Digital Literacy Curriculum Version 2
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.
Digital Literacy version 2 teaches generic ICT skills and concepts, and features screen shots and simulations from Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system to illustrate and provide hands-on examples for students. The original version of Digital Literacy uses screen shots and simulations from Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Microsoft Office 2003.
Go to the original version curriculum page
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 and shutting down 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 Explain an operating system.
2.3 Explain programs and data.
2.4 Describe a network and the types of networks.
2.5 Explain the terms Internet, World Wide Web, and intranet.
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Lesson 3: Computer Performance and Features |
Objectives
3.1 Compare the features of different types of computers.
3.2 Explain the role of memory.
3.3 Explain the basics of computer performance.
3.4 Describe the types of productivity programs and their uses.
3.5 Describe the types of communication 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 components of the Windows Vista interface.
4.3 Explain the options available in the Start menu of Windows Vista.
4.4 Work with the Windows Vista interface within programs.
4.5 Manage files and folders in Windows Explorer.
4.6 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 the career opportunities available for a computer-literate person.
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Lesson 1: The Internet |
Objectives
1.1 Describe the uses of the Internet.
1.2 Identify the requirements for an Internet connection.
1.3 Identify the features of two types of Internet connections.
1.4 Relate the term bandwidth to types of Internet connections.
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Lesson 2: The World Wide Web |
Objectives
2.1 Describe the components of the Web.
2.2 Explain how Web addresses work.
2.3 Explore Web sites by using a browser.
2.4 Search for reliable information on the Web.
2.5 Explain how to perform transactions over the Web.
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Lesson 3: Using E-Mail |
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 correct e-mail etiquette.
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Lesson 4: Other Methods of Communicating on the Internet |
Objectives
4.1 Identify the features of online communities.
4.2 Explain how instant messaging works.
4.3 Explain how to create and publish Web pages.
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Lesson 1: Introduction to Productivity Programs |
Objectives
1.1 Describe the functionality of various productivity programs.
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Lesson 2: Common Features and Commands |
Objectives
2.1 Identify the main components of the graphical user interface (GUI) of a productivity program.
2.2 Use the pointer to navigate in a program.
2.3 Identify the tabs, groups, and commands on the Ribbon.
2.4 Use the buttons on the toolbars to perform various tasks.
2.5 Type text and characters in a program by using the keyboard.
2.6 Explain the use of keyboard shortcuts and key combinations.
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Lesson 3: Introduction to Word Processors |
Objectives
3.1 Perform basic tasks in a word processor.
3.2 Edit and format text.
3.3 Work with tables and pictures.
3.4 Proofread a document.
3.5 Identify the benefits of desktop publishing.
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Lesson 4: Introduction to Spreadsheet Programs |
Objectives
4.1 Identify the components of a spreadsheet.
4.2 Enter data into a spreadsheet.
4.3 Perform basic mathematical tasks in a spreadsheet.
4.4 Insert charts in a spreadsheet.
4.5 Print a spreadsheet.
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Lesson 5: Introduction to Presentation Programs |
Objectives
5.1 Identify the elements of a presentation program.
5.2 Create a presentation.
5.3 Add graphics and multimedia to a presentation.
5.4 Use the print options available in a presentation program.
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Lesson 6: Introduction to Database Programs |
Objectives
6.1 Explain basic concepts of a database.
6.2 Create a database.
6.3 Work with records in a database.
6.4 Explain what database queries are and how they work.
6.5 Work with reports.
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Lesson 1: Introduction to Computer Security and Privacy |
Objectives
1.1 Explain computer security and privacy.
1.2 Identify natural threats to your computer.
1.3 Identify measures to protect your computer against natural threats.
1.4 Identify threats to your computer from human actions.
1.5 Identify measures to protect your computer against threats from human actions.
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Lesson 2: Protecting Your Computer |
Objectives
2.1 Identify guidelines for protecting your computer.
2.2 Identify best practices for securing online and network transactions.
2.3 Identify measures for securing e-mail and instant messaging transactions.
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Lesson 3: Protecting Your Family from Security Threats |
Objectives
3.1 Identify measures that you can use to protect your privacy.
3.2 Explain how online predators operate.
3.3 Identify guidelines to protect your family from online predators.
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Lesson 4: Keeping Your Computer Secure and Updated |
Objectives
4.1 Explain the security settings on your computer.
4.2 Identify the options for keeping your computer up-to-date.
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Lesson 5: Computer Ethics |
Objectives
5.1 Explain intellectual property and copyright as they apply to computing.
5.2 Identify acts of copyright violation and the measures to prevent those acts.
5.3 Identify the legal concerns associated with information exchange.
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Lesson 1: The Digital Experience |
Objectives
1.1 Describe the benefits of digital technology.
1.2 Explain how digital technology expands the features of media devices.
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Lesson 2: Introduction to 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 speech technologies.
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Lesson 3: Introduction to Digital Video |
Objectives
3.1 Identify the characteristics of digital video.
3.2 Explain what digital video editing is and the output formats for digital video.
3.3 Identify the features of Web video technologies.
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Lesson 4: Introduction to Digital Photography |
Objectives
4.1 Explain the benefits, features, and workings of a digital camera.
4.2 Explain how to edit and manage digital images.
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 helps people work from any location.
5.2 Identify the career opportunities available for information workers.
5.3 Identify the career opportunities available for IT professionals.
5.4 Identify the career opportunities available for developers.
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