Resources for Basic Computer and Mobile Skills
Below are resources that instructors can use to incorporate the Digital Literacy Skills into their lessons or to offer extra support for students with particular digital literacy needs. Select the resources that are the best fit for your students’ goals and current skills.
1.1 Optimizes Operating System Functionality
Identifies an operating system and optimizes its functionality for life, work, and education purposes. Pursues effective strategies for transferring skills and knowledge to new devices and for troubleshooting problems.
Identifies an operating system and its parts. Additionally, recognizes common security threats and privacy settings. (BCM 1.1.1)
Basic Computers (Northstar): Learn about different types of devices, getting started with a computer and controlling and navigating a computer.
Computer Basics – What is a Computer (LearnFree): Learn about the various types of devices, including desktop, laptop, tablets, and smartphones, computer parts, and the differences between hardware and software and PCs and Macs.
Computer Basics: Inside a Computer (LearnFree): Learn about the basics of the inside of a computer.
Computer Basics: Understanding Operating Systems (LearnFree: Learn about what an operating system is and does and the different types of operating systems.
Computer Basics: Getting to Know Your Computer’s OS (LearnFree): Learn the basics about getting started on a Windows or Mac operating system, including using the interface, opening files and applications, adjusting settings, and shutting down.
Examine the Windows Operating System (WisTech Online Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Learn the purpose of an operating system, how to identify different operating systems, how the operating system relates to hardware and software, and desktop features and buttons. (Note that the demonstration uses a Windows 7 computer. Some information might be outdated.)
Uses and manages an operating system and troubleshoots basic issues, seeking assistance as needed. (BCM 1.1.2)
Computer Basics: How to Use Your Computer’s Built-in Help (LearnFree): Learn the basics of using a computer’s help menu.
Windows Basics (LearnFree): 15 short lessons for learning about the basics of Windows, including navigation, finding and working with files, common computer tasks, adjusting settings, common applications, keyboard shortcuts, and more. Some of the tutorials would be applicable to levels 1 and 3 within this competency.
Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks – Backing Up Your Files (LearnFree): Learn about different ways to back up your files.
Using a PC (Windows 10) (Digital Learn): Student and teacher materials for learning to use the Windows 11 operating system. There are learner handouts and activity sheets, a lesson plan, a PowerPoint presentation, and a completion certificate.
Computer Basics (Windows 10) (Digital Learn): Student and teacher materials for learning to use the Windows 10 operating system. There are learner handouts and activity sheets, a lesson plan, a PowerPoint presentation, and a completion certificate.
Using a Mac (OS 11) (Digital Learn): Learn about the definition of an operating system and Mac (OS 11), working from a desktop, files and folders, saving and closing files, and deleting files. This is an interactive module with practice elements embedded throughout the module and at the end of the lesson.
Computer Basics Mac (OS 11) (Digital Learn): Student and teacher materials for learning to use the Mac (OS11) operating system. There are learner handouts and activity sheets, a lesson plan, a PowerPoint presentation, and a completion certificate.
Using a Mac (OS X) (Digital Learn): Learn about the Mac (OS X) operating system, desktop, files and folders, using Windows, saving and closing, and deleting files.
Computer Basics Maintenance (Digital Learn): Learn tips and tricks for improving computer performance, stability, and speed through common maintenance tasks. Includes a PowerPoint presentation, a lesson plan, and a student handout.
Optimizes OS functionality and has effective strategies for transferring skills and knowledge to new devices. Troubleshoots OS problems with little to no assistance. (BCM 1.1.3)
Computer Basics: Basic Troubleshooting Techniques (LearnFree): Learn basic troubleshooting techniques for issues such as computer freezing, apps loading slowly, keyboard and sound problems, etc.
Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks (LearnFree): Learn how to create and manage files and create keyboard and mouse shortcuts.
Windows 10 – How To Change Screen Resolution and Size (YouTube): Learn to change the screen resolution and display size on a Windows 10 computer.
1.2 Manages Hardware
Locates and distinguishes the physical components of various devices and optimizes their functionality for life, work, and education purposes. Troubleshoots problems and adapts when new technology is available.
Distinguishes different types of devices and utilizes common controls with detailed instructions. (BCM 1.2.1)
Computer Basics – What is a Computer (LearnFree: Learn about the various types of devices, including desktop, laptop, tablets, and smartphones, computer parts, and the differences between hardware and software and PCs and Macs.
