Digital literacy is the ability to navigate our digital world using reading, writing, technical skills, and critical thinking. It’s using technology—like a smartphone, PC, e-reader, and more—to find, evaluate, and communicate information.
The word technology could not be more prevalent and pervasive in the world than it is now. This is not to say that it was not in the past but the pandemic, the rise of globalization and rampant digitalization has only heightened its ubiquity.
Similarly, it is becoming increasingly challenging to find jobs that don’t have any element of technology embedded within its operations, which is the main reason we have decided to dedicate this blog post to you, dear readers. In the coming paragraphs will journey through the various facets of digital journey – from what it means, the benefits and why it is important to possess it in this socioeconomic climate.
Before we jump into details like why it is incredibly important to be technologically literate, let’s first get an understanding of what technology literacy actually means. Somewhat similar to media literacy, technology literacy highlights the capacity to use, understand, manage and assess technology effectively, safely and responsibly. This also comprises evaluating, creating and integrating information through technology.
In simple terms, technology is the scientific knowledge practically utilized to solve a problem or assist in a completion of a task oftentimes using a device, method or system. It is important to note that for the purpose of this piece, technology will inadvertently refer to digital technologies.
So, in essence, the importance of technology literacy lies in its nature of combatting insecure, unsafe and irresponsible consumption and usage of technology. This in turn makes for an effective environment for using technology. This is the term and concept tied to technology literacy – the ability to understand and effectively use information. “Technology literacy is relevant to all forms of technology, including computers, smartphones and tablets.
Digital literacy is important to establishing your presence in the modern world. Lacking the ability to use digital technologies means that there are many things you simply cannot do or access. Possessing digital literacy allows you to improve efficiency, access to things, fulfillment, and happiness in your life.
So, what is it that makes technology literacy so important? The truth is that, since technology plays a key role in many aspects of our daily lives, it has a lot of impact on ourselves and our wellbeing. We need to make sure that we are navigating technology in a way that benefits us rather than allowing any negative repercussions.
Now we know why technology literacy is important, let’s look at how we can benefit from technology literacy. What benefits go together with tech literacy skills?
In order for you to embrace technology and actually comfortable with it, it is essential for you to build on your digital skills so you would be able to navigate the unknown terrains of technology. Living in the 21st century, having tech skills is the biggest game changer. It can be the deciding factor on securing your dream job or getting that long awaited promotion. One study found that 82% of middle-skill jobs require digital skills.
2) Technology is pervasive
Technology has been revolutionary in simplifying processes that once required more people and more steps. Knowing how to leverage on technology well will benefit you. People who tend to be tech-savvy will be able to gain from different aspects of the 21st century lifestyle such as learning and development, increasing and managing productivity and so on. Technology has also penetrated through most of our lives, there is no way of escaping its grasp, so knowing how to utilize it will help you in the long run.
3) Technology makes things easier
The use of technology in our current world is almost inevitable; technology is all around us. However, it isn’t always easy knowing what to use and where to find it. Being tech-literate means that you can use the correct technology tools with ease and know where to look for them. This includes knowing which sites are safe to view for underage viewers or knowing which settings to select on social media platforms.
4) Increased safety
Staying safe online can’t be further emphasized. Technology has a long and demonstrated history for being both a boon and a bane to society, the rise of cybersecurity threats and attacks has seen a steady rise over the years and shows no signs of slowing or halting. Becoming digitally literate and understanding good online security practices will help ensure that you remain safe online. There are numerous ways for you to protect yourself in the digital realm the first and foremost would be to strengthen your passwords, exercise care when revealing personal information, appear anonymous to stay on safer side and be cautious about revealing sensitive details. Similarly, make sure to take the time to read through the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies of a website or an online application. That way you can determine what course of action you will be taking should anything get compromised. There are also many risks associated with the use of technology, so it’s important to make sure you understand everything you use and know how to protect yourself.
The digital divide is a term that is used to differentiate people that have have the knowledge to utilize technology and use it regularly vs those who have no knowledge and tend to struggle to understand how to operate technology and those that avoid it. Closing the digital gap is imperative to ensure that the society moves towards the future together.
Embracing the notion of lifelong learning is an important one to live a fulfilled life, but it is even more paramount one to have when it comes to technology. The tech industry is constantly evolving and changing – there is always a new technology, the latest software and hardware updates, application releases, digital gadgets, websites, and so on.
Ascertaining that your knowledge in technology and all its advancement is always kept in check is what we prioritize at Trainocate Malaysia. We take pride in ensuring that the Malaysian workforce is empowered to catapult the digital forward through the latest, industry recognized training and certifications.
Technology is continuing to evolve at a rapid pace – we are seeing new variants of tech and the already extensive list of technologies are evolving. The IT industry is even on track to reach 5.3 trillion dollars by 2022. But what does this mean for the future of technology literacy?
This is only reinforces that technology and digital literacy is set to grow and become an integral part of our lives.