External Resources

This page includes a variety of publicly available learning resources that may support additional practice with Northstar standards. These resources were not created by Northstar. Since we now offer online learning modules and a comprehensive classroom curriculum, this list of external resources is not being actively maintained by our team.

We have developed 1:1 Digital Literacy Skills Volunteer Tutor Plans, resources to support volunteer tutors working with learners one-on-one. These resources guide tutors who are accessing external resources. The plans help tutors follow best practice in instruction while targeting specific digital literacy skills learners need to work on.

Please note, we now provide comprehensive classroom curricula for each assessment, which have been created by Northstar - these curricula are available only through Northstar locations. Learn more about becoming a Northstar location.

In the resources below, note that Article links to a text resource, Media links to a media resource, and Activity links to an activity resource.

External Resources for
Essential Computer Skills

External Resources for
Essential Software Skills

External Resources for
Using Technology in Daily Life

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Basic Computer Skills

  1. 1 Distinguish between different types of devices (tablets, desktop and laptop computers)
  2. Computer vs. Tablet (article) What is a Computer (media)
  3. 2 Identify specific computer hardware (system unit, monitor, printer, keyboard, mouse or touchpad, ports, touchscreen)
  4. Basic Parts of a Computer (article) What is a Computer? (media) Computer Parts 1 (activity)
  5. 3 Log on to and shut down a computer
  6. Turn Off a Computer (article) Turning On, Logging On, Shutting Down (media) Computer Solutions (activity)
  7. 4 Demonstrate knowledge of keys on keyboard (Enter, Shift, Control, Backspace, Delete, Arrow Keys, Tab, Caps Lock, Number Lock)
  8. How to Use a Computer Keyboard (article) The Keyboard (media) Key Functions (activity)
  9. 5 Identify types of mice: mouse and touchpad
  10. How to Use a Computer Mouse (article) The Mouse (media)
  11. 6 Identify mouse pointer shapes and the functions they represent (spinning wheel (loading), iBeam (text), arrow (basic clicking), hand pointer (clickable links))
  12. Mouse and Pointers (article) Use the Mouse (media) Mouse Cursors (activity)
  13. 7 Demonstrate knowledge and appropriate use of mouse clicks (right-click, left-click, and double click)
  14. Computer Mouse (activity) Click (article) Mouse Tutorial (media)
  15. 8 Drag and drop
  16. Drag-and-Drop (article) Drag and Drop Practice (activity)
  17. 9 Utilize common controls for screen interaction (selecting check boxes, using drop-down menus, scrolling)
  18. Online Forms (article) Mousercise (activity)
  19. 10 Access and control audio output features (volume, mute, speakers and headphones)
  20. 7 Ways to Change the Volume on Windows (article) How to Changing Sound Settings (media)
  21. 11 Identify icons on desktop
  22. Understanding Operating Systems (article) Working from the Desktop (media)
  23. 12 Demonstrate ability to trash and retrieve items using the trash or recycle bin
  24. How do I Manage the Windows Recycle Bin? (article) Deleting Files (media)
  25. 13 Demonstrate understanding that it is possible to customize a computer for increased accessibility (customizing a mouse for left-handed use and sensitivity, and changing screen resolution on a monitor)
  26. How to Personalize Mouse for Left-Handed Use (article) How to Change Screen Resolution and Size (media)
  27. 14 Demonstrate understanding that software programs are upgraded periodically to fix bugs and increase utility, and that different versions may be installed on different computers
  28. How to Update Windows (article) How to Manage Updates in Windows 10 (media)
  29. 15 Identify mechanisms for storing files (flash drives, hard drives, cloud-based storage)
  30. Understanding the Cloud (article) Cloud Storage (media) Storage Devices (activity)
  31. 16 Identify whether or not a computer is connected to the internet
  32. How to connect to the internet (article) Connecting to the Internet (media) Internet Hardware (activity)
  33. 17 Identify and locate camera and mic on laptops, tablets
  34. How to Tell if You Have Microphone & Webcams (article)
  35. 18 Turn computer and monitor on and off
  36. How to Turn a Computer On and Off (article)
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Internet Basics

