It is worth noting that technology allows youth from all over the world to unite and collaborate with each other, allowing them to seamlessly form a community, a privilege afforded by the current generation where technology prevails. Within an educational context, utilizing technology enables us to acquire information which is particularly essential in gaining awareness of what is going on around the world, feeding us knowledge pertaining to various matters. (Haddock et al, 2022)
When we talk about technology literacy, we should acknowledge that it goes beyond merely knowing how to operate devices. It includes comprehending the usage of digital communication, information literacy, along with the ethical implications of technology use. Technology plays a pivotal role particularly in areas of communication, education, and international relations. What can we do in order to make the best use of technology? Social media, blogs, and online forums can be leveraged to share insights regarding critical issues such as climate change, social justice, and public health. For instance, youth-led initiatives have gained traction on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where young activists raise awareness regarding the sustainable development goals. (Haddock et al, 2022)
Young people in particular, can get the most out of technology through advocating for policies which promote sustainable development through social media platforms. Workshops and educational programs can facilitate discussions on the sustainable development goals as well as matters concerning the ASEAN region among youth, allowing them to gain a better understanding about the society. One of the initiatives worth exploring include mentorship programs which connect students with industry professionals providing them with the proper guidance and insights. AYO Academy equips students with skills necessary for their personal development, gained through courses along with well-documented resources. (Seland, 2024)
Some of the programs aimed at enhancing digital skills for youth through community-based training include workshops and mentorship programs, which encompass various disciplines such as coding, digital marketing, graphic designing, and other essential skills. Nowadays, these programs exist all over the media, offering considerable opportunities for young people. Joining such a program is merely one click away, considering the accessibility of those programs. Here are some of the examples of programs focusing on digital skills which can be accessed online.
- Online Mentorship Programs : Generally involves one-on-one sessions held through Zoom or Google Meet, in which mentors provide guidance to mentees, offering personalized advice along with supporting the mentees throughout the projects.
- Online Volunteering : With various organizations such as NGOs, organizations focusing on specific sustainable development goals, along with international organizations, young people can gain extensive knowledge and broaden their networks through joining these organizations and participating in their volunteering programs.
- Online Webinars : Nowadays, websites and Instagram accounts promoting online webinars are all over the media. Various organizations and companies usually hold monthly online talkshows or webinars surrounding specific topics, allowing young people to gain insights and even engage in a conversation during the Q&A session or breakout room sessions.
- Online Courses : AYO Academy is one of the platforms which provides courses for young people to access covering various topics from climate and environmental policy , biodiversity conservation in ASEAN, sustainable agriculture and food security, to ASEAN affairs. Young people are able to gain knowledge on specific topics by taking part in these courses.
Digital and communication skills are deemed essential as most industries now require some level of technological proficiency. Technology literacy itself offers the ability to think critically, implements problem-solving and creativity skills in youth. Through the appropriate utilization of technology in accommodating the proper education for young people, technology can serve as a platform in which young people earn knowledge on various topics and digital skills which are crucial considering that modern jobs require a foundational understanding of digital skills. (Kadhim, 2024)
References
Positive Effects of Digital Technology Use by Adolescents: A Scoping Review of the Literature, 2022. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9658971/
Intersecting Knowledge on Young People’s Well-Being and Use of Digital Technology Across Contexts: A Scoping Review Synthesis, 2024. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378627823_Intersecting_Knowledge_on_Young_People’s_Well-Being_and_Use_of_Digital_Technology_Across_Contexts_A_Scoping_Review_Synthesis
Digital Literacy and Its Importance in the Modern Workforce, 2024. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382641453_Digital_Literacy_and_Its_Importance_in_the_Modern_Workforce
