Unlimited Potential Community Learning Curriculum

Published: May 14, 2004 | Updated: November 4, 2005

As part of Microsoft's efforts to promote digital inclusion worldwide, the Unlimited Potential (UP) Community Learning curriculum provides the foundation for teaching basic to intermediate technology skills in a hands-on manner. Designed for use in community technology centers (CTCs) or telecenters, the curriculum aims to help individuals gain critical twenty-first century workforce skills needed for today's "knowledge economy" and to broaden digital inclusion. Lessons may be taught in a classroom-style setting, or as part of a self-paced learning program.

The curriculum provides quality content for the community (nonmatriculating) learner that focuses on real-world skill development in the areas of:

• Beginning information, technology, and computer literacy
• Information and communications technologies
• Workforce development and preliminary technical certification preparation

Curriculum Courses

The curriculum aligns with internationally recognized certification requirements and provides eight step-by-step courses teaching skills in the following disciplines.

Computer Literacy

• Computer Fundamentals. Provides a solid foundation in basic computer concepts and the essentials of hardware, software, operating systems, and the Internet.

Information Literacy

• Using the Internet and World Wide Web. Covers exploring the Web using search engines, working with e-mail, and creating Web pages.
• Digital Media Fundamentals. Teaches students how to get started with digital media, including music, photography, and video.

Productivity Applications

• Word Processing Fundamentals. Teaches students to use a word processor to write and revise a variety of personal and business documents, from simple letters and memos to complex layouts containing graphics and tables.
• Spreadsheet Fundamentals. Teaches students the basics of spreadsheet concepts and practices, including creating worksheets, editing data, building charts and graphs, and publishing spreadsheets to the Web.
• Presentation Fundamentals. Covers everything students need to know about putting together persuasive electronic presentations, from creating basic slide shows to adding graphics, audio, and video for rich multimedia presentations.
• Web Design Fundamentals. Takes students through the complete process of Web page design, from the basics of HTML to strategies for designing and building a complete Web site.
• Database Fundamentals. Introduces students to the basics of using a relational database to create tables, forms, and reports.

Real-World Skill Development

Telecenters are encouraged to customize the curriculum to meet the needs of their particular students or the local economy. A significant feature of the UP curriculum is the file format. All files are available in Microsoft Word format, which enables instructors to customize lessons so they are relevant to local needs, making the training as meaningful as possible for students. For example, instructors may wish to add an exercise in developing a resumé to a course designed for workforce training or to introduce a project combining word processing, presentation, and internet skills to a course addressing a community issue.

Availability of Curriculum

Course materials are available to UP grantees in English, Spanish, French, and German. Russian, Arabic, and Simplified Chinese are also being developed. Telecenters may obtain the curriculum by submitting an Unlimited Potential application through the local Microsoft office, or by sending an e-mail message to upinfo@microsoft.com, or by visiting the UP curriculum download page.

• Review Eligibility Criteria and Learn How to Apply

 Top of page