Curriculum Offers: Northstar

Topics: Digital Literacy

The mission of Northstar Digital Literacy is to help individuals around the world master the digital skills needed to work, learn, and participate fully in daily life.

Northstar Digital Literacy defines basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. Online, self-guided modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on these skills. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in three main areas:

Essential Computer Skills – Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS
Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
Using Technology in Daily Life – Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Accessing Telehealth Appointments, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Your Digital Footprint.

Northstar allows end users to freely take the assessments from anywhere via its homepage, but individuals can instead go to an approved Northstar location and obtain the Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate when they pass assessments. Northstar also includes learning resources to support adult learners to master the standards outlined. Learning resources include classroom curriculum that can be used in person or remotely, and Northstar Online Learning, which provides self-directed instruction and practice for individuals.

OTAN has organized a pilot program that enables California adult education agencies to become Northstar Locations. This pilot is in place through June 30, 2024. OTAN has plans to continue this pilot with a new set of agencies in PY 2024-25 and 2025-26. Email support@otan.us for more information which should be available in Spring 2024.

More information about Northstar Digital Literacy, including the free assessments, is available on the Northstar website.