The importance of digital skills and motives for acquiring them

Modern technology and digitalisation are making our lives easier and better, both personally and professionally. Provided we are confident, critical and responsible in their use. This is what digital literacy enables us to do, and why it is becoming one of the key skills of the present and the future. It is indispensable for anyone who wants to be a responsible member of society, to understand and participate actively in current events, not just observe them. It gives us access to a wide range of learning opportunities and forms. We increase our chances of finding a job that suits our own potentials and aspirations and, as a result, of doing our work with joy and passion. Or simply simplify our lives to have more time for the things that make us happy.

This work "Na fotografiji je roka, ki se dotika virtualnih ikon, ki predstavljajo različne digitalne aplikacije in funkcionalnosti." by Nevenka Kocijančič is licensed under All rights reserved

Digital literacy is not just about access to technology, it is about acquiring the skills to use it effectively and safely. It must be understood as part of the individual's learning journey. Motivation is key, with a clear purpose behind it. The motives vary according to the generation, the life stage of individuals and their career and personal goals. 

The motives of the younger generations are mainly career advancement, social cohesion, continuous learning, creativity and fun. Knowledge of digital tools and platforms is often one of the key requirements for recruitment. Digital platforms allow individuals to connect with coworkers, mentors and business partners in real time, no matter where they are. They also enable engagement in virtual learning and communities of interest and access to virtual learning content, classrooms and platforms. The motives of the working age population are relevance and competitiveness in maintaining and taking on new roles in the work environment, and continuing personal and professional development. The motives of the post-career generations are maintaining regular communication and thus a social network, easy access to a variety of services, and taking care of health and well-being. They use digital tools to benefit from different learning opportunities and keep their minds sharp, engage in hobbies and rediscover their hidden or dormant talents. 

Digital literacy is not just for younger generations, or what can they learn from older generations in the field of digital literacy?

It is a misconception that only younger generations can learn digital skills. Unlike the older generations, who are considered 'digital immigrants', we describe them as 'digital natives'. This division is based on the perception that older people are less skilled in using modern tools. That they resist change or find it harder to embrace it. We forget that it was the 'immigrant' generation that started working with computers and that they have experienced and co-created more change than the younger generations who were born into the world of these tools. And why shouldn't they be able to keep learning? 

This work "Na fotografiji starejši moški in mlajši fant po videoklicu na tablici komunicirata z nasmejano žensko." by Nevenka Kocijančič is licensed under All rights reserved

Many 'immigrants' have been convinced, during the Covid health crisis, that modern technologies can make life more comfortable. They are successfully learning new ways of communicating. They have the experience and wisdom to help younger generations to use modern technology in a useful and safer way. They pass on to them the ability to think critically and ethically, to check sources and to avoid misinformation. They also contribute to responsible digital content creation by sharing recommendations on safe online practices, data protection and privacy. They advise them on why and how to use digital tools for long-term business growth, not just for short-term gains. They also stress the importance of preserving and nurturing traditional human values. By recognising the value that older individuals can bring to the digital literacy of younger generations, we can create a more balanced and holistic approach to learning and developing these skills. This is done most effectively in mentoring relationships.

Why mentoring is a great place to learn digital skills?

Digital literacy is not a destination, but an ongoing learning journey. Technology is constantly evolving. Keeping up to date with the latest trends and tools is a challenge. It is successfully addressed by mentors who offer insights, advice and best practices based on their own experience and empower individuals to become more proficient and confident in using modern technology. They advise them on how to use it to maximise their own potential and make them aware that digital literacy is about the ability to adapt and learn continuously. Years do not matter. What matters is a growth mindset and a willingness to learn. In the supportive and collaborative environment of a mentoring relationship, individuals gain confidence in themselves, in their own learning and digital abilities, which helps them to overcome any fears and inhibitions they may have in using modern technology. 

This work "Na fotografiji mlajši moški pomaga starejši ženski pri uporabi prenosnega računalnika. Oba sta nasmejana in sedita v knjižnici." by Nevenka Kocijančič is licensed under All rights reserved

Reverse and mutual mentoring are particularly effective for acquiring and strengthening digital skills. Both nurture and reinforce a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. They ensure inclusion and equality for all. Young people feel more valued and accepted, while older, more experienced colleagues stay in touch with advanced technology and modern trends, making organisations more adaptable and future-oriented. Peer mentoring also plays an important role, where members of the same generation, with similar experiences and career paths, take turns as mentors and mentees. They exchange experiences, work together to build digital and other competences and create their own support system.

The power of reverse and mutual mentoring in the acquisition of digital skills

Reverse mentoring emerged in the late 1990s. It has only intensified with the arrival of millennials and Generation Z on the labour market. It has given members of younger generations and employees with less working experience the opportunity to mentor older or more experienced colleagues and introduce them into the secrets and pitfalls of artificial intelligence. They familiarize them with the use of social networks, digital tools, new approaches to work and trends in the field. All with the aim of keeping up with the times and changes in the environment. Not to be afraid of new developments and change, but to embrace them as an opportunity to maintain their status as an equal member of society. They are also taught to think outside the box and to accept different perspectives. 

This work "Na fotografiji mlajša, nasmejana ženska pomaga starejši ženski pri uporabi prenosnega računalnika." by Nevenka Kocijančič is licensed under All rights reserved

A good example is the transfer of personal branding skills through social networks and the use of modern tools to access information and data. By doing this, young people strengthen their mentoring and leadership skills, such as communication, empathy, and critical and strategic thinking.  Reverse mentoring changes the traditional dynamics in mentoring relationships, fostering innovation and creativity by exposing experienced staff to fresh perspectives and new ideas. 

In mutual mentoring, everyone acts as a mentor and mentee, with the aim of mutually filling gaps in skills and competences and investing in each other's growth and success. It is mainly about sharing knowledge on the use of new technologies and digital tools on the one hand, and strategic and critical thinking skills and specific organisational knowledge on the other. 

This work "V procesu mentorstva mladih" by Nevenka Kocijančič is licensed under All rights reserved

The younger ones pass on to the older ones their youthful enthusiasm, innovation and excitement for the constant change they are co-creating. In doing so, they often move them out of old ways of thinking and acting in which they have been stuck, willingly or unwillingly. This format encourages holistic development and growth in several areas at the same time, including digital literacy and leadership skills. By bringing together different perspectives and expertise, mutual mentoring leads to more innovative solutions, especially those involving digital challenges.

How and where to find mentors to build and strengthen digital skills?

The simplest way to find mentoring support is within the workplace, through an organised mentoring programme or directly among colleagues and business leaders who are proficient in the digital skills we want to acquire or improve. In this way, we will also benefit from their expertise in other areas and receive immediate feedback. They may also introduce us to their network. If this is not possible for any reason, we can look outside the workplace within our social network. We can join professional associations and associations of interest, join various online groups, forums and mentoring communities, and participate in various business and education events, webinars and workshops. These are all environments where we can learn from the experts and discover new digital trends, challenges and opportunities. And last but not least, find mentors. 

Tatjana Kolenc is a passionate developer of mentoring culture, mindset and mentoring programmes and co-founder of the Heart Mentoring Platform and the Heart Mentoring Community. She is an ambassador of lifelong learning, a mentor, a co-author of five mentoring books, and an author of professional articles in the field of mentoring, communication, coaching and intergenerational cooperation.