Staying connected: Four ways digital skills can improve your life
Tampa, Fla. (June 26, 2025) - Technology has drastically changed the way we live, ever since the first computer was invented. Even though the digital revolution has changed the lives of billions, every new upgrade or invention has a learning curve. Imagine how foreign the first computer must have seemed in a world without digital technology!
For everyone to be able to utilize technology, getting them access to broadband is the first step. That’s why Connected Nation (CN) is dedicated to closing the Digital Divide through widespread broadband deployment.
However, without the basic skills to use these technologies, simply expanding broadband infrastructure isn’t the gamechanger it should be. Learning digital skills is a necessity to progress in today’s digital world.
CN’s Digital Skills Training program aims to close that learning gap around the nation. By bringing free workshops to those who need them most, more people can benefit from broadband.
Here are four ways digital skills are improving lives all over the nation.
Staying employed
First and foremost, digital skills can not only help you secure a job, they also can enable you to work from home. Even if you work outside your home, your workplace most likely deals with some digital component that requires adequate skills, no matter what industry.
According to the National Skills Coalition, 92% of jobs require a certain level of digital skills to secure a position. But unfortunately, nearly 48 million workers in the United States do not have the skills necessary to obtain these jobs. That’s one-third of all the nation’s workers.
“In today’s world, almost every job requires the use of some form of technology to complete daily work tasks,” said CN Digital Skills Trainer Marco Mata. “Having a strong grasp of these tools not only helps you perform your job more efficiently, but it can also strengthen your job security. Being digitally literate makes you a more valuable and adaptable employee in an ever-evolving workforce.”
Digital skills can not only prepare to work for a fully remote company, they can allow you to work from home by creating your own online businesses. Many businesses on the internet sell handmade items, digital services, and more.
Additionally, there are freelancing opportunities online for pretty much any need you could think of. Thousands of people make a living by creating content as influencers as well, generating revenue by simply posting pictures and videos on social media.
Whether you work as a remote employee for another business or work for yourself, the internet is an excellent tool for both searching for jobs and making a living from home.
Staying educated
In this digital age of America, digital skills are required to graduate college. Not only are many fields of study technology-based, but many classes take place virtually.
Most college students now take at least one online class during their four years of schooling. While some colleges don’t offer virtual classes, most of them have some kind of online component for completing coursework. If you take a tour at any college around the nation, you’ll likely find at least a few computer labs.
But online learning isn’t exclusive to college. At a lot of high schools, it’s a requirement to take at least one virtual class to move on to college. During the COVID-19 pandemic, even elementary school kids started attending classes from their kitchen tables on school-funded laptops.
Online learning continues to be essential, and not just in traditional classrooms. Even tutors have online outlets to teach kids without meeting in person.
Learning digital skills can lead to learning many other skills. Aside from schooling, you probably learn a bunch from the internet regularly without even realizing it. Think about it — if you learn how to safely open a YouTube link from a search engine, you can easily figure out how to change a tire while you’re stuck on the side of the road.
Staying healthy
Not only does learning how to use technology to your advantage help with productivity, but it can also help you stay physically healthy. For people with certain health conditions or injuries, transportation to a hospital may be more difficult. In some rural areas, there may not be a hospital nearby. Telehealth visits allow people who might not otherwise have access to doctors get the care they need.
When it comes to staying mentally healthy, digital skills can help you get the resources you need. Like other telehealth appointments, you can video call with therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and more. Online group therapy options are also available through websites like BetterHelp and Talkspace.
Even something as simple as a search engine can be extremely useful in finding quick answers for less serious medical questions. You can often get advice from your medical professional at the press of a button on certain apps.
The internet also provides a space for people to connect with others going through similar health situations or symptoms. There are many online health discussion forums and support groups where you can share experiences and seek advice from others.
With online prescription ordering, people can get their medicine sent directly to their house. Through a pharmacy website or other third-party sites, people can get their new prescriptions or refills sent to them without ever having to step foot outside.
Staying connected
Keeping up with friends and family is the main reason why people have phones in the first place. Do you remember when we could only make calls on home phones and pay phones? Now, we have access to so many more forms of communication.
Texting is the most convenient way to communicate quickly. Many seniors struggle with this kind of messaging because it was not an option for most of their lives. This makes it more difficult for them to keep up with family, especially when living in senior centers.
“We are currently in a transitional stage of becoming a fully technology-based society,” Mata said. “Many people alive today were born into a world without modern technology and spent much of their lives without regular access to it — not because they didn't want it, but because it simply wasn't available or widespread at the time.”
Instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are perfect for large group chats and international texting. These apps can also be downloaded on devices without cellular service that cannot use a phone number for texting. There are even a few apps that offer heightened security by encrypting messages, keeping everything private for people in important positions.
Chatting through social media is another great option for people that only have devices with no cellular, like iPads. This is also a great way to contact people without giving away your phone number to strangers, acquaintances, or dates. Social media sites are great platforms to network with new people, whether it be for professional or personal interests.
Video chatting is a great form of communication for those who want a more immersive conversation. Mobile video calling like FaceTime is great for casual daily conversations with loved ones, while Zoom is often used for group calls within companies or schools.
Lastly, digital skills can be used to enjoy entertainment with others. It can be hard to stay connected with long-distance friendships or relationships. Online gaming and movie streaming platforms are great ways to continue having fun with the people closest to you, even when they may be physically far away.
Digital Skills Training
To learn digital skills, you have to take the initiative — they won’t just come to you like high-speed internet. But the good news is, you don’t have to do it alone!
CN’s Digital Skills Training program can help you adapt to the digital world. One of our team members will come to your community to host workshops for anyone who wants to enhance their technology skills.
Training is available both in person and virtually at no cost to host organizations. It is offered in both English and Spanish.
“Helping others get up to speed with technology isn’t just beneficial to them; it strengthens our communities and helps ensure everyone has a fair chance to succeed in today’s world,” Mata said.
Digital skills can help you excel in your career and education while ensuring your health and relationships are in the best shape. Take a step toward your future today by filling out our interest form!
About the author: Kailynn Bannon supports the Connected Nation team by writing blogs, editing videos and podcasts, managing social media, and creating newsletters. Her responsibilities also include researching video marketing trends and analyzing website and social media metrics, while enhancing various communications materials like brochures and event invitations.