"Understanding Digital Skills is like a special book called an eBook. It's made to help you understand and learn about digital skills. Digital skills are all the cool things you can do with technology, like using computers, smartphones, and the internet. This eBook is for everyone who wants to get better at using technology. It's perfect for beginners who are just starting to explore the digital world. But even professionals who already know a lot can use it to learn even more and keep up with the latest cool things in technology. You can learn all kinds of things with digital skills. For example, you can learn how to use social media like Facebook and Instagram. You can also learn how to stay safe when you're online and make sure bad people don't do mean things to you. And if you want to sell things online, you can learn how to do that too! Digital skills open up a whole world of possibilities. The best part is, you can learn these skills on the internet! You don't have to go to a special place or have a special class. As long as you have a computer or a smartphone and a good internet connection, you can learn all these cool things from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a pen and a book to take notes and remember what you learn. There are so many skills you can learn online. Once you figure out what you're really good at, you can focus on learning a skill in that area. When you use your skills to help people and solve their problems, you can even make money from it! That means you won't have to worry about not having a job. If you're not sure what skill to learn or where to start, don't worry! This eBook will answer all your questions. It will help you choose the right skills that match your strengths. It will also tell you about the skills that can make you a lot of money. It's like a guidebook that will help you discover, develop, and make the most of your skills. So let's get started on this exciting journey of learning digital skills! It's going to be so much fun!" WHY LEARN A DIGITAL SKILL IN 2023! Hey there, young reader! I know you're probably wondering why digital skills are so important in 2023. Well, let me tell you a little story. A few years ago, I decided to learn a special skill using technology, and it completely changed my life! It's called a high income digital skill. Learning this skill helped me make a lot of money and take care of all my expenses. It's like magic! You know what? It's not just about the money. It's also about having the kind of life you dream of. Technology is becoming a big part of our lives, and if you learn a digital skill, it can help you have the lifestyle you want. So, my advice to you is to start learning a digital skill today. It's something that anyone can learn, including you! Trust me, a few years from now, you'll be so glad you made that decision. It's going to be amazing, and you won't regret it! So don't wait any longer. Start learning a digital skill today and get ready for an awesome future!" WHAT ARE DIGITAL SKILLS? Before we dive in, let's talk about skills. Do you know what a skill is? Well, it's something you can do really well after practicing and gaining experience. It's like becoming a master at something! Now, here's the exciting part. You can practice your skills online, right from the comfort of your own room! All you need is the internet, a device like a computer or a tablet, and your focus. Isn't that amazing? But what exactly is a "digital skill"? It's all about using technology in a smart and efficient way to do different things in a digital world. There are so many digital skills you can learn, like using computer programs, exploring the internet, talking to people online, and finding and understanding information. Here's an important thing to remember: if you want to be really good at a skill, you have to learn everything about it. You want to stand out from the crowd, right? Sometimes there will be other people who know a lot about the same skill, so you have to work hard and learn as much as you can. That's why I always say, "Learn a Digital Skill Today!" Digital skills are super important because technology is changing the way we live and work. It's like a whole new world of possibilities opening up! So, get ready to explore the digital world and learn some amazing skills. You can do it, and it's going to be so much fun! WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN A DIGITAL SKILL? I have so many reasons why learning a digital skill is super important. Let me tell you a few of them! First, learning a digital skill can make you more employable. That means you'll have a better chance of getting a job or a promotion. Employers are looking for people who know how to use technology to do all kinds of cool things, like analyzing data or marketing on social media. By having digital skills, you'll stand out from the crowd! Next, digital skills can make you more productive. That means you can get things done faster and better. There are apps and tools that can help you manage your time and work with others easily. So you'll be a super efficient and organized superstar! Another reason is that digital skills help you communicate better. You can use email, video calls, and messages to stay connected with friends, family, and even people at work. It's like having your own special way of talking to people, no matter where they are! Digital skills also give you access to a ton of information. You can learn how to find things online, do research, and understand data. This helps you make smart decisions and stay updated with all the latest stuff happening in the world. And guess what? Learning a digital skill is not just about work. It's also about personal growth and having fun! You can learn new things, challenge yourself, and even start your own blog or create awesome digital art. These are just a few reasons why learning a digital skill is so important. There are many more, but these should get you excited about exploring the digital world. So