  1. 1 Identify the different ways a person can connect to the internet.
  2. How to Connect to the Internet (article) Connecting to the Internet (media) Internet Hardware (activity)
  3. 2 Demonstrate knowledge of browsers and identify commonly used browsers.
  4. Choosing a Web Browser (article) What is a Web Browser (media) Internet Browsers (activity)
  5. 3 Demonstrate familiarity with website structure (e.g., landing pages, internal pages).
  6. Internet Vocabulary (activity) Using a Web Browser (article) Browser Basics (media)
  7. 4 Identify top-level domains (e.g., .edu, .com, .org).
  8. What is a Top-Level Domain (article) Understanding URLS (media)
  9. 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).
  10. How to Clear Search History (article) Your Browser's Security Features (media) Internet Safety (activity)
  11. 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).
  12. Understanding Spam and Phishing (media) Identifying Unsecured Websites (media)
  13. 7 Identify ways to protect your devices (e.g., anti-malware software, recognizing possible virus attacks).
  14. How to Avoid Malware (article) What is Antivirus Software? (media)
  15. 8 Demonstrate to a website that you are a legitimate user using CAPTCHA or other verification methods.
  16. What is CAPTCHA (article) Introducing reCAPTCHA (media) CAPTCHA Demo (activity)
  17. 9 Fill out an online form.
  18. How to Complete Online Forms (article) Online Practice Form (activity)
  19. 10 Identify address bar and demonstrate understanding of its functionality.
  20. What is an Address Bar (article) Browser Basics (media)
  21. 11 Identify common browser tools and icons (e.g., favorites, downloads, refresh, and back).
  22. Using a Web Browser (article) Bookmarking in Chrome (media) Browser Controls (activity)
  23. 12 Perform internet search using clear parameters (terms and filters).
  24. Search Better (article) Basic Search Strategies (media) Try a Google Search (activity)
  25. 13 Demonstrate ability to scroll up and down a page and left and right on a page.
  26. What is a Scroll Bar? (article) Scrolling Practice (media)
  27. 14 Identify and make use of common website interactions (e.g., play buttons, hyperlinks).
  28. What is a Hyperlink? (article) Understanding Hyperlinks (article)
  29. 15 Identify and work with tabs and windows.
  30. What is Tabbed Browsing (article) Browsing in Chrome (media)
  31. 16 Enable a specific pop-up window.
  32. What is a Pop-up? (article) Block or Allow Pop-Ups (activity)
  33. 17 Use shortcut keys, or menu or mousing equivalents, to support user experience on the web (e.g., zoom, find text).
  34. How to Enlarge a Web Page (article) Using Ctrl F to Search Efficiently (media) Identifying Cameras, Microphones, and other Computer Accessories (activity)
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Using Email

  1. Define email and identify common email clients.
  2. What is E-mail? (article) Introduction to Email (article)
  3. Tell the difference between a URL and an email address.
  4. The Difference Between a URL & Domain (article)
  5. Register for a new email account, using a professional user name and a strong password.
  6. Create a Strong Password & a More Secure Account (article) How to Create a Strong Password (media) Create a Gmail Account (activity)
  7. Log into email.
  8. Sign in to Gmail (article) Setting Up a Gmail Account (article) Sign In (activity)
  9. Create and send an email, including recipient address, subject, and message.
  10. How to Send an Email (article) Sending Email (media)
  11. Open and reply to an email.
  12. Responding to Email (article) Responding to Email (media) Email Activity (activity)
  13. Understand why and how to reply, reply all, and forward an email.
  14. Email Activity (activity) Responding to Email (article) Responding to Email (media)
  15. Add an attachment to an email.
  16. How to Add an Attachment (media) Send Attachments (article)
  17. Open and download an email attachment.
  18. Open & Download Attachments (article) How to View Attachments (media)
  19. Manage email: Delete and retrieve messages, identify spam, and unsubscribe from unwanted mailing lists.
  20. Avoiding Spam and Phishing (article) Managing Email (media) Block or Unsubscribe from Emails (activity)
  21. Understand basics of email etiquette (using salutations and closings, avoiding all caps, making use of the subject line, understanding when it's ok to forward messages, knowing who to cc or bcc, etc.).
  22. Email Etiquette and Safety (article) Email Etiquette (media) Email Writing Activities (activity)
  23. Use caution when opening or replying to an email from an unfamiliar source, downloading attachments, following links, or giving out personal information.
  24. Email Safety Tips (article) Understanding Spam and Phishing (media) Avoid and Report Phishing Activities (activity)
  25. Sign out of email, especially when using shared computers.
  26. Sign Out of Gmail (article)
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Windows

