Want to Improve Your Computer Literacy? Here’s How!
The Tech Specs
Many companies and businesses today require their employees to be computer-literate. Depending on your workplace and role, you’ll need to have knowledge of basic computer skills to carry out your tasks, assignments and projects, as well as to communicate with clients or colleagues.
As your career progresses, however, you may find that you will have to boost your computer skills or learn new skills from scratch – these will include hardware skills (maintenance, system administration, networking, etc) and software skills (coding, programming, web design etc).
So, what are the ways that you can improve your computer literacy?
Levelling Up
To enhance or develop these skills, consider these four tips:
- Determine the Skills You Need to Develop
Further along down the line, as you aspire to a more senior position, you will be required to have a knowledge of certain advanced programmes and/or applications. For example, if you’re working in human resources, you’ll likely already have a working knowledge of Google Workspace and social media. However, if you have set your sights on being promoted to a management position, you’ll need to know how to work a payroll system, talent management software and cloud-based platforms, among others.
Speak to your superior or conduct online research about the specific computer skills that your current and/or future roles require so that you can start narrowing down your focus to the areas that actually need to be learned or improved upon. For example, coding is an excellent skill to have, especially if you’re working in the IT sector, but it may not be beneficial where putting together collated reports for your law firm may be concerned.
- Enrol in a Computer Course
There are various courses available online and offline (usually provided by tertiary institutions or adult education centres) in which you can learn computing skills ranging from basic to advanced level. These may take the form of video tutorials, digital modules or in-person classes; accessing some of these courses may cost a fee, while others are completely free to learn.
Books and manuals are also available if you want step-by-step instructions physically on hand as you practise your skills.
- Check With Your Workplace
If you lack resources to learn these skills – for example, a course in coding or system maintenance – approach your supervisor or human resources manager. They may offer to help pay for your computer course, or supply you with hardware and software so that you can learn and practise as you go.
Alternatively, speak with your colleagues who have the means, skills and experiences to help you. Perhaps they can offer to tutor you!
- Practise, Practise, Practise
Take the skills that you have, and the new skills you learn, and put them into practice not just on the job, but also in your personal life, too.
For example, use Google Calendar to organise meetings with your colleagues, make your appointments for your doctor or organise activities with your friends and family. Or, use your burgeoning WordPress skills to create an online blog about your interests or to put together your work portfolio.
The more you practise, the more confident you’ll become with your abilities. In the long-term, it’ll make learning advanced computing skills easier and faster.
Update, Upgrade, Upgrowth
Learning or improving your computer literacy skills may seem daunting at first, but as you become more comfortable with the process, you will find yourself becoming more productive, proficient and professional. This will aid you immensely in your current workplace or if you’re looking to apply for a new role elsewhere.