Stay ahead of the technological curve in 2023 with expert tips from NextGen Academy. From novices to tech gurus, we’ve got the tools and tips to boost your technological literacy and keep you up-to-date on the latest advancements. So, buckle up and get ready to embrace the future.
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Welcome to 2023, a time where technology has permeated every aspect of our lives. From smartphones to self-driving cars, to AI, technology is now an integral part of the world we live in. However, despite its many benefits, there are still many people who struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements.
Contrary to popular belief, the older generation are not the only ones who have a hard time keeping up with technology in 2023. And that’s totally ok! At the end of the day, we all have different interests, and technology may not be one of them.
However, it is important to keep up with the times, so that you are not isolated from current trends. If you do not stay updated, then you will become outdated. If you’re having a hard time boosting your technological literacy in 2023, don’t worry – the NextGen Academy is here to help!
Whether you’re a complete novice, or you’re someone who is looking to upskill, these tips are guaranteed to help you keep up with the latest technological advancements:
1. Keep up with the news
One of the best ways to stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements is by following the news. With so many technology news outlets available, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Some of the most popular technology news websites include TechCrunch, The Verge, Wired, and Engadget.
By keeping up with the latest technology news, you’ll be able to learn about new products, services, and technologies. You’ll also be able to keep up with the latest trends and understand how they may impact your life by making it easier. In short, reading technology news is an easy and enjoyable way to become more technologically literate.
“News” doesn’t always have to be boring and formal. Keeping up with trends can also be done through social media platforms such as Twitter and YouTube. Some people may disregard social media as more informal ways of gathering credible information, but there are trusted journalists and bloggers on these platforms that disseminate information with verifiable sources. It all depends on who you follow.
2. Learn from online courses
If you’re keen about improving your technological literacy, taking an online course can be a great way to learn new skills. There are many online courses available that cover a wide range of technology-related topics, from basic computer skills to advanced programming.
Some of the most popular online learning platforms include Coursera, edX, AWS and Udemy. These platforms offer a wide range of courses, so you’re sure to find one that matches your interests and skill level. If you invest two hours learning a new skill on online learning platforms everyday, in 6 months, you’ll become more knowledgeable and confident in your abilities.
3. Attend tech events
Attending technology events can be a great way to learn about new products, services, and technologies. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people and network with industry professionals. There are many technology events held around the world, ranging from small local meetups to large conferences. The trick is to find the ones closest to you that are both interesting and have prominent public figures (tech influencers) attending the events.
If you’re looking to attend a technology event, some of the most popular ones include Ingressive for Good Hackathon/Hackfest and Tech Unite Africa. These events cover a wide range of topics and are attended by industry professionals. Banking institutions also host events periodically, so keep an eye out for their announcements, connect with them on social media and make out time to attend them.
Tech events are also ways to expand your network, build genuine friendships with people of similar interests and possibly get involved in ongoing projects that can be added to your portfolio. Read more about building a CV and portfolio here.
4. Take advantage of online tutorials and videos
If you prefer to learn at your own pace, online tutorials and videos can be a great resource. There are many tutorials and videos available that cover a wide range of technology-related topics, from how to use software to building your own website.
Some of the most popular tutorial and video websites include YouTube, Lynda, and Khan Academy. These websites offer a wide range of content, so you’re sure to find something that matches your interests adequately. Tutorials are a great way to learn and practise what you are being taught simultaneously. They are great if you are a visual learner, easily accessible (through internet and mobile devices), cheaper alternatives if you wish to save cost and they encourage memory retention of what you have learnt.
5. Embrace new technology
Finally, if you want to be more technologically literate, you need to be willing to embrace new technology. It’s easy to become set in your ways and stick to what you know, but doing so can be limiting. Remaining in your comfort zone stagnates your growth, which means you become outdated in a few years.
Instead, make an effort to try new technologies and explore new products and services. If you are interested in building a product or service with the use of technology, you should acquaint yourself with existing services. This will give you insights on what to do, how to do it and mistakes to avoid.
Embracing new technology also enables you to give user feedback to the company, which in turn helps them improve their product or service. Whether it’s a new social media platform or a new smartphone, trying new things is the best way to learn and stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements.
Technology is here to stay, and it’s up to us to keep up with the latest advancements. As a tech newbie, the NextGen Academy prepares you for the world of technology, by training you to learn in-demand tech skills. The three tracks offered by the NextGen Academy are Front End Development, Back End Development and Product Design.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to become more technologically literate in 2023 and beyond. So what are you waiting for? Start learning today!