Basic Computers (Northstar): Learn about different types of devices, getting started with a computer and controlling and navigating a computer.
Computer Basics: Parts of a Computer (LearnFree): Learn about the basic parts of a computer, such as the case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Getting Started on a Computer (Digital Learn): Learn about what a computer is, as well as elements including the mouse, keyboard, and ports. This is an interactive module with practice elements embedded throughout the module and at the end of the lesson.
Computer Basics: Buttons and Ports on a Computer (LearnFree): Learn about computer buttons and ports.
Computer Basics: Laptop Computers (LearnFree): Learn about laptops and distinguishing them from other devices.
Computer Basics: Keeping Your Computer Clean (LearnFree): Learn how to clean a computer and other hardware.
Mouse Tutorial (LearnFree): Learn how to use a mouse.
Computer Science – Hardware and Software (LearnFree): Learn about ways hardware and software are different but necessary.
Computer Basics- Getting Started with Your First Computer (LearnFree): Learn how to set up a computer.
Identify Computer Devices (WisTech Online Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Learn to identify the primary hardware of a computer and the purpose of hardware, such as system unit, monitor, printer, keyboard, mouse, compare various computing devices, and classify terms according to hardware, software, applications, and systems.
Operate a Computer and Printer (WisTech Online Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Learn to identify the purpose of computer hardware components, such as system unit, monitor, printer, keyboard, mouse, touchpad, etc., how to properly start and shut down a computer, and print a document.
Explore the Keyboard (WisTech Online Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Learn about different keyboards, terminology related to the keyboard, and key placement and function.
Use the Mouse (WisTech Online Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Learn and practice the basic functions of a mouse.
Mousing Around Tutorial (Palm Beach County Library System): This tutorial is intended for students who have never used a mouse before. The “mousercise” portion may also help students who want to develop their dexterity with the mouse.
Navigates and manages known device hardware (e.g., monitor, printer, keyboard, mouse, ports, touchscreen, etc.), seeking assistance as needed. (BCM 1.2.2)
Computer Basics: Setting Up a Computer (LearnFree): Learn the steps to setting up desktops and laptops and connecting hardware to them.
Typing.com (Typing.com): Learn to type.
Computer Basics – Bringing Your Files with You (LearnFree): Learn how to bring your computer files with you and access them on a different device.
Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks – Backing Up Your Files (LearnFree): Learn about different ways to back up your files.
Typing Tutorial-Typing (LearnFree): Learn the basics of touch typing and then practice the skills you’ve learned.
Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks – Taking Screenshots (LearnFree): Learn how to take a screenshot on Windows and Mac computers and Android and Apple mobile devices.
Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks – How to Print (LearnFree): Learn the basic steps of printing and some tips.
Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks – Working with Zip Files (LearnFree): Learn what a Zip file is and how to create and open one.
Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks – Finding Your Downloads (LearnFree): Learn how to find downloads easily on both Windows and macOS computers.
Practice Keyboard Mechanics (WisTech Online Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Learn basic 10-finger keyboarding skills, including proper hand position and posture and keyboarding ergonomics.
Mouse and Keyboard Basics (Digital Learn): Student and teacher materials for learning about a mouse and keyboard basics. There is a student handout and activity sheet, a lesson plan, and a PowerPoint presentation.
File Management Basics (Digital Learn): Student and teacher materials for learning the basics of file management. There is a student activity and a lesson plan.
Computer Basics Maintenance (Digital Learn): Learn tips and tricks for improving computer performance, stability, and speed through common maintenance tasks. Includes a Power Point presentation, a lesson plan, and a student handout.
Develops strategies for optimizing hardware functionality, troubleshoots problems with little to no assistance, and adapts to rapidly changing technology. (BCM 1.2.3)
Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks – Keyboard Shortcuts (LearnFree): Learn about keyboard shortcuts for Windows and macOS.
Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks – Mouse Shortcuts (LearnFree): Learn about tips for using a mouse, including double- and triple-clicking, right-clicking, and using the scroll pad.
1.3 Adapts to New Software
Navigate and utilize common functions of unknown software for life, work, and education purposes, troubleshoot problems, and adapt when new technology is available.
Understand the purpose of software, define terms common to applications, and utilize common controls with step-by-step instructions. (BCM 1.3.1)
Computer Basics – What is a Computer (LearnFree): Learn about the various types of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, computer parts, and the differences between hardware and software and PCs and Macs.