let's dive deeper and discover all the amazing things you can do with digital skills in 2023! DIGITAL SKILLS IN HIGH DEMAND IN 2023 The job market is always changing and getting bigger. It can be really discouraging to spend a lot of time and energy learning a skill, only to find out there aren't many job opportunities for it. But don't let that stop you! Instead, let it push you to be smart and purposeful as you start your career journey. To stay ahead and stand out from the competition, it's important to focus on learning skills that are in high demand. These are the skills that employers are really looking for. According to a report from LinkedIn in 2022, some of the top hard skills that employers wanted were: Coding and programming: This is all about creating and building computer programs and apps. It's a skill that's needed in many industries, from technology to finance. Data analysis: With so much information available, being able to analyze and understand data is valuable. It helps companies make better decisions and solve problems. Digital marketing: This skill involves using social media, websites, and other online platforms to promote products or services. It's a great way to reach a large audience and grow a business. Project management: This skill is about planning, organizing, and leading projects. It's important for making sure things get done on time and within budget. User experience (UX) design: UX designers create websites and apps that are easy to use and enjoyable for people. They focus on making things user-friendly and visually appealing. These are just a few examples, but there are many other skills that are in demand too. By focusing on learning these high-demand skills, you'll increase your chances of finding exciting job opportunities and staying relevant in the ever-changing job market. So, be strategic and go after those skills that employers are looking for. Good luck on your career journey! 1. Blockchain 2. Cloud Computing 3. Analytical Reasoning 4. Artificial Intelligence 5. UX Design 6. Business Analysis 7. Affiliate Marketing 8. Sales 9. Scientific Computing 10. Video Production These aren’t the only skills that earn a high income, but they are the most required in 2022 down to 2023. Other Digital Skills you can learn are: Transcription Email marketing SEO Translation Copy writing Technical Writing 3D animation Video editing 6 SONIA AYISA ATSEN Video editing Audio Production Social Media Marketing Graphics Design Photography Website Building Start-up Consulting Voice Acting Label and package design Investment Research Programming Mobile App Development Proofreading and Editing Learning A Foreign Language Legal Writing Resume/Cover Letter Writing SOFT AND HARD SKILLS When it comes to skills, they can be divided into two main categories: soft skills and hard skills. In the past, hard skills like education and productivity were the most important for career growth. But things have changed now. While hard skills are still crucial for your career, soft skills are just as important. Success isn't just about what you know and can do; it's also about how well you can communicate, manage your time, work with others, be creative, and show leadership. Soft skills are all about your personal qualities and abilities that help you interact with people. There are so many examples of soft skills. In addition to the ones mentioned earlier, soft skills include things like stress management, resolving conflicts, building good relationships with others, being honest and dependable, making good decisions, and understanding and managing your emotions. Soft skills are really important because they help you adapt to different situations at work and in your personal life. They allow you to handle challenges in a positive way and work well with others. Let me give you some examples of soft skills: Communication: Being able to express yourself clearly in speaking and writing. Teamwork: Working together with others, sharing ideas, and supporting team goals. Leadership: Inspiring and guiding others towards a common goal. Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and using time wisely. Problem-Solving: Analyzing complex situations, coming up with solutions, and taking the best action. Adaptability: Adjusting to new situations and being effective in changing environments. Creativity: Thinking outside the box, coming up with new ideas, and being innovative. Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your own emotions and showing empathy towards others. Conflict Resolution: Managing and resolving conflicts in a positive and helpful way. Soft skills are really important in today's workplace because they allow professionals to work well with others, communicate effectively, and adapt to new situations. So, it's essential to have a good balance of both soft skills and hard skills to be truly successful in your career. Hard skills are abilities that you can learn through education or training. They are specific knowledge and techniques you need to be successful in a job. Unlike soft skills, which are more about how you work with others, hard skills can be measured and proven through certifications, degrees, and work experience. There are lots of hard skills you can learn, and the good news is that you can learn many of them online! Here are some examples: Coding and programming: You can learn languages like Python, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS through online platforms like Codecademy, Udemy, and Coursera. Digital marketing: You can learn skills like SEO (search engine optimization), social media marketing, and email marketing through courses and programs like Google Analytics Academy, HubSpot Academy, and Hootsuite Academy. Graphic design: Platforms like Skillshare and Udemy offer online courses where you can learn graphic design skills using tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Data analysis: Online courses and programs on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX can teach you skills like Excel, SQL, and Tableau, which are important for analyzing data. Web development: You can learn skills like website design, content management systems, and ecommerce through online courses and programs like W3Schools, Udacity, and Codecademy. Video production: If you're interested in video editing, motion graphics, and storytelling, platforms like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, and Skillshare have online courses and certification programs for you. Auditing: Auditing is all about providing detailed financial information about an organization to ensure accuracy and help stakeholders make better decisions. Legal: Legal skills involve knowledge of laws, regulations, and procedures that guide different aspects of life. They help protect intellectual property, handle transactions and contracts, and more. Project management: Project management is about using principles, procedures, and policies to successfully manage work projects, organizing and achieving goals within specific timeframes. Spreadsheets: Spreadsheets are electronic documents that help organize, analyze, and store numerical data. They can perform complex functions and are useful in many fields. These are just a few examples of hard skills you can learn. There are many more out there! Online platforms offer various opportunities for you to learn these skills and enhance your abilities. HIGH INCOME SKILLS If you want to learn a new skill or improve on the ones you already have, it's important to consider the financial benefits. One of the main reasons people offer their services or sell solutions is to make money. Learning a skill can open up opportunities for you to earn money and become financially independent. For example, if you enjoy writing, graphic design, or translating, you can turn those skills into a source of income. But it's even better if you focus on mastering skills that have a high income potential and align with your interests. This means you can earn more money doing something you love. Here are some skills that can bring in a high income in 2023: 1. Copywriting: This involves writing texts for advertising or marketing purposes. The words you write, called sales copy, are used on websites, ads, and promotional materials to persuade people to buy something. 1. Programming: This is the process of designing and building computer programs to achieve specific results. It's like giving instructions to a computer to perform tasks. 1. Website Development: Website developers create and design websites for businesses and individuals. They write lines of complicated code using different languages to make websites work. 1. Digital Marketing: Digital marketing involves promoting products or services through electronic devices like computers and smartphones. It includes different areas like email marketing, pay-per-click advertising, social media marketing, affiliate marketing, content marketing, and search engine marketing. In digital marketing, social media marketing is about using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote a product or service. It's becoming more popular because it helps companies reach customers and track the success of their campaigns. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is another important aspect of digital marketing. It involves optimizing a website to get more targeted traffic from search engines like Google. By using the right keywords and strategies, you can increase the quantity and quality of visitors to a website. If you're interested in social media marketing or SEO, your job would involve creating and implementing strategies, managing social media profiles, developing engaging content, responding to followers, and more. Consulting and coaching are also valuable skills. Coaches provide training and preparation for people, while consultants give expert advice in specific fields. They help clients set goals and find the best ways to achieve them. Remember, learning high-income skills can lead to financial success and independence. If you're interested in any of these skills, you can explore online courses and guides that teach you step-by-step. It's a great investment in yourself and your future. WHERE TO LEARN DIGITAL SKILLS FOR FREE? Hey there! Before you jump into learning a digital skill this year, I want to share some important things with you. These tips and exercises will help you find the skill that suits you best: 1. Find your Passion: When it comes to learning a digital skill, it's super important to find something you're passionate about. If you're not excited and interested in what you're learning, it can be hard to stay motivated. Finding your passion makes learning more fun and enjoyable. It also helps you stay motivated and gives you a sense of satisfaction when you do well. 1. Career goals: If you're learning a digital skill to boost your career, it's a good idea to think about the skills that are in demand in your industry. Look for skills that align with your career goals and will help you stand out. This way, you'll be learning something that can really benefit your future job prospects. 1. Skill level: It's important to know where you stand in terms of your current skill level. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced learner? This will help you find the right learning materials and courses that match your level. It's important to start with something that suits your skills so that you can learn and grow at the right pace. 1. Learning goals: Before you start learning a digital skill, it's a good idea to set clear goals for yourself. What do you want to achieve? Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals will help you stay focused and motivated. It's like having a roadmap that guides you on your learning journey. Remember, learning a digital skill can be exciting and rewarding, but it's important to find something you're passionate about. Consider your career goals, know your skill level, and set clear learning goals for yourself. