As we delve further into this digital age, it's becoming increasingly imperative for modern professionals to possess a strong understanding of technology. Even if you're not looking to pursue a career in tech, learning some basic skills can be incredibly useful in your current professional role. For example, being able to troubleshoot simple computer problems can save you a lot of time and frustration.

Knowing how to use basic design software can also come in handy for everything, from putting together a presentation for work to creating invitations for your child's birthday party.

And if you're ever looking for a new job, having tech skills on your resume will make you much more attractive to potential employers.

In short, there are countless reasons to learn some basic tech skills in the modern world. Here are six of the best ways that you can upskill when it comes to working with technology.

1. Enrol in an online course

There's a growing number of online courses in Australia that are open to students from around the world, meaning that students looking to develop their technical skills don't necessarily have to look for courses at local campuses, or even have to concern themselves with their schedules clashing with on-campus classes.

There's no doubt that enrolling in any online course can help you learn valuable tech skills at home, as simply interacting with digital learning technologies is experience adapting to new technologies on its own.

That being said, you can take your tech skills development one step further by enrolling in online courses that are designed to help you build industry-specific tech skills. Doing so is a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest technological trends in your own industry.

Whether you're looking to learn new coding skills or simply want to keep up with the latest tech trends, enrolling in an online course is a great way to upskill with regards to your tech know-how. Not only will you gain valuable skills, but you'll also be able to do so from the comfort of your own home. 

2. Use Online Resources

While there's no substitute for professional instruction, there are a wealth of online resources available that can teach you the basics of coding, web development, design, and other highly employable professional tech skills.

There are dozens of free online courses available that can introduce you to the world of coding. If you're not sure where to start, try HTML and CSS courses or introduction to JavaScript lessons. Once you've mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced topics.

And don't forget about YouTube! There are thousands of helpful tutorial videos available on every imaginable tech topic. Just ensure you are watching videos released by reputable sources so you don't miseducate yourself or develop bad habits that may be difficult to unlearn.

3. Use Social Media

Social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn and even Instagram are often used by tech companies and industry figures to announce new products or share updates. Following relevant accounts can help you stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and developments. In addition, many tech companies also use social media to provide customer support or answer questions about their products.

By monitoring these channels, you can learn a lot about how to use different types of technology. In some cases, you may even be able to find helpful tutorials or guides to help direct your own independent learning. By keeping up with the latest trends and developments in the tech world, you can ensure that you have the digital skills necessary to thrive once you start taking on professional roles in your new industry, or applying your new tech skills in your existing job role. 

4. Join an Online Community

If you're interested in learning more about technology and don't have the time or money to attend classes, then joining an online community is another great and highly cost-effective path of action that you can take. You can find people with similar interests to chat with and learn from, without even having to physically attend industry or networking events.

This method may also help you learn valuable tech skills that have the potential to further your career. For example, if you're interested in coding, you can find subreddits dedicated to specific programming languages, where people are always happy to help beginners learn the ropes.

Or if you're looking to get into graphic design, there are also numerous online communities where you can find advice and tutorials. Whatever your interests may be, there's sure to be an online community out there for you.

5. Attend Conferences or Webinars

One of the best ways to learn new tech skills is to attend conferences or webinars. Whilst it can be difficult to find time to travel to a conference, there are often many options for attending virtually. And, with the rise of streaming services, it's easier than ever to catch up on sessions you missed.

But taking advantage of seminar structures as being highly conducive for learning and information absorption is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of attending industry seminars. Not only do you get access to expert-led sessions on a variety of topics, but you also have the opportunity to network with other attendees.

Whether you're looking to learn about the latest trends in web development or want to get tips for using cloud-based applications, attending a conference or even a webinar can help you level up your skills right from home.

6. Use Free Software

Not only is free software often just as powerful as its paid counterparts, but it can also be a great way to learn new skills. By taking advantage of the wide range of free software available, you can gain valuable experience using various tools and technologies.

In addition, many free software programs offer community forums where users can ask questions and share tips. These forums can be an invaluable resource for learning new tricks and troubleshooting problems.

So if you're looking to get a leg up on the competition, don't overlook the power of free software. With a little time and effort, you can gain valuable skills that will pay dividends for years to come.

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As you can see, improving on your tech skills doesn't necessarily have to demand a major time commitment, nor does it have to mean sectioning off any day of your week in order to attend a weekly class or any other kind of in-person commitment.

In truth, building tech skills can easily be achieved one brick at a time, and with as little as 5-10 minutes a day. So long as you're dedicated to this upskilling endeavour and are able to say yes to all the best learning opportunities to suit your personal and professional needs, chances are you can reap all the benefits of improving on your technical skills and technological abilities in next to no time at all.