Learning to read information technologies (IT) and new media is a challenging prospect, not so different from first learning to read English text. The Internet has its own language, which is in some ways related to text speak, but in other ways very different. When first learning to read any language, concepts are unfamiliar, the syntax is confusing and there's little understanding to hold onto. Learning to read a new language is a slippery, befuddling experience that can, without proper assistance, be very frustrating.

Many adults who find themselves still literacy challenged into adulthood try to hide their situation out of fear, shame and a sense of inadequacy. Similarly, many techno-phobes hide their lack of proficiency for the same reason; such is the prevalence of information technologies in our society. We have reached a stage where text speak is a kind of common language and actual embarrassment is associated with failure to recognize 'lol' as laughing out loud or 'L8' as late.

The fact is, technological literacy can be acquired through training in the same way as any other skill. Learning to drive a car is a horribly frightening experience for many people, but with practice it becomes as easy to drive the car as to move your arm. Becoming proficient in the IT world is similar, requiring new skills and an element of physical and mental dexterity.

In searching out IT training courses, the first point to identify is what level of ability you are chasing - basic familiarity, average skill or fully fledged geek (which is a term now often worn with pride in our IT saturated world). It is useful to think in terms of levels of functionality and purpose.

Basic level

At the basic level, you want to understand what is going on when people talk about common IT and new media issues and terms. You also want to know how to work your computer software to deliver the results you need. Software, technologies and systems you might want to understand at this level include text speak, word processing packages such as MS Word, spreadsheets like MS Excel and common email and Internet usage.

Familiarity and proficiency at a basic level is a general requirement for most office based positions and will bring you from the paper past of memos and printed faxes into the electronic age.

Intermediate level

At the intermediate level, a general comfort around technology has already been established. It's at this level that people generally begin to be excited about the potential of technology to increase efficiency, provide on-the-go convenience and enhance the way they do business. At this stage, you might like to add in slideshow skills using MS PowerPoint: a nice entry point into creative work. It would be a good idea to refine your internet research skills, understand a little more about how the internet can work as promotional vehicle for business and to upgrade the skills learned in the basic phase.

If tested by a recruiter, a person sitting at this level would typically score as 'Intermediate' across MS Word and MS Excel.

Advanced level

The advanced user of technology is excited by what's coming next, having mastered use of the available options. With a little extra training, an advanced user of IT tools could become expert in a particular category such as design, internet and SEO or programming.

IT training courses are varied and suit a range of skill levels.