  1. 1 Identify the operating system used by a computer.
  2. Which Version of Windows (article) All About Windows (article)
  3. 2 Identify the parts of the Windows 10 interface (desktop, taskbar, etc.).
  4. Navigating Windows (article) Getting Started with the Desktop (media)
  5. 3 Demonstrate knowledge of the Windows Start Menu, including Get Help.
  6. Getting Started with Windows 10 (article) Getting Started with Windows 10 (media)
  7. 4 Demonstrate ability to search for a file, program, or document.
  8. Windows 10 Features (article) Windows 10: New Features (media)
  9. 5 Identify icons, functions, and any file extensions related to basic office software (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and default Windows programs (Microsoft Edge, Windows Defender, etc.).
  10. Common Applications in Windows (article) File Extensions and File Types (media)
  11. 6 Start and exit programs.
  12. Navigating Windows (article) Getting Started with the Desktop (media)
  13. 7 Minimize and maximize windows.
  14. Navigating Windows (article) Getting Started with the Desktop (media)
  15. 8 Open, close and switch between windows.
  16. Tips for Managing Multiple Windows (article)
  17. 9 Demonstrate knowledge of Windows File Explorer and identify drives on the computer, as well as cloud storage services (e.g., OneDrive).
  18. Working with Files (article) Finding Files on Your Computer (media)
  19. 10 Move documents and files, including to and from Recycle Bin.
  20. Working with Files (article) Working with Files & Folders (media)
  21. 11 Shut down, restart, and log off a computer.
  22. How to turn off a computer monitor (article) Turning On, Logging On, Shutting Down (media)
  23. 12 Use Settings to uninstall or modify apps.
  24. Adjusting Your Settings (article)
  25. 1 Use the Microsoft Store to add apps.
  26. 2 Demonstrate knowledge of Settings.
  27. 3 Move documents and files, including to and from Recycle Bin.
  28. Working with Files (article) Working with Files & Folders (media)
  29. 4 Demonstrate knowledge of Windows File Explorer and identify drives on the computer, as well as cloud storage services (e.g., OneDrive).
  30. Working with Files (article) Finding Files on Your Computer (media)
  31. 5 Start and exit programs.
  32. Navigating Windows (article) Getting Started with the Desktop (media)
  33. 6 Identify icons, functions, and any file extensions related to basic office software (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and default Windows programs (Microsoft Edge, Windows Defender, etc.).
  34. Common Applications in Windows (article) File Extensions and File Types (media)
  35. 7 Demonstrate ability to search for a file, program, or document.
  36. Windows 10 Features (article) Windows 10: New Features (media)
  37. 8 Identify the parts of the Windows 11 interface (desktop, taskbar, Start Menu etc.).
  38. 9 Shut down, restart, and log off a computer.
  39. How to turn off a computer monitor (article) Turning On, Logging On, Shutting Down (media)
  40. 10 Open, close and switch between windows.
  41. Tips for Managing Multiple Windows (article)
  42. 11 Minimize and maximize windows.
  43. Navigating Windows (article) Getting Started with the Desktop (media)
  44. 12 Identify the operating system used by a computer.
  45. Which Version of Windows (article) All About Windows (article)
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Mac OS

