It is important to know how to use a computer and other digital tools to work efficiently and manage information at work and at home. Being able to create a PowerPoint presentation, use software to manage monthly bills and use a GPS (Global Positioning System) to find directions to a local restaurant, are considered digital skills that can help you get a better job. Additional digital literacy skills include: being able to send and receive email, use the internet to find specific information, and use professional networking and other communication technology such as Twitter. Digital literacy skills make you more competitive in the job market. Some countries have even taken the step of developing standardized digital literacy testing to ensure a competent worker pool. Most community colleges and universities have implemented or are developing computer literacy placement tests and curriculum for new students.

If you are a resident of Illinois, there are low or no-cost opportunities to upgrade your digital skills. An exciting new offering from Illinois workNet provides free vouchers for Microsoft’s Elevate America Program. The program is a designed to build computer skills. Begin building your computer skills today by simply watching the video provided and following on-screen prompts.

In addition to the new computer literacy offering from Illinois workNet, there are other opportunities for Illinois residents to become digitally literate at little or no cost. Most public libraries have computers for public use and some offer free computer tutoring. Illinois community colleges offer adult not-for-credit computer training at most sites. Some also offer ELS computer classes. Many Illinois Resource Rooms offer computers for public use and computer skills workshops.

In today’s business world, digital literacy can also include competency with a digital camera, the ability to interpret Global Positioning System information, and using the business applications of smartphones.

Resources for locating digital literacy training opportunities

Community Colleges

• A list of community colleges in Illinois is located on the ICCB website.
• An example of continuing adult education computer classes available at Illinois community colleges can be found on the John Wood Community College website.

Public Libraries

• PublicLibraries.com provides an alphabetical listing of Illinois Public Libraries with phone number, address, and website where available.
• A Gates Foundation Grant to Illinois libraries for updates of public use digital technology was announced July 16, 2009.
• American Library Association provides the 2008-2009 Public Library Funding and Access Study.

Resource Rooms

• Use Illinois workNet to find a Resource Room near you that has free public access to computers.

Additional articles of interest regarding digital literacy.

• NetworkWorld asks if digital literacy is a job requirement or a buzzword.
• Here you will find Microsoft’s digital literacy homepage.
• Kick your computer search-skills up a notch by taking advice from Search Engine Land.
• The online Digital Literacy Project is (according to its homepage heading), “eradicating digital illiteracy one automotive technician at a time.”
• Educause Quarterly discusses digital literacy in the 21^st century.
• A news-feed from Reuter’s discusses Certiport Global Standards for digital literacy.
• The Business Ledger discusses digital literacy for workforce development.

Smartphones

• PC World Business Center discusses the business uses of the iPhone.
• Businesses track your smartphone use for marketing purposes according to the NY Times.com.
• An interesting cell phone app for remote-control agricultural use is described at Textually.org.

Digital Cameras

• Digital Studio describes business uses of digital cameras, buying a camera, and operating a camera.
• Ideas and guidelines for business use of digital cameras.
• How Stuff Works explains how digital cameras work.

GPS

• USA.Gov provides a GPS operational overview and explains its many uses.
• Examples of successful GPS use by small businesses can be found at CNN.com
• North Dakota State University provides a reprint of John Deere & Company article regarding GPS uses in agriculture.