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Northstar Digital Literacy

Learn about your digital literacy strengths and, through low-stakes assessments, identify digital literacy skills to practice.

User Guide and videos

Northstar Digital Literacy logoNorthstar Manual: Using Northstar Online Learning for Learners https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/manual#part-nsol-for-learners

Getting started videos:

Northstar FAQ

We are building this FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) from questions asked by CCC students - thank you for helping! Feel free to submit questions to reference@clackamas.edu

  • Why should I use Northstar?
  • Lots of reasons!
    1: Set yourself apart from others on your resume and job applications! Earn certificates for essential computer skills and list these accomplishments for future employers to see.
    2: Get college ready. Your college instructors may assume you already know how to use Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, or other software. Spend a little time learning how to use these software more effectively now, and save yourself from frustration later.
    3: Develop skills to keep your job and advance your career. The problem solving and communication skills you will practice in Northstar will help you on the job!
    4: Build confidence and skills needed for successful remote and online learning.
    5: Learn at your own pace and without judgment.
  • What are the Northstar assessments?
  • Northstar has a good explanation of their assessments.
  • What score is "passing" on an assessment?
  • Passing is 85% or better on an assessment.
  • How can I get a certificate to show my digital literacy skills?
  • Once you have completed practice tutorials and passed an assessment on your own, you can sign up to take a "proctored assessment." When you pass a proctored assessment with 85% or better, you will be able to access and print and/or save a digital certificate demonstrating your skills with that digital literacy topic.
  • What does "proctored assessment" mean?
  • A "proctored assessment" means you are taking an assessment in a controlled environment (remote or in-person) so that you can earn a digital certificate demonstrating your skills with a digital literacy topic. A proctor will verify your identification before you begin a proctored assessment. A proctor will give you an access code to access the proctored assessment. You have one hour to complete the assessment. Learn more about proctored assessments on the Northstar Remote Test Taker Checklist (link downloads a Word document).
  • How do I sign up for a proctored assessment?
  • Proctored assessments are not available at CCC yet. Please email reference@clackamas.edu if you would like to be notified when proctored assessments become available. We will reach out to you with directions for how to make an appointment to take a proctored assessment.
  • I don't have internet access or a computer; what are my options?
  • Check out a Chromebook or visit our on-campus computer labs. You can use free wifi on all three of our campuses. Qualify for benefits to help you pay for internet at your home. Learn more on CCC's Resources and Information for Students during the COVID-19 pandemic webpage.

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