These are the baseline skills everyone needs before anything else happens. Skip these at your peril - countless training programmes fail because they assume these basics. Key Skills: Device navigation: Confident use of different devices and platforms (Windows/Mac/mobile) Troubleshooting basics: Solving common issues (e.g., "Why won't my microphone work?") File management: Organising files, understanding cloud storage, sharing permissions Digital security: Password management, identifying phishing attempts, data protection Accessibility tools: Using built-in accessibility features, alt text, keyboard navigation Implementation scenario: A university department where staff struggle with basic digital tasks could benefit from focused sessions on these fundamentals. Start with a needs assessment to identify specific gaps, then offer targeted micro-learning opportunities during regular team meetings, introducing one skill area per week. For example: Week 1: Troubleshooting common video conferencing issues with hands-on practice for adjusting audio settings, checking internet connectivity, and using alternative join methods Week 2: File management workshop on creating logical folder structures, using descriptive file naming conventions (DD-MM-YYYY_ProjectName_Version), and setting appropriate sharing permissions Week 3: Security essentials including setting up a password manager, recognising phishing attempts through analysis of real examples, and securing accounts with two-factor authentication Week 4: Accessibility basics such as adjusting display settings for readability, using keyboard shortcuts, and locating built-in accessibility features on their specific devices

Once the basics are solid, these skills enable effective teamwork in digital environments. Key Skills: Communication tools: Email management, chat platforms, video conferencing Digital etiquette: Meeting protocols, response times, appropriate channels Collaborative work: Real-time document editing, version control, permissions Asynchronous workflow: Managing notifications, maintaining productivity Inclusive communication: Ensuring all team members can participate regardless of ability Implementation scenario: For a marketing team struggling with fragmented communications across multiple platforms, establish clear channel guidelines. Create a visual workflow chart showing which tools to use for different types of communication. Follow up with peer coaching pairs to reinforce adoption of new practices. Specific implementations might include: Developing a communication matrix that maps channels to purposes (e.g., Teams for quick questions, email for external communications, SharePoint for document storage) Creating templates for meeting agendas with standardised sections for pre-reading, discussion points, decisions needed, and action items Establishing notification protocols such as using "@mentions" purposefully, setting "urgent" flags only for time-sensitive items, and agreeing on expected response times for different channels Implementing a "Focus Time" calendar convention where team members can block periods for deep work with an understanding that they won't respond to non-urgent communications Setting up shared document collaboration with clear versioning protocols and comment resolution practices

These skills focus on creating effective, accessible digital materials. Key Skills: Document design: Creating structured, scannable documents with consistent formatting Visual communication: Basic design principles, charts, infographics Multimedia creation: Recording and editing video/audio content Interactive elements: Forms, surveys, polls, quizzes Accessibility compliance: WCAG guidelines, accessible PDFs, captioning Implementation scenario: Faculty members needing to convert in-person lectures to engaging online content would benefit from a content creation workshop series. Sessions could focus on chunking content into 5-7 minute segments, adding interactive elements between videos, and implementing WCAG standards through practical exercises such as: Adding proper heading structures (H1, H2, H3) to documents for screen reader navigation Creating descriptive alt text for images that conveys their meaning, not just what they depict Ensuring sufficient colour contrast (minimum 4.5:1 ratio for normal text) for readability Providing captions and transcripts for all audio/video content Designing forms with clear labels that maintain their association when zoomed Testing navigation to ensure all content is accessible via keyboard-only input

For educators and trainers, these skills enable effective knowledge transfer. Key Skills: Learning objective alignment: Matching digital activities to desired outcomes Assessment design: Creating authentic digital assessments Engagement strategies: Discussion facilitation, active learning in digital spaces Feedback mechanisms: Formative assessment tools, peer review systems Learning analytics: Using data to identify engagement patterns and intervention points Implementation scenario: A corporate training team revamping their onboarding programme could use this framework to design a blended learning approach. Begin by mapping learning objectives to appropriate digital activities, then develop a suite of microlearning resources that new hires can access on demand, complemented by scheduled synchronous touchpoints. Practical applications include: Creating a competency map that aligns specific learning objectives with appropriate assessment methods (e.g., system knowledge → interactive simulations; company policies → scenario-based quizzes) Developing digital learning pathways that adapt based on role-specific requirements and pre-assessment results Implementing digital engagement strategies such as peer learning forums, digital scavenger hunts for company information, and virtual coffee chats with team members Setting up automated check-in points using forms that prompt reflection and identify areas where additional support is needed Using learning analytics to identify which content areas new hires struggle with most, enabling targeted improvements to those modules

These skills focus on specific platforms relevant to the learner's context. Key Skills: Microsoft 365: Teams, SharePoint, OneNote, Sway, Forms Learning platforms: Moodle, Canvas, other LMS systems Engagement tools: Mentimeter, Padlet, Jamboard Productivity tools: Task management, project planning, time tracking AI tools: Generative AI, data analysis, automation possibilities Implementation scenario: For a research team needing to collaborate on complex datasets, develop capability-building sessions focused specifically on Microsoft Teams data visualisation tools and SharePoint file management. Create custom training materials addressing their specific workflow challenges, and schedule follow-up support sessions to troubleshoot issues as they arise. Specific approaches could include: Setting up SharePoint libraries with custom metadata fields that match research variables, enabling sophisticated filtering and sorting of research assets Configuring co-authoring settings in Excel to allow simultaneous work on datasets with visible user presence indicators Creating Power BI dashboards connected to live research data that automatically update as new information is added Establishing Teams channels dedicated to specific research questions with appropriate tabs for relevant files, notes, and external tools integration Implementing version control protocols using check-in/check-out features and documented naming conventions for major dataset iterations

Advanced capabilities for those leading digital transformation initiatives. Key Skills: Digital strategy: Alignment with organisational goals, implementation planning Change management: Driving adoption, overcoming resistance Community building: Creating digital champions, peer support networks Emerging technology evaluation: Assessing new tools for organisational fit Digital wellbeing: Boundaries, focus management, sustainable digital practices Implementation scenario: For an organisation undergoing digital transformation, identify potential digital champions across different departments. Develop their capabilities through this framework, then support them in creating localised implementation plans. Establish a cross-departmental community of practice that meets monthly to share challenges and successes. Specific strategies include: Creating a digital champions network with clear roles, responsibilities and a structured recognition programme for their contributions Developing a digital transformation roadmap with measurable milestones aligned to organisational strategic objectives Implementing a "test and learn" approach where champions can pilot new tools in controlled environments before wider rollout Establishing feedback loops through regular pulse surveys, digital adoption dashboards, and user experience sessions Creating a "digital wellbeing charter" that acknowledges challenges like digital fatigue and establishes healthy boundaries (e.g., meeting-free days, notification-free periods, right to disconnect after hours).