  1. 1 Identify the operating system used by a computer.
  2. All About macOS (article)
  3. 2 Identify the parts of the Mac OS interface (desktop, Dock, Menu Bar, etc.).
  4. Navigating macOS (article) Getting Started with the Desktop (media)
  5. 3 Use the Help menu.
  6. Common Computer Tasks (article) How to View On Screen Help Menu (media)
  7. 4 Use Finder or Spotlight to locate files and folders.
  8. Finding Files on Your Computer (article) Finding Files on Your Computer (media)
  9. 5 Open applications using Siri, Spotlight, Launchpad, the Dock, or the Applications Folder, and pin apps to the Dock.
  10. What's in the menu bar on Mac (article) Using the Dock (media)
  11. 6 Identify icons, functions, and any file extensions related to basic office software (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and default Apple programs.
  12. Working with Files (article) Working with Files and Folders (media)
  13. 7 Move documents and files, and create new folders.
  14. Working with Files (article) Working with Files and Folders (media)
  15. 8 Delete files and apps, and recover them from the Trash.
  16. Finding Files on Your Computer (article) Finding Files on Your Computer (media)
  17. 9 Identify peripheral devices on a computer (flash drives, camera, etc.) and cloud storage options (e.g. iCloud).
  18. Working with Flash Drives (article)
  19. 10 Minimize and maximize windows.
  20. Navigating macOS (article)
  21. 11 Close, switch between, and quit applications.
  22. Navigating MacOS (article)
  23. 12 Use the App Store to add and update apps.
  24. Common Applications in MacOS (article)
  25. 13 Demonstrate knowledge of System Preferences.
  26. Adjusting Your Settings (article) 10 macOS Tips for New Mac Users (media)
  27. 14 Log out of, restart, and shut down a computer.
  28. Log out, sleep, restart, or shut down your Mac (article) Getting Started with the Desktop (media) Navigating MacOS (article)
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Microsoft Word

  1. 1 Open a new or existing document.
  2. Creating and Opening Documents (article) Creating and Opening Documents (media) Microsoft Word File Tab (activity)
  3. 2 Identify the parts of the Word window, including the Ribbon, Status Bar and Quick Access Toolbar.
  4. Getting Started in Word (article) Getting Started in Word (media) Microsoft Word Basics (activity)
  5. 3 Save a document, being intentional about name and location.
  6. Saving and Sharing Documents (article) Saving and Sharing Documents (media)
  7. 4 Identify file extensions that can be opened by Microsoft Word.
  8. Working with Files (article) File Extensions and File Types (media)
  9. 5 Use Spelling and Grammar check.
  10. Checking Spelling and Grammar (article) Check Spelling and Grammar (media)
  11. 6 Format text: size, color and font type.
  12. Formatting Text (article) Microsoft Word Font (activity) Formatting Text (media)
  13. 7 Set text spacing and alignment.
  14. Line and Paragraph Spacing (article) Line and Paragraph Spacing (media) Microsoft Word Paragraph (activity)
  15. 8 Apply bullets and automatic numbering.
  16. Lists (article) Lists (article)
  17. 9 Undo the previous action.
  18. Text Basics (article) Text Basics (media)
  19. 10 Cut, copy and paste.
  20. Text Basics (article) Text Basics (media)
  21. 11 Modify page layout, including margins and orientation.
  22. Page Layout (article) Page Layout (media) Microsoft Word Page Layout (activity)
  23. 12 Print.
  24. Printing Documents (article) Printing (media)
  25. 13 Close a document.
  26. Saving and Sharing Documents (article) Saving and Sharing Documents (media)
  27. 14 Insert objects into a document, including images, shapes, hyperlinks, and tables.
  28. Working with Objects (article) Pictures and Text Wrapping (media)
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Microsoft Excel

