Digital Literacy Curriculum Original Version
Updated: October 1, 2007
The Digital Literacy Curriculum consists of five courses:
Computer Basics
The Internet and the World Wide Web
Productivity Programs
Computer Security and Privacy
Digital Lifestyles
Each course has an e-learning module and an assessment. You can also take the Certificate Test, which covers topics from all five courses. If you pass the Certificate Test, you can print out a personalized Digital Literacy Certificate.
This original version teaches generic ICT skills and concepts, and features screen shots and simulations from Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Microsoft Office 2003 to illustrate and provide hands-on examples for students. Version 2 of Digital Literacy uses screen shots and simulations from Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system.
Go to curriculum page for version 2
Get help choosing a curriculum version
Get help choosing a course
Get more information on assessments and the Certificate Test
Take the Digital Literacy Certificate Test
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Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Prerequisites: None
Description: Computing is an important part of everyday life in the twenty-first century. From music and photos to banking and communicating, computers have changed the way we work and live. This course introduces you to the fundamentals of computing, explains the components of a computer, explores operating system basics, and shows you how to use a mouse and a keyboard.
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* A 56K connection or faster connection is recommended to access the offline options.
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Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Prerequisites: Computer Basics course or similar experience
Description: The Internet can connect you to people, information, and resources around the world. This course shows you how to connect to the Internet, browse Web pages, navigate Web sites, use search engines, and exchange e-mail with others.
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* A 56K connection or faster connection is recommended to access the offline options.
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Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Prerequisites: Computer Basics course or similar experience
Description: There are hundreds of software applications available today. This course explores the most common productivity software applications used in business, in education, and at home. The course teaches you how to select the right software for your project. You will learn the fundamentals of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and databases.
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* A 56K connection or faster connection is recommended to access the offline options.
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Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Prerequisites: Computer Basics course or similar experience
Description: It's easy to use a computer safely and responsibly if you know how. This course will help you gain confidence in computing by explaining the risks and threats to computer security and privacy so that you can understand and prevent them.
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* A 56K connection or faster connection is recommended to access the offline options.
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Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Prerequisites: Computer Basics course or similar experience
Description: From cell phones to MP3 players to digital cameras, computers are changing our everyday lives. This course introduces you to new digital technologies, including digital audio, digital video, and digital photography. It explores how these and other computing technologies are creating new career opportunities and shaping the world we live in.
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* A 56K connection or faster connection is recommended to access the offline options.
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Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
Prerequisites: All five Digital Literacy Courses or similar experience
Description: The Digital Literacy Certificate Test consists of 30 questions that cover key points from all five of the Digital Literacy courses. When you complete the test, you will get a Learning Plan with links to the course lessons you may need to review to master all of the topics. If you get a passing score, you will be invited to personalize and print a Digital Literacy Certificate.
Launch Digital Literacy Certificate Test (requires broadband connection)
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Course Topics
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Lesson 1: Introduction to Computers |
Objectives
1.1. Describe the importance of computers in today's world.
1.2. Identify the main parts of a computer.
1.3. Identify the steps for starting a computer.
1.4. Identify the different groups of keys on a keyboard.
1.5. Perform different tasks by using a mouse.
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Lesson 2: Common Computer Terminology |
Objectives
2.1. Identify the primary hardware components of a computer.
2.2. Define what an operating system is and its role.
2.3. Define the term program.
2.4. Explain what is meant by data.
2.5. Define the term network and identify the benefits of networking.
2.6. Define the term Internet.
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Lesson 3: Computer Performance and Features |
Objectives
3.1. Identify and compare the features of different types of computers.
3.2. Explain the role of memory.
3.3. Explain the basics of computer performance and how it relates to productivity.
3.4. Describe the different types of productivity programs and their uses.
3.5. Describe the different types of communications programs and their uses.
3.6. Describe the uses of educational and entertainment programs.
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Lesson 4: Computer Operating Systems |
Objectives
4.1. Explain the common functions of an operating system.
4.2. Identify the different components of the Windows XP interface.
4.3. Work with the Windows XP interface within programs.
4.4. Manage files and folders in Windows Explorer.
4.5. Perform basic file operations.
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Lesson 5: Career Opportunities |
