As an Excel trainer, lots of people contact me thinking they need advanced Excel skills to become more productive. However, when we dive deeper into their actual struggles, it often becomes clear that what they really need is better digital literacy. Let me explain why this matters so much, and what it practically looks like.
Why Digital Literacy Comes First
Digital literacy covers essential computer and internet skills needed to interact effectively with digital tools, platforms, and resources. It forms the foundational skills required for anything you’ll ever do digitally, including working proficiently in Excel.
Imagine this scenario: You’re stuck troubleshooting a complex Excel formula. When you reach out for assistance online, someone asks, “Can you send a screenshot?” Instead of quickly capturing and sharing your screen, you lose valuable time figuring out this basic task.
These seemingly minor inefficiencies occur frequently. Often, your actual headache isn’t caused by Excel itself, but rather by fundamental gaps in digital literacy skills like:
- Taking screenshots
- Extracting (unzipping) files
- Converting files between different formats (CSV, XLSX, PDF)
- Copying and pasting error messages and system logs
- Understanding basic web errors like “404 Not Found”
- Switching browsers when experiencing compatibility issues
- Creating and managing strong, secure passwords
- Using keyboard shortcuts effectively
- Understanding file naming conventions and organizing files in folders
- Using cloud storage services effectively (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Managing software updates and installations
- Identifying phishing attempts and suspicious emails
- Adjusting basic computer and display settings (resolution, brightness, text size)
- Effectively using search engines to find relevant information
- Clearing browser cache and cookies
Without mastering these foundational skills first, every step toward advanced proficiency becomes unnecessarily difficult.
Digital Literacy: Your Key to Self-Sufficiency
All these basic digital skills significantly boost your productivity and self-sufficiency. But inevitably, you’ll face situations where technology doesn’t behave as expected—that’s simply its nature. When that happens, your success with advanced tools like Excel or AI doesn’t solely depend on the tools themselves, but on how effectively you respond to issues.
Do you throw your hands up and vaguely declare, “This doesn’t work”? Or do you systematically document and communicate:
- What exactly broke? Clearly describe the issue, including any error messages.
- When did it happen? Note the timing or frequency of the issue.
- What were you doing at the time? Describe the precise actions you took leading up to the problem.
- What have you tried so far? Outline the troubleshooting steps you’ve already attempted.
- What do you want it to do instead? Clearly define the intended outcome.
- What specifically didn’t work? Document your attempts and the results clearly.
Being thorough in your troubleshooting makes it far easier to receive meaningful help—from both humans and AI.
Why AI Demands Strong Digital Literacy
AI tools such as Excel’s Copilot promise massive productivity gains, but only if you clearly communicate your needs. AI systems require explicit instructions. Unlike humans, they lack empathy or nuanced understanding of context. Digital literacy empowers you to give precise, structured information to AI tools, dramatically increasing their effectiveness.
AI works best when you’re in the driver’s seat, clearly defining your desired outcomes. Excel’s Copilot, for example, excels at taking orders but isn’t designed to independently steer your workflow. Your clear, detailed communication is crucial.
Improving Your Digital Literacy
Enhancing digital literacy isn’t overwhelming; it’s about regular practice and simple strategies:
- Practice Daily Tasks: Regularly perform simple tasks such as screenshots or file conversions to gain proficiency.
- Utilize Online Tutorials: Quick, free online tutorials can quickly strengthen your foundational skills.
- Systematic Troubleshooting: Consciously apply basic troubleshooting (switch browsers, clear cache, review error logs) before escalating issues.
If you’re looking to boost your digital literacy, I’d recommend the free courses from Cisco’s Networking Academy. Also, check out your local library. Many offer excellent self-paced or live sessions to build digital skills.
Digital Literacy is Your Launchpad
Digital literacy is the foundation upon which advanced Excel formulas, PivotTables, and AI-driven capabilities must be built. It’s not glamorous, but without mastering these basics, all future digital tasks become significantly harder.
Before diving headfirst into advanced Excel techniques or complex AI functionalities, assess your digital literacy level honestly. Invest in strengthening these fundamentals first. Your digitally-advanced future self will thank you immensely.
What questions do you have about the role of digital literacy in Excel and AI success? Let me know in the comments.
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