The Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment

Digital Skills Self-Reflection Poll

Begin with an interactive self-assessment:

Prompt (Think–Pair–Share):

• Which digital tasks do you feel confident doing?
• Which tasks make you nervous?
• When was the last time you had to use technology for work, school, or daily life?

Create a quick class poll (Google Form or Mentimeter) listing:

• Basic Computer Use
• Internet
• Windows/Mac
• Email
• Word Processing
• Social Media
• Excel
• PowerPoint

Students rate themselves:
1 = I need a lot of help
2 = I can do some tasks
3 = I feel confident

Discussion:
What patterns do we notice? Which skills are most needed for employment or further education?

Connect the discussion to workforce readiness and digital credentials.

The Northstar Digital Literacy Project provides a free, self-guided online assessment system that measures foundational computer skills in key areas:

• Basic Computer Use
• Internet
• Windows OS / Mac OS
• Email
• Microsoft Word
• Social Media
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint

These assessments measure whether a learner can perform digital tasks—not just answer multiple-choice questions.

💡 Important: The platform evaluates whether students complete tasks exactly as instructed, so careful reading and following directions are critical.

Learning Objective (Post on Board):
Students will:

• Identify their current digital skill level.
• Complete at least one Northstar assessment module.
• Reflect on strengths and areas for improvement.
• Develop a plan for digital skill growth.

Step 1: Explore the Skill Areas
In small groups, assign each group one Northstar module.
Have them investigate:

• What skills are tested?
• Why would an employer value this skill?
• What tasks might be challenging?

Groups present quick summaries.

Step 2: Model an Assessment Experience
Project the site and walk through:

• Account creation/login
• Selecting a module
• Reading instructions carefully
• Completing a sample task

Emphasize:
✔️ Follow instructions precisely
✔️ Use Chrome or another modern browser
✔️ Take your time—accuracy matters

 
Step 3: Connect to Workforce Readiness
Explain that passing assessments at approved sites can earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate, which can be used for employment portfolios.

Discuss:

• Why digital credentials matter
• How certificates demonstrate measurable skills
• How adult learners can use them in resumes or interviews

Individual Assessment
Students:

1. Select one module aligned to their needs.
2. Complete the assessment.
3. Record:

• Module attempted
• Score/result
• Skills they struggled with
• Questions they have

Worksheet

Reflection & Growth Plan
Students complete a reflection form:

1. What module did you complete?
2. What was easiest?
3. What was most difficult?
4. What skills do you need to strengthen?
5. What is your next digital learning goal?

Exit Ticket
Complete this sentence:

“To improve my digital skills for work or school, I will…”

Career Readiness Connection
Students:

• Research one job they are interested in.
• Identify digital skills required.
• Match those skills to Northstar modules.
• Create a short action plan to earn at least one certificate.
   
  Differentiation Strategies
• Pair tech-confident students with beginners.
• Offer mini-lessons for commonly missed skills.
• Provide vocabulary lists (browser, hyperlink, attachment, spreadsheet, etc.).
• Allow retakes after guided remediation.