Northstar Features

Northstar provides assessments, instructor-led curricula and self-directed online learning for basic digital literacy skills. Subscribing organizations can use Northstar resources to determine needs, provide relevant instruction, and track results.

What are the Northstar assessments?

Interactive digital literacy tests, taken online
Allow test takers to demonstrate basic computer & digital literacy skills
Provide a report of areas mastered and areas needing improvement
Integrated with Northstar Online Learning (NSOL) resources when working with a subscribing Northstar location; learners can access practice resources to build their digital literacy skills
Test takers earn certificates when assessments are passed and proctored through a Northstar subscriber, either virtually or in person at the location
Test takers can store their successes in a digital credential via Badgr Backpack
 
Try a Northstar assessment

What is Northstar Online Learning (NSOL)?

Accessible to subscribing Northstar locations
Directs learners to work on areas needing improvement based on assessment results
Includes explanations, demonstration videos, and interactive practice to support learners
Can be used either by learners working independently, or as a resource to support in-class instruction or one-on-one tutoring. Access an NSOL Teacher Guide here!
for our 14 most popular topics. are in development.

Currently Available

  • Basic Computer Skills
  • Internet Basics
  • Using Email
  • Windows
  • Mac OS
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Google Docs
  • Social Media
  • Information Literacy
  • Career Search Skills
  • Your Digital Footprint
  • Accessing Telehealth Appointments

In Development

  • Supporting K-12 Distance Learning
Track digital literacy skill development
Robust reporting features can track time learners spend on out-of-class work
Custom tags can be created to organize learner data for more detailed reporting
 
Try an NSOL practice module
 
Find out more about NSOL reporting features

What is the Northstar Digital Literacy curriculum?

Accessible to subscribing Northstar locations
Ready-to-go lesson plans support learners in mastering Northstar standards
Learner-centered, interactive, and easy to use for all instructors!
Intended for use in classroom settings, but can be adapted for small group or one-on-one tutoring, as well as distance learning
Includes helpful teacher tips and detailed instructions to prep for the lesson
Includes Unit Projects to support and extend digital literacy learning opportunities
Includes easy-to-use, customizable Digital Literacy Routines for very beginning level digital literacy learners. Using routines, learners develop essential digital literacy skills such as using the mouse, typing, and connecting to the internet. The routines scaffold up to the lessons in the Northstar curriculum.
Can be taught remotely; Northstar provides a Remote Teaching Guide and adapted pages for remote instruction
 
Try a Northstar curriculum unit

What standards does the Northstar Digital Literacy curriculum support?

Interested in learning more about the Northstar Digital Literacy curriculum?

Check out our FAQs and/or view a sample lesson plan.

Northstar Standards

You can download a copy of Northstar's recently updated standards (also available in Spanish), which define the basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. You can also access a list of standards linked with curated learning resources from the web. Online, self-guided assessment modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on these standards. Northstar's standards and modules cover the three categories below.

Standards for
Essential Computer Skills

Standards for
Essential Software Skills

Standards for
Using Technology in Daily Life

Back to Standards

Internet Basics

  1. 1 Identify the different ways a person can connect to the internet.
  2. 2 Demonstrate knowledge of browsers and identify commonly used browsers.
  3. 3 Demonstrate familiarity with website structure (e.g., landing pages, internal pages).
  4. 4 Identify top-level domains (e.g., .edu, .com, .org).
  5. 5 Demonstrate understanding of how to use browser tools and settings to protect privacy (e.g., private browser windows, clearing search history, and declining to save passwords on shared computers).
  6. 6 Demonstrate understanding of when it's safe and appropriate to share personal, private, or financial information (e.g., recognizing phishing attempts, identifying unsecured websites).
  7. 7 Identify ways to protect your devices (e.g., anti-malware software, recognizing possible virus attacks).
  8. 8 Demonstrate to a website that you are a legitimate user using CAPTCHA or other verification methods.
  9. 9 Fill out an online form.
  10. 10 Identify address bar and demonstrate understanding of its functionality.
  11. 11 Identify common browser tools and icons (e.g., favorites, downloads, refresh, and back).
  12. 12 Perform internet search using clear parameters (terms and filters).
  13. 13 Demonstrate ability to scroll up and down a page and left and right on a page.
  14. 14 Identify and make use of common website interactions (e.g., play buttons, hyperlinks).
  15. 15 Identify and work with tabs and windows.
  16. 16 Enable a specific pop-up window.
  17. 17 Use shortcut keys, or menu or mousing equivalents, to support user experience on the web (e.g., zoom, find text).

Free Resources

The following resources developed by others address many of the Northstar Digital Literacy standards:

Web resources curated by Northstar that are available to everyone.

CTEP.weebly.com is a user-friendly resource for test takers.

GCF LearnFree (technology) is quite comprehensive.

Interested in curricula developed by Northstar? View information on becoming a Northstar location.

I learned a lot of things in this class. It will help me when I go to the GED classes and take the tests, which are online. Technology is always changing, so I really need these skills. I feel more comfortable with computers. I used to call and ask my kids all the time to help me use the computer, but now I'm independent! If you don't know how to fill out an online application, you need someone to help you, but now I feel like I'm the boss of the computer. Mothers want to be able to check their kids' school progress, and if you know how to use the computer, it's easy. You can follow your kids' school progress online through their gradebook.