Basic Computers (Northstar): Learn about different types of devices, getting started with a computer and controlling and navigating a computer.
Computer Basics – Understanding Applications (LearnFree): Learn how desktop and mobile applications work and how to install them.
Computer Science – Hardware and Software (LearnFree): Learn about how hardware and software are different but necessary.
How to Manage and Back Up Files (WisTech Online Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Learn how to manage and back up files using local and cloud storage and flash drives. (References Windows 7/Explorer. Some information might be outdated.)
Identify Computer Devices (WisTech Online Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Learn to identify the primary hardware of a computer and the purpose of hardware, such as system unit, monitor, printer, keyboard, mouse, compare various computing devices, and classify terms according to hardware, software, applications, and systems.
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free, online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 1.3: Adapts to New Software. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Navigates and utilizes common functions of known software. Applies these skills to similar applications, seeking assistance as needed. (BCM 1.3.2)
Word (LearnFree): Learn the basics of Microsoft Word, including formatting text, saving and sharing documents, modifying line and paragraph spacing, using tables and columns, and more.
Microsoft Word (Northstar): Learn the basics of Microsoft Word, including creating and saving, organizing, formatting, and finishing a document.
Word (Digital Learn): Learn to save, format, cut, copy, and paste, and add a picture to a Word document.
Excel (LearnFree): Learn to create formulas and charts, use functions, format cells, and do more with your spreadsheets.
PowerPoint (LearnFree): Learn the basics of PowerPoint, including how to use themes and background styles, add pictures and clip art, modify charts and lists, and do more to create standout presentations.
Access (LearnFree): Learn the basics of Access, including how to enter, manage, and search through large amounts of data.
Create Documents using Word Processing Software – Explore Microsoft Word: Manage Your Docs (WisTech Online Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Learn about the functions involved in managing files, including creating, opening, saving, closing, naming, and save as.
Create Documents using Word Processing Software – Explore Microsoft Word: Edit Your Docs (WisTech Online Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Learn to format Word documents, copy, cut, and paste, and use the spelling and grammar check function.
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free, online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 1.3: Adapts to New Software. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Utilizes new software, troubleshoots problems, and adapts to rapidly changing technology. (BCM 1.3.3)
Internet Safety – What to Do if Your Computer Gets a Virus (LearnFree): Learn about steps to take if your computer gets a virus.
GCF-Computer Basics – Troubleshooting Techniques (LearnFree): Learn basic troubleshooting techniques.
GCF-Computer Basics – Learning a New Program (LearnFree): Learn techniques for adapting to a new computer program.
1.4 Uses Mobile Devices for Learning
Navigates, utilizes, and optimizes the functionality of mobile devices for life, work, and education. Demonstrates effective strategies for transferring skills and knowledge to new devices, troubleshoots problems, and adapts when new technology is available.
Recognizes mobile devices and utilizes common controls with detailed instructions. (BCM 1.4.1)
Basic Computers (Northstar): Learn about different types of devices, getting started with a computer and controlling and navigating a computer.
Computer Basics-Mobile Devices (LearnFree): Learn about different types of mobile devices.
Computer Basics – Understanding Applications (LearnFree): Learn how desktop and mobile applications work and how to install them.
Identify Computer Devices (WisTech Online Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Learn to identify the primary hardware of a computer and the purpose of hardware, such as system unit, monitor, printer, keyboard, mouse compare various computing devices, including mobile devices, and classify terms according to hardware, software, applications, and systems.
Navigates and utilizes common functions of known mobile devices. Applies these skills to other mobile devices, seeking assistance as needed. (BCM 1.4.2)
Using a Mobile Device (Android) (Digital Learn): Learn about navigating a mobile device, connecting to the internet, adding and deleting apps, and mobile device settings.
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free, online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 1.4: Uses Mobile Devices for Learning. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Uses mobile devices, optimizes functionality, troubleshoots problems, and adapts to rapidly changing technology. (BCM 1.4.3)
View Resources for the Other Digital Literacy Skills
Communication Skills
Access resources to enhance students’ communication skills, emphasizing safe technology and adapting to evolving digital tools.
Information Literacy Skills
Access resources to enhance students’ information literacy skills for personal and professional goals and evaluating information.
Internet Skills
Access resources to enhance students’ internet skills, including internet basics, browsing, navigation, information exchange.