Digital literacy is nowadays one of the basic requirements for every student. It is the combination of the wide range of skills which makes an individual fit to succeed in the present day environment. It not just helps one from an employment point of view, but is also useful for understanding the nuances of what is going on, what the government or the banks are trying to express. Digital literacy can make a world of difference to an individual’s perception of the world and helps all people, irrespective of where they live or their lifestyle habits.

Digital literacy is getting so popular nowadays that it’s necessary for every teacher to teach the digital concepts and way to every student in the classroom. Students too have created a higher degree of digital literacy for themselves by being smartphone and internet savvy. If we take a look at the employment scene as well, we come to figure out that use of computers exists in all domains of employment.

There is no age for boosting one’s digital awareness. Even seniors can benefit from the same.

In general, it is the schools that must undertake the responsibility of creating higher levels of digital awareness for each student. We nowadays come to figure out that basic computer education is a part of the curriculum for each of the schools. This creates a sound background for coming across employment opportunities in just about any fields of employment.

If the schools do not make the students digitally literate, it may not be right to expect the students to develop these basic skills all by themselves.

Developing digital skills

While the students who are digitally literate are likely to succeed in their lives, they are likely to get higher grades and perform better than their peers in academic life as well. Digital literacy is a component of a syllabus which has no escape route. Even if a student goes abroad for higher education, it is still the digital literacy which he learnt at his school that is going to be helpful for him.

Using a computer, a student can figure out whatever his interest is. He can come to know if he is good at coding and programming, developing software applications or mobile apps, digital marketing, using finance related software or creating animations or graphic designs. This opens up a fresh set of employment opportunities for any individual. A deeper knack of digital skills may even help an individual find a rewarding career, or entrepreneurial ventures.

In education, digital literacy takes the format of advancements of illustrations. Using computers and videos helps students understand something as simple as the water cycle or solar system. The illustrations are useful for medical students as well, and can use digital literacy and computer graphics to understand how the human heart functions. Computers may be used for the purpose of creating better presentations and reports as well.

In the field of marketing, a designer can create infographics that are easier to understand for the common man. Similarly in the legal field, digital literacy allows a practitioner to access similar instances that occurred in the past and figure out ways in which he can use the information to the best benefit for his legal case.

Being digital savvy does not necessarily mean that one has to be good at coding. But a certain level of comfort with using the computer is a must. One can then use the internet to figure out the information which is required at the time.

People can access internet as a source of information which helps them with their profession. A government entity keeps aware of how things progress in other parts of the world. A medical practitioner can figure out the latest of trends and happening news from other parts of the world. Trekkers can come to know where the nearest guest house is, and athletes can come to figure out the equipment that can enhance their game. Scientists can keep a tab over the innovations from the rest of the world, while agriculturists can figure out ways to enhance their produce. It is all powered by digital literacy. Digital literacy is an endless source of knowledge that helps develop better prototypes for automotive industry and all branches associated with mechanical engineering, development of pharmaceuticals and the animation industry as well.

Digital literacy also helps at a political level, and one is empowered to look beyond rumours and fake news. Similarly in times of calamity, digital literacy comes across as a means of keeping connected with people from around the globe. Sharing critical information, such as a lost parcel found in the vicinity too can be done by putting digital literacy to avail.

Digital literacy affects business decisions as well, and one has better idea about a dealer’s reputation before doing business with them.

Educating the individual for digital aspects

While digital literacy offers a number of advantages, it has certain drawbacks as well, and gives rise to cyber crimes and frauds. There may be cases wherein the internet draws people towards the wrong direction.

It is for their reasons that organizations and governments need to be on guard and safeguard the citizens against misdealing of any nature. It is very important for the regulation authorities to be a step ahead in technological innovation, such that they are in a position to counter anyone with wrong intention, and effectively keep cyber crime under check.

In particular for the developing countries, the governments must make a conscious effort to promote the use of computers, and the common man must feel that this is something that he must necessarily know about. It is the need of the hour.

A number of organizations are nowadays on a lookout for candidates who have sound digital skills, along with their basic skill sets. It is in general better for an individual to be digitally savvy.

Social media lets one keep connected, while being digitally savvy keeps one mentally occupied. It is hence better from the psychological point of view as well.