skill. These technological instruments — old and new — including artificial intelligence, 3D printing, computer engineering, electronic visual design, digital marketing, etc., represent a new frontier in the world of work. If harnessed and embraced in ways that make sense for you and your occupation, there are no bounds to the added value you can bring.

Digital Skills Training at Goodwill

With hundreds of career centers providing essential resources and personalized support, Goodwill can help people overcome challenges finding meaningful work. Our career navigators are committed to making dreams come true by offering services like digital essentials training, career guidance, resume assistance, skills certification, application help, interview prep and ongoing support, including financial assistance that can help you in your journey to find work.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. If you need assistance with career readiness, developing marketable job skills or overall counseling regarding any of your employment needs or questions — we are here for you! Please stop by a career center to learn more about how Goodwill can help you.