Objectives
5.1. Describe how computers have become a central part of everyday life.
5.2. Identify different career opportunities available for a person who is computer literate.
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Lesson 1: The Internet |
World Wide
Objectives
1.1. Define what the Internet is and elaborate on its uses.
1.2. Identify the different components required for an Internet connection.
1.3. Identify the features of different types of Internet connections.
1.4. Explain the meaning of the term bandwidth in relation to the different types of Internet connections.
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Lesson 2: The World Wide Web |
Objectives
2.1. Define the World Wide Web and elaborate on its uses.
2.2. Explain how Web addresses work.
2.3. Explain how to use a browser to navigate the Web.
2.4. Describe how to evaluate the content of a Web site.
2.5. Explain the meaning of E-Commerce.
2.6. Define Web browser plug-ins and their uses.
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Lesson 3: Communicating on the Internet |
Objectives
3.1. Explain how e-mail works.
3.2. Write and send e-mail messages.
3.3. Manage e-mail messages.
3.4. Identify the features of online communities.
3.5. Explain how instant messaging works.
3.6. Explain how Web authoring software is used to create and publish Web pages.
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Lesson 1: Common Features and Commands |
Objectives
1.1. Identify the main components of the user interface.
1.2. Identify the purpose of the commands on the menu bar.
1.3. Work with the buttons on the toolbar.
1.4. Work with the pointer in a program.
1.5. Work with text and characters in a program.
1.6. Explain the use of primary keyboard shortcuts and key combinations.
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Lesson 2: Word Processing |
Objectives
2.1. Perform basic tasks by using a word processor.
2.2. Edit and format text.
2.3. Work with tables and pictures.
2.4. Work with language tools.
2.5. Identify the various benefits of using Desktop Publishing (DTP).
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Lesson 3: Spreadsheets |
Objectives
3.1. Identify the different components of a spreadsheet.
3.2. Enter data into a spreadsheet.
3.3. Perform basic mathematical operations in a spreadsheet.
3.4. Insert charts into a spreadsheet.
3.5. Explain the purpose of options available for printing a spreadsheet.
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Lesson 4: Presentation Programs |
Objectives
4.1. Identify the basic functionalities offered by presentation programs.
4.2. Create a new presentation.
4.3. Add graphics and multimedia to a presentation.
4.4. Identify the options available to print presentations in different formats.
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Lesson 5: Databases |
Objectives
5.1. Explain basic database concepts.
5.2. Create a database.
5.3. Work with records in a database.
5.4. Explain what database queries are and how they work.
5.5 Explain what reports are and their uses.
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Lesson 1: An Overview of Computer Security and Privacy |
Objectives
1.1. Explain what the terms security and privacy mean as they apply to computing.
1.2. Identify various threats in the world of computers and explain their corresponding solutions.
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Lesson 2: Protecting Your Computer and Your Data |
Objectives
2.1. Identify various methods of protecting the operating system, software, and data on your computer.
2.2. Identify various ways of securing online and network transactions.
2.3. Identify common measures for securing e-mail and instant messaging transactions.
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Lesson 3: Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Security Threats |
Objectives
3.1. Identify common measures used to protect privacy.
3.2. Describe how online predators work.
3.3. Identify the guidelines to protect children from online predators.
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Lesson 4: Keeping Your Computer Secure and Updated |
Objectives
4.1. Explain the purpose of different security settings on your computer.
4.2. Identify the options available for keeping your computer up to date.
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Lesson 5: Computer Ethics |
Objectives
5.1. Explain what the term intellectual property means as it applies to computing.
5.2 Identify the various copyright violation acts and their preventive measures.
5.3. Identify the various legal concerns associated with information exchange.
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Lesson 1:The Modern Digital Experience |
Objectives
1.1. Identify the benefits of the expanding scope of digital technology.
1.2. Explain how merging technologies expands the features of digital devices.
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Lesson 2: Digital Audio |
Objectives
2.1. Identify the characteristics of digital audio.
2.2. Explain the concepts of recording, copying, and converting digital audio.
2.3. Identify the features of advanced speech technologies.
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Lesson 3: Digital Video |
Objectives
3.1. Identify the characteristics of digital video.
3.2. Describe what digital video editing is and the various output formats for digital video.
3.3. Identify the features of different Web video technologies.
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Lesson 4: Digital Photography |
Objectives
4.1. Explain the benefits, features, and working of a digital camera.
4.2. Describe how digital images can be managed and edited.
4.3. Identify the features of different types of printers that are available for printing photos.
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Lesson 5: Digital Technology and Career Opportunities |
Objectives
5.1. Explain how digital technology enables you to work remotely.
5.2. Identify different career opportunities available in the digital technology world.
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