The board exams are done. All you can do now is wait for the results. Then begins the college admissions seasons.
Until then, how are you planning to use your time? Binge on Netflix and dead scroll Instagram? Maybe sleep at sunrise and wake up at noon? Follow a decadent routine?
Or, hear me out, how about instead using this time to sharpen your digital literacy skills? No, posting endless stories on social media is not digital literacy.
Digital Literacy Skills include a wide range of competencies that you can learn to navigate the digital world effectively and responsibly.
Here’s a list of key skills, along with what they entail and why they are important:
1. Information Literacy
This begins with being able to identify credible sources of information online; distinguish between the real and fake.
Next comes being able to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the information being presented. Even if it’s ‘real’, how reliable is it, what’s its source?
Finally, being able to identify the fake news and misinformation. The internet is full of ‘information’, you’ve to understand the fine line between what’s credible and what’s not.
How do you check for that –
- Cross-check with reputable sources across multiple trusted websites like official research organisations or respected news outlets like BBC, Reuters, The Hindu.
- Research the author’s credentials and date of publication.
Why It’s Important:
Information literacy will help you make informed decisions and complete your research assignments with honesty and credible information.
2. Cybersecurity Awareness
It’s not enough to be able to go clackity clacking on the keyboard. It’s absolutely essential to understand online threats such as phishing, malware and hacking.
Don’t take advice like using strong passwords and two-factor authentication lightly; your online safety depends on it.
And finally, recognise suspicious emails and links. Think twice before clicking that email saying “You’ve won a new iPhone!”. It could be phishing. If the URL looks shady, it probably is.
Why It’s Important:
Protects personal data and ensures safe digital interactions, both academically and socially.
3. Digital Communication Skills
Communication skills is essential, whether online or in real world. Master to write effective emails and messages, in a professional language. No slangs or abbreviations.
When emailing your teacher: ‘Dear Ma’am, please find attached my project report. Regards, Aanya’ will sound way better than ‘Hey, pls chk my file asap.’
Understand how to conduct yourself and maintain digital etiquettes across platforms.
Acquire knowledge on how to use collaborating tools for working virtually. Google Workspace or Slack can be helpful.
Why It’s Important:
This improves interpersonal relationships, professional correspondence, and teamwork in academic and work environments.
4. Content Creation and Management
There’s a plethora of software at your disposal. Use them appropriately to create presentations and blogs or videos. Use tools like Canva to create stunning presentations or social media posts, even if you’re not trained.
Organise your folders so you can manage and share files via cloud storage platforms. Label them appropriately. Avoid cryptic or quirky labels if it’s for professional use.
Learn basic graphic designing or coding for your digital projects.
Why It’s Important:
Gives you a competitive edge in coursework, internships, and future careers by showcasing creativity and technical skills.
5. Online Collaboration
If you’re working online, online collaboration is a must. You can use platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Trello to work on group projects.
Understand how to share and co-edit documents in real-time.
Learn to manage tasks and deadlines thought project management tools like Notion or Asana.
Why It’s Important:
Prepares you for remote work scenarios and enhances teamwork capabilities.
6. Data Analysis and Visualisation
Join a course and learn using tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or Tableau to organize and analyse data.
For your next project, create charts and visual reports to present findings.
Why It’s Important:
Valuable in fields like business, research, and data-driven decision-making.
7. Ethical Use of Technology
The online world may be your future workspace, and it has its own ethics and rules. Use social media responsibly.
Don’t assume your anonymity will protect you. Understand your digital footprints and its impact. Respect privacy, both yours and others.
‘Cut and paste’ should not be your style of working. Avoid plagiarism. Use Grammarly or Turnitin to check for plagiarism before submitting your assignments or reports.
Respect intellectual property; it belongs to someone, even if its online.
Why It’s Important:
Promotes a positive online presence and builds a reputation for integrity.
8. Basic Coding and Technical Skills
Would be advantageous if you learn programming languages like Python, Java, or HTML.
You don’t need to be a tech genius to build your first website. Start small. Explore platforms like Wix or WordPress.
These skills will ensure you’ve an edge over your contemporaries who will have to learn as they study and work.
Why It’s Important:
Enhances problem-solving abilities and prepares you for tech-driven industries.
9. Digital Problem-Solving
Learn to be self-sufficient, at least to some extent, by knowing how to trouble shoot technical issues with devices and software.
You should know where to look, how to identify credible sources and how to apply the solutions by yourself.
Whether googling the problem or asking ChatGPT, type in the exact error message. This is how you’ll learn to be specific and work efficiently.
Why It’s Important:
Fosters self-reliance and reduces frustration in navigating technical challenges.
10. Media Literacy
If you’re stepping into the online universe, it’s important for you to understand how it works, how it influences opinions and behaviours.
There will be diverse voices. Know how and when to create and critique them.
And when you create your own content, be knowledgeable, respectful and mindful. You don’t want to add to the clutter.
Why It’s Important:
Helps you become critical thinker and responsible consumer of digital content.
11. Online Learning Skills
Make the most of online learning sources to build your skills. Join courses and workshops.
Use LMS platforms like Canvas or Moodle to stay organised.
Explore Coursera or Khan Academy or Udemy to find your preferred courses.
These tools will help you effectively manage your online coursework when attending virtual classes.
Why It’s Important:
Enhances academic performance in hybrid and online learning environments.
12. Digital Marketing Basics
If you decide to create products for sale online, learn about SEO, social media strategies, and content marketing. This will be a life saver.
Spend some time learning about tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Ads.
Why It’s Important:
Provides an edge in entrepreneurship or personal branding efforts.
Conclusion
Knowledge can never be useless or extra. Especially now, in an increasingly digitalised world, it’s important to be prepared.
Use your time wisely now. Invest in learning what the digital world demands.
By mastering these digital literacy skills now, when you’re still in school, will make you more confident, capable and future ready, both in classroom and workplace.
It’ll be helpful when you step into the professional world. It can enhance your employability while giving you an advantage over your peers.
These skills will be the bridge between technology and real-world needs, helping you transition smoothly into your new space.
It’ll give you the power to be more effective, efficient and prepared for the new responsibilities.
