Why Are Digital Literacy Skills Necessary in Education?

In today’s world, you cannot survive without digital literacy skills. You cannot pay a bill online without understanding how websites work. You can’t file your taxes online without knowing how to upload documents.

Without basic computer skills, you cannot apply for a job, buy a house, run a business, or even order supplies.

For students preparing to enter college or the workforce, digital literacy opens doors to academic achievement, better job opportunities, and lifelong learning.

That’s why at LAHC – Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities, we’re deeply committed to equipping youth and adults across Dearborn and Southeastern Michigan with these vital skills through various programs, including our Youth Leadership Bridge to College Program, scholarship opportunities, and adult digital literacy courses.

In this article, we explore why digital literacy skills are necessary in education, how they impact students’ futures, and the ways LAHC is helping learners of all ages build these essential competencies.

Register for LAHC’s free Digital Literacy Course.

What does digital literacy mean?

Digital literacy is the ability to use technology to find, understand, create, and communicate information. It involves using digital tools, technologies, and platforms effectively, responsibly, and safely.

Digital literacy is more than just knowing how to turn on a computer.

Skills include:

Using email correctly
Researching safely and finding trustworthy information online
Communicating clearly through digital platforms
Creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
Protecting personal information and staying safe online

According to the American Library Association, digital literacy combines critical thinking and technical skills. You need to be smart about what you see online and know how to use digital tools properly.

Without digital literacy, people are left behind. They cannot fully participate in school, work, or daily life.

This is why digital literacy skills are necessary in education, starting from a young age, and adult learners must also have the chance to build these skills.

Why are digital literacy skills necessary in education?

Education is not just about textbooks anymore. Today, students need to know how to:

Turn in assignments online
Take digital tests
Research using the internet
Communicate with teachers by email
Join online classes or webinars

If students do not have digital skills, they will struggle in school, later in college, and later still in the workforce.

Today, every job requires some digital literacy. Whether you are an office worker, a nurse, a mechanic, or a business owner, you need to know how to use computers and technology.

Workforce readiness

Building digital literacy skills:

Prepares students for 21st-century jobs
Improves critical thinking
Teaches responsible online behavior
Builds confidence and independence

Digitally literate students are better problem-solvers, better communicators, and better leaders. They are ready for the modern world and job market.

That is why digital literacy must be part of every student’s education. It is not optional anymore — it is a must.

Adaptability

Learning the necessary skills to become accustomed to ever-evolving technology makes it that much easier to adapt as new systems and platforms emerge.

LAHC’s youth programs to help build digital skills early

At LAHC, we understand that success starts early. That is why we invest in our youth through community programs.

LAHC Scholarship Program

The LAHC Scholarship Program for high school seniors helps students continue their education without the heavy burden of college debt.

We support students with strong academic records, leadership skills, and a desire to serve their community.

Helping students access higher education gives them the tools to build a strong future, including digital literacy.

Youth Leadership Bridge to College Program (YLBTCP)

Our Youth Leadership Bridge to College Program offers high school students seminars on leadership, career readiness, and college access.

Topics include:

Resume building
Personal branding
Online communication etiquette
Research skills
Strategic goal setting

Through this program, students learn digital skills that will help them succeed in college and the workforce. They become confident technology users and are better prepared for today’s competitive world.

Digital literacy for adults: Learning has no age limit

It’s not just young people who need digital skills. Many adults in our community were never taught how to use computers, email, or the internet. Some people struggle even with basic tasks.

This is why LAHC offers a Digital Literacy Program for adults—digital literacy skills are necessary at every age.

About our Digital Literacy Program:

6-8 week courses with hands-on training
2-hour sessions to allow enough time for learning
Free laptops provided (or bring your own!)
Topics include:
- Basic laptop navigation
- Using Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Gmail)
- Staying safe online
- Researching trustworthy information
- Creating online profiles (for job applications)

We even offer bilingual English and Arabic teaching to ensure every community member feels comfortable and supported.

Our program is designed for anyone who wants to:

Improve confidence using a laptop
Stay safe while using the internet
Prepare for a better job
Learn skills to help run a business or household

Best of all, our program is entirely free.

Digital literacy and language skills go hand-in-hand

The academic and professional markets in America are much easier to navigate with both digital literacy and proficiency in the English language.

That’s why LAHC also offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.

Our ESL classes help community members:

Improve reading and writing skills
Communicate with teachers, doctors, employers, and public service workers
Understand instructions on websites and online forms

About our ESL classes:

Held Monday to Friday
2-hour sessions
Open to adults 20 years and older
Offered at LAHC headquarters in partnership with Dearborn Public Schools Adult Education Services
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels available

Before you can apply for a job online, send an email, or even pay a bill online, you must be able to read and understand English.

Our ESL program ensures students have the language skills they need to succeed digitally and in life.

How to get involved in preserving digital literacy

If you believe in the power of education and technology, there are many ways you can support LAHC:

Volunteer as a tutor or mentor
Donate to support free community programs
Spread the word about our free digital literacy and ESL classes
Partner with us to bring digital literacy programs to your school, business, or organization

Together, we can ensure that every student, adult, and family in our community has the skills they need to succeed.

LAHC: building a smarter, stronger future together

Why are digital literacy skills necessary in education? Because digital literacy is essential for survival.

Without it, people are locked out of education, job opportunities, healthcare, and everyday life.

At LAHC, we are committed to ensuring that no one, young or old, gets left behind.

Through our scholarship programs, youth leadership initiatives, digital literacy courses, and ESL classes, we are helping build a community ready for the future.