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to mastering a digital skill that you'll enjoy and benefit from! WHERE CAN I LEARN SKILLS Hey there! There are lots of places online where you can learn cool stuff for free! But before you start, there are a few things you'll need: 1. Passion: It's important to be interested in what you're learning. Find something that excites you and makes you curious. When you're passionate about a subject, it's easier to stay motivated and enjoy the learning process. 1. Good internet connection: Make sure you have a strong and reliable internet connection. You'll need it to access the online platforms and watch the videos or take the courses. 1. Device: You'll need a device like a smartphone, tablet, or laptop that can connect to the internet. This way, you can access the online platforms and learn from anywhere. 1. Pen and notebook: It's helpful to have a pen and notebook handy to take important notes while you're learning. Writing things down can help you remember and understand better. Once you have all these things, you're ready to start learning online! There are so many platforms available where you can learn different skills. Let me tell you about some of them: - Coursera: They have partnered with universities to offer courses on many subjects. They have over 2700 courses available. - Khan Academy: This nonprofit platform offers free classes that let you learn at your own pace. - Alison: You can learn and get certified in various skills on this platform. They have many free courses available. - Udacity: If you're interested in data science and technology, this platform is great for you. They have courses taught by teachers from prestigious institutions. - Edx: This platform has thousands of online courses backed by esteemed institutions like Harvard and John Hopkins. You can find both free and paid courses here. - Codecademy: This is a fantastic platform if you want to learn coding. It's free, and they have supportive groups and a points system to keep you motivated. - YouTube: You probably know YouTube for entertainment, but did you know there are tons of educational videos too? You can find videos on a wide range of skills. - TED-Ed: TED-Ed shares ideas and knowledge through engaging talks. You can find talks that can help you improve both your soft and hard skills. - Udemy: This platform offers a wide variety of courses, and you can read reviews from other students before signing up for a course. - Lynda.com: Similar to Netflix, Lynda offers a paid membership where you can access as many courses as you want. They have courses on various skills. - Sitepoint: This platform is perfect for website developers. They offer a monthly membership with access to courses, community discussions, tutorials, and more. These are just a few of the platforms available for learning. So explore, find what interests you, and start learning awesome new skills online! CONCLUSION Listen up! I've got something important to tell you. In 2023, it's super important for everyone, including you, to have a digital skill if you want to stay relevant in the digital world. Yup, that's right, you're not an exception! Learning a digital skill is like learning anything else—it gets better with practice. And guess what? You can practice right from the comfort of your own home! Pretty cool, huh? Let me tell you a story about a lady who thought she was too old to go to school. She was 36 years old and worried that if she went to school, she wouldn't graduate until she was 40, which she thought was embarrassing. But you know what someone told her? They said, "Whether you go to school or not, in four years, you'll still be 40. So, what do you have to lose?" Wise words, right? So, my question to you is this: What do you have to lose by learning a new skill, especially when you can do it online, right from home, and plan your own schedule? The truth is, ideas don't always come to us fully formed. They become clear as we work on them. But you have to put in the effort and take action to achieve your goals. So, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and start learning. You never know where it might lead you. Embrace the digital world and get ready to soar! Learn a Digital skill today! About me? Let me introduce you to Kome Mohamad, an amazing author who loves technology and digital skills. She's been working in the digital world for more than seven years, and for the past four years, she's been a software developer. Cool, right? Kome's experience has given her a special understanding of technology, and now she wants to share her knowledge with others through her writing. She's written several eBooks, and her latest one is called "Understanding Digital Skills." In this book, she explains all the important skills you need to know for working in the digital world. From coding and data analysis to designing user-friendly websites and doing digital marketing, she covers it all! What's great about Kome's writing is that it's easy to understand, even if you're just starting to learn about technology. She explains things in a clear and simple way so that everyone can follow along. Kome is an independent author, which means she publishes her own books. She puts a lot of effort into making them top-notch, informative, and fun to read. Readers love her books and have given them excellent reviews. They appreciate her deep knowledge, her writing style, and how she makes technical stuff easy for everyone to understand. When Kome isn't busy coding, she loves keeping up with the latest tech trends. She attends tech conferences and works with other developers on open-source projects. She believes that technology has the power to make the world a better place, and she's excited to be a part of that transformation through her writing. So, if you're interested in learning about digital skills and want a book that explains everything clearly, Kome Mohamad's "Understanding Digital Skills" is just what you need!