Online Training for Digital Tools in 6 Simple Steps

Feeling stuck when it comes to learning new digital tools? You’re definitely not alone—sometimes online training can feel overwhelming, confusing, or just plain boring.

Good news: it doesn’t have to be that way! Stick around, and you’ll discover how easy it is to find the perfect online training resources, customize your learning journey, and finally start picking up some practical digital skills.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

1. Start Online Training for Digital Tools Now

The best time to get better with digital tools was yesterday, but hey, starting today is good enough, too.

With online learning expected to become a 185 billion dollar industry by 2025, it’s clear this isn’t just a fad.

Almost two-thirds of K-12 students are already using online tools daily. That means digital skills aren’t optional—they’re practically mandatory.

For you, whether you want to boost your career or just get better at your hobby, stepping into online training right now makes a lot of sense.

If motivation is the issue, don’t overthink it; just choose a topic you’re interested in and dive in.

Feel overwhelmed by all the digital stuff? I hear you—start small with just one single tool or software you use regularly, like Excel, Photoshop, or even Canva.

You don’t have to be tech-savvy to begin. Tons of courses have beginner-friendly materials and step-by-step instructions.

You might be surprised how quickly you pick everything up once you actually start clicking around instead of avoiding it.

2. Find the Best Online Training Platforms for Digital Tools

You’ve decided to start, great—but now where do you learn? There are thousands of platforms, but a few really stand out for learning digital skills and tools.

For starters, you’ve probably heard of Udemy and Coursera. Udemy is solid if you’re looking for a specific, affordable course on almost any digital tool you can imagine—from basic Excel formulas to advanced Photoshop editing.

Coursera, on the other hand, works with reputable universities like Stanford and Harvard to provide structured online learning with certifications at the end. A good pick if getting certified matters for your resume.

If you’re big on something creative like graphic design or video editing, Skillshare makes sense—it’s awesome for artsy topics and creative software tutorials.

Platforms like Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning work great for more technical stuff, like software development, IT, cybersecurity, or project management.

Before signing up, make sure you check out reviews, prices, and even browse course previews. Don’t go blindly for the attractive homepage—always double-check user feedback.

If you need help to decide, there’s a helpful overview I found that compares online course platforms nicely, making it easier for you to pick the best fit.

3. Choose the Right Platform for Your Needs

You’ve narrowed down your options, but how do you actually pick the right one? Here’s what I usually advise my friends—think about these points before clicking “Buy.”

First, establish exactly what you plan to learn and why—is it personal curiosity or will it help your job? For instance, if your boss asked you to create engaging training videos, you’d want a platform with solid guidance on how to create educational videos.

Cost matters too. If your company reimburses you, lucky you! But if you’re paying out-of-pocket, budget-friendly platforms like Udemy or Khan Academy might be a smarter choice.

Check the teaching style as well. Does watching someone click through a screen bore you? Look for courses with interactive projects, quizzes, or exercises to keep you awake.

Make sure the courses are updated frequently too. Digital tools update all the time—I’d hate for you to invest time and money into learning an outdated feature no one uses anymore.

Also, check the qualification of the course instructor. A qualified, engaging teacher makes all the difference between falling asleep and actually learning something useful.

Finally, see if the platform offers certificates on completion if that matters to your career goals. Platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning often provide reputable certifications you can show off on your LinkedIn profile.

4. Get Started with Online Training

You finally chose your platform, course, and you’re feeling ready—awesome!

The next step: actually signing up and starting. It may sound easy, but I’ve been there—putting it off for “later” can turn into never.

To make sure you follow through, block specific time in your calendar for learning just like you’d do for a meeting: make it non-negotiable.

An example might be dedicating 30 minutes daily after dinner or an hour every Saturday morning; consistency is key.

Create a dedicated study environment to help your brain switch into “learning” mode. Choose a place without distractions—your favorite coffee shop, comfy home office, or local library works perfectly.

If the platform has a mobile app, even better! Download it so you can squeeze in quick lessons on your daily commute or during lunch breaks.

Take meaningful notes—don’t just write everything down blindly. Summarize key ideas in your own words and put them into practical context.

For example, if you’re learning to use Canva, actually start creating simple graphics after your lessons, or if you’re diving into video editing, dedicate some time to making short clips to practice creating educational videos.

Join discussion forums or Facebook groups related to your course or platform. Connecting with others learning the same stuff motivates you and helps you clarify doubts quickly.

5. Measure Your Learning Progress

How do you know you’re actually getting good at this stuff? Measuring your progress lets you see how far you’ve come—and keeps you motivated.

One practical way is to set specific, real-life goals at the beginning of your online course.

For instance, “After this Photoshop course, I’ll be able to create personalized Instagram posts,” or “I’ll make a professional-looking business presentation at work with PowerPoint.”

Keep track of projects completed, tests taken, or skills learned within your chosen online course. Platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning provide frequent quizzes, skill tests, and built-in reports to track performance.

Alternatively, self-assess your improvements by reviewing older projects or creations you’ve done. Here’s a practical idea: save or document your first attempts at something new, then come back to reassess after a month or two. Usually, you’ll cringe a little at your first projects—that’s perfectly normal!

Additionally, consider asking colleagues, family, or friends to give feedback on tasks they’ve noticed you’ve improved in; outside perspectives can offer honest, encouraging insights.

Lastly, certifications can offer solid proof of your skills and help you stand out professionally. This might give you extra motivation to complete the course thoroughly, as certificates are often well-recognized by employers.

6. Keep Engaging with Professional Development

Okay, you’ve finished your online training—awesome job!

But here’s the truth—learning digital skills is not a once-and-done deal. Tech evolves, new tools pop up, and staying relevant means keeping your learning habits active.

Research shows that engaging actively in continuous learning boosts your performance significantly, and online learning saves 40% to 60% of employee time compared to traditional courses.

One useful way to stay current is following relevant online groups, blogs, YouTube channels, or podcasts related to your digital skills niche.

For instance, checking in regularly with Adobe Creative Cloud tutorials or subscribing to tech-oriented channels such as The Futur on YouTube can keep your skills sharp.

Also, leverage social platforms by connecting with professionals in your field through LinkedIn. Join groups that frequently discuss new skills, share job opportunities, or highlight important industry changes.

Dedicate some time each week for quick skill refreshes or bite-sized learning sessions on mobile-friendly apps like Duolingo (for languages), Canva tutorials (for design), or quick tech tip podcasts.

The bottom line—make ongoing professional development part of your routine. Continuous learning helps you professionally, personally, and even emotionally (no kidding, it boosts your confidence big time).

Your future self will thank you, especially considering that creating and teaching your own masterclass might become your next exciting step.

FAQs