Skill 6: Technical Literacy

This article series explores each of the Top 10 Skills of 2023 identified by the World Economic Forum, offering a roadmap to make them accessible to every individual. In this article, we will delve into the sixth skill, “Technical Literacy”. For information on the fifth skill, please refer to Curiosity and Lifelong Learning.

Technological literacy (Technology Literacy) is the ability to use, manage, understand, and assess technology. Source (Wikepedia)

Technical literacy transcends mere technical skill, representing invaluable knowledge on how to interact with and apply technology effectively. By guiding employees on the use of software and hardware, a facilitator can provide insights that transform the practical application of these tools in the workplace.

However, this skill assumes an even more prominent role in today’s world, contrasting with the reality of recent mass layoffs orchestrated by technology giants in the last semester. Professionals with technical skills in various areas have been affected, prompting reflections on the volatile nature of the sector.

At the epicenter of this scenario, Chat GPT and artificial intelligence emerge as global protagonists in 2023. Technological progress, though exciting, challenges the notion of a “stable career”. The myth of lifelong employment fades away, imposing the need for resilience and continuous improvement of technical skills to avoid obsolescence.

Developing the Human in the Technological Era

The appreciation of human development becomes crucial when evolving technical literacy. How to motivate employees to be responsible, resilient, analytical, and visionary? The complexity lies in the irony of technological development, requiring focus not only on the intelligence of technology but on how it is used as a tool.

Chat GPT exemplifies this duality, being a valuable resource or an obstacle depending on the responsibility in its use. Balance is fundamental, as despite the advancement of AI over time, the user of these tools requires fundamental skills for effective use.

In the vision of our Artificial Intelligence company, generative models aim not to replace but to enhance. Those already productive will become even more efficient with the collaboration of intelligent assistants. However, it is crucial to understand that, just as giving someone a brush does not make them an artist, AI does not confer omniscience upon its user.

Vision, Evaluation, and Responsibility

The necessary vision to understand the impact of this technology on companies is colossal. Evaluating the nuances of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that technology presents requires not only technical knowledge but also emotional involvement and an evolved sense of responsibility towards those affected.

Developing a mindset that prioritizes human-driven intelligence over the fear of being left behind is the key to future success. In a world where change is constant, technical literacy is not confined to a standalone technical skill but to the continuous ability to develop the human who uses these tools.

Conclusion

• Technical literacy goes beyond a technical skill;
• Human development is crucial to using technological tools effectively;
• Faced with technological transformations, understanding where technology is heading and how to use it efficiently are essential questions for the human being.

Written by: Ederson Corbari