How can you create a computer literacy development plan?

1 Assess your current level

The first step in creating a computer literacy development plan is to assess your current level of computer skills and knowledge. You can do this by taking online tests, quizzes, or surveys that measure your proficiency in various areas, such as operating systems, software applications, internet, security, and troubleshooting. Alternatively, you can self-evaluate your skills by using a checklist or a rubric that covers the basic and advanced computer literacy competencies. You can find many examples of such tools online or create your own based on your needs and goals. The purpose of this step is to identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your gaps and areas for improvement.

2 Set your goals and objectives

The second step in creating a computer literacy development plan is to set your goals and objectives for learning and improving your computer skills. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), and reflect your personal or professional needs and interests. For example, you may want to learn how to use a new software program for your work project, or how to create a website for your hobby. Your objectives should be the concrete and measurable actions that you will take to achieve your goals, such as completing a course, watching a tutorial, or practicing a skill. For example, you may want to complete a beginner's course on WordPress in two months, or watch a video on how to use Excel formulas in one week.

3 Choose your resources and methods

The third step in creating a computer literacy development plan is to choose your resources and methods for learning and improving your computer skills. There are many options available for online and offline learning, such as courses, books, videos, podcasts, blogs, forums, webinars, workshops, mentors, peers, and more. You should select the resources and methods that suit your learning style, preferences, budget, and availability. You should also consider the quality, credibility, and relevance of the resources and methods, and look for reviews, ratings, or recommendations from other learners or experts. For example, you may want to enroll in a free online course on Coursera, or buy a book on Amazon, or join a Facebook group on computer literacy.

4 Make a schedule and track your progress

The fourth step in creating a computer literacy development plan is to make a schedule and track your progress for learning and improving your computer skills. You should allocate a realistic and consistent amount of time and energy for your learning activities, and stick to your schedule as much as possible. You should also monitor your progress and achievements, and record them in a journal, a spreadsheet, or an app. This will help you stay motivated, focused, and accountable, as well as identify any challenges, difficulties, or obstacles that you may encounter along the way. For example, you may want to dedicate one hour per day for your online course, or 15 minutes per day for your video tutorial, or 30 minutes per week for your peer feedback.

5 Review and evaluate your results

The fifth step in creating a computer literacy development plan is to review and evaluate your results for learning and improving your computer skills. You should compare your actual outcomes with your expected outcomes, and measure how well you have achieved your goals and objectives. You should also reflect on your learning experience, and identify what worked well and what did not, what you enjoyed and what you disliked, what you learned and what you still need to learn. You should also celebrate your successes and reward yourself for your efforts, as well as acknowledge your challenges and learn from your mistakes. For example, you may want to take a final test or a certificate for your online course, or create a portfolio or a showcase for your website, or share your feedback or a testimonial for your mentor.

6 Update and adjust your plan

The sixth and final step in creating a computer literacy development plan is to update and adjust your plan for learning and improving your computer skills. You should review your plan regularly, and make any necessary changes or modifications based on your results, feedback, and new needs or goals. You should also seek new opportunities and challenges for further learning and development, and keep up with the latest trends and innovations in technology and computer literacy. You should also maintain a lifelong learning attitude, and enjoy the process of acquiring and enhancing your computer skills. For example, you may want to take an intermediate or an advanced course on WordPress, or learn a new software program or a coding language, or join a professional network or a community of practice on computer literacy.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?