Northstar Digital Literacy

Northstar has 15 digital literacy topics with online tutorials (and 18 topics with assessments - tutorials for the remaining topics are in development). Remember, you have to first take an assessment before you can "unlock" and access the tutorials.

Learn about each digital literacy topic below. Select an image to go to the digital literacy topic's dashboard.

Essential Computer Skills
	Phone Keyboard Basics & Logging In teaches you how to use features of smartphone keyboards, download apps, and create compliant usernames and strong passwords.
	Basic Computer Skills teaches you about devices, logging on, mouse and keyboard skills, saving files, and customizing features.
	Internet Basics teaches you about navigating websites, tabs, search terms and results, online privacy, viruses and scams, and online forms.
	Using Email teaches you about making an email account, email addresses, Reply, Reply All, and Forward, attachments, and spam and phishing.
	Windows 10 teaches you about navigating the Windows 10 interface, accessing and switching between programs, file storage, and start menus.
	Windows 11 teaches you about navigating the Windows 11 interface, accessing and switching between programs, file storage, and start menus.
	Mac OS teaches you about the Mac OS and about opening applications, using the App Store, identifying icons, organizing your files and folders, and setting your system preferences.
Essential Software Skills
	Microsoft Word Office 2016 teaches you about formatting text, alignment, inserting tables, Cut, Copy, and Paste, and editing a document.
	Microsoft Excel teaches you to create workbooks, use ribbon tools, apply formatting to cells, and analyze and display data using tools like AutoSum, sort, AutoFill, formulas, and charts.
	Microsoft PowerPoint teaches you how to creating and save a presentation; create, format, and organize your slides; and share your presentation.
	Google Docs gives you an overview of Google docs and teaches you how to organize, format, and share and collaborate on your document.
Using Technology in Daily Life
	Social Media teaches you about setting up a profile, sharing posts, sending private messages, and staying safe. Content applies to many platforms but this tutorial focuses primarily on Facebook.
	Information Literacy teaches you about online research, internet searches, evaluating resources, organizing your research, and using research to make informed decisions.
	Career Search Skills teaches you about preparing for a job search, searching for jobs, preparing documents like resumes and cover letters, applying and interviewing for jobs, and what to do after an interview.
	Your Digital Footprint teaches you what digital footprints are, how they are created, why they matter and how they may impact you, and how to manage and protect your online identity.
	K-12 Distance Learning covers digital literacy skills and knowledge useful for supporting children with virtual distance learning. Also useful for adult learners taking their own online classes.
	Telehealth teaches you how to access and participate in a virtual telehealth appointment. We recommend you complete Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, and Using Email first.
	Cybersecurity Basics teaches you how to recognize common online dangers, use secure login methods, and practice safe online habits to protect personal information and devices.

Helpful tip:  To return to the tutorial dashboard when you are working in the tutorial, select the Northstar Online Learning logo in the upper left corner of the tutorial window. Your tutorial progress will be saved.