Technological illiteracy in an increasingly technological world: methods to help employees create with rather than simply consume technology

Abstract

Purpose

This paper discusses the technology gap in today’s newer hires where younger employees are often believed to be more technologically astute than they really are. Younger employees are consumers of technology, but they have limited skills in using technology to solve business problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reflects a review of theory and research on technology training and practice.

Findings

Three recommendations are presented that could aid employers in bridging the gap between technology literacy perceptions and actual practice: build proficiency of business software, be the convener of learning in digitally focused training programs, and applying design thinking in business settings.

Originality/value

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses have been forced to incorporate more technology applications in their operations. This has exposed a paradoxical gap between perceived technology knowledge in their younger employees and actual skill sets. This article describes practical suggestions for enhancing corporate training programs to address this challenge.

Citation

Pfaltzgraf, D. and Insch, G.S. (2021), "Technological illiteracy in an increasingly technological world: methods to help employees create with rather than simply consume technology", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 35 No. 6, pp. 4-6. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-12-2020-0235