  1. 1 Open and close a workbook.
  2. Creating and Opening Workbooks (article) Creating and Opening Workbooks (media)
  3. 2 Save a workbook, being intentional about name and location.
  4. Saving and Sharing Workbooks (article) Saving and Sharing (media)
  5. 3 Identify parts of Excel Screen: ribbon, formula bar, active cell, name box, column letter, row number, Quick Access Toolbar.
  6. Getting Started with Excel (article) Getting Started with Excel (media)
  7. 4 Locate a specific cell.
  8. Cell Basics (article) Cell Basics (media)
  9. 5 Enter data in a cell.
  10. Cell Basics (article) Cell Basics (media)
  11. 6 Copy and move cell entries.
  12. Cell Basics (article) Cell Basics (media)
  13. 7 Format cells and text: bold, underline, size, merge and center, wrap text, number (currency, time, percentages, etc.)
  14. Formatting Cells (article) Formatting Cells (media)
  15. 8 Create headings and freeze them.
  16. Freezing Panes and View Options (article) Freeze Panes and View Options (media)
  17. 9 Insert and delete rows and columns.
  18. Modifying Columns, Rows, and Cells (article) Modifying Columns, Rows, and Cells (media)
  19. 10 Adjust row and column size.
  20. Modifying Columns, Rows, and Cells (article) Modifying Columns, Rows, and Cells (media)
  21. 11 Identify worksheet tabs, create a new tab, rename tabs, and rearrange tabs.
  22. Working with Multiple Worksheets (article) Working with Multiple Worksheets (media)
  23. 12 Write a formula in the formula bar (-, +, *, /).
  24. Intro to Formulas (article) Intro to Formulas (media)
  25. 13 Select a range.
  26. Cell Basics (article) Cell Basics (media)
  27. 14 Use Auto Fill and AutoSum (Sum, Average, etc.) and understand the differences between them.
  28. Excel Functions (article) Excel Functions (media)
  29. 15 Sort (least to greatest, alphabetically, etc.) and filter data.
  30. Sorting Data (article) Sorting Data (media)
  31. 16 Insert a chart to display data.
  32. Charts (article) Charts (media)
  33. 17 Select a print area, choose page orientation, and print.
  34. Page Layout and Printing (article) Page Layout and Printing (media)
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Microsoft PowerPoint

  1. 1 Open a new or existing PowerPoint presentation.
  2. Creating and Opening Presentations (article) Creating and Opening Presentations (media)
  3. 2 Identify parts of the PowerPoint screen (slide navigation pane, slide pane, notes, the ribbon, quick access toolbar, and scroll bars).
  4. Getting Started with PowerPoint (article) Getting Started with PowerPoint (media)
  5. 3 Insert new slides, duplicate, or reuse slides.
  6. Slide Basics (article) Slide Basics (media)
  7. 4 Manage text (insert, delete, copy, cut and paste, drag and drop, format, and use spellcheck).
  8. Text Basics (article) Text Basics (media)
  9. 5 Apply or change a theme.
  10. Applying Themes (article) Applying Themes (media)
  11. 6 Use zoom control.
  12. Quick Zoom with the Scroll Wheel (article) Quick Zoom with the Scroll Wheel (media)
  13. 7 Insert items into a presentation, resize, and adjust them (video, chart, pictures, clip art, screenshots).
  14. Inserting Pictures (article) Inserting Pictures (media)
  15. 8 Add a textbox, adjust it, resize it, or delete it.
  16. Text Basics (article) Text Basics (media)
  17. 9 Change the view (normal view, slide sorter, reading view, slideshow view).
  18. Managing Slides (article) Managing Slides (media)
  19. 10 Insert, delete, and move slides using slide navigation pane.
  20. Managing Slides (article) Managing Slides (media)
  21. 11 Use the quick access toolbar.
  22. Customize the Quick Access Toolbar (article) Customize the Quick Access Toolbar (media)
  23. 12 Apply and customize slide transitions (select, preview, add sound, automatic advance).
  24. Applying Transitions (article) Applying Transitions (media)
  25. 13 Understand the basics of PowerPoint etiquette (limited text, text that stands out on background, clear titles).
  26. Simple Rules for Better PowerPoint Presentations (article) Reviewing Presentations (article)
  27. 14 Play a slideshow, advance through the slides, and end slideshow (using screen toolbar features).
  28. Presenting Your Slide Show (article) Presenting Your Slide Show (media)
  29. 15 Save a presentation as a .ppt, .pdf, .png, etc.
  30. Saving Presentations (article) Saving Presentations (media)
  31. 16 Create handouts.
  32. Printing (article) Printing (media)
  33. 17 Print a presentation.
  34. Printing (article) Printing (media)
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Social Media

  1. Identify different types of social media and their primary functions (especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter).
  2. What is Social Networking (article) Social Networks (article) Why Facebook? (media)
  3. Create a new account on a social media network and log in.
  4. Getting Started with Facebook (article) Signing Up (media)
  5. Recognize social media interactions that may present a risk in order to make informed decisions (e.g., using a Facebook account to log in to third-party websites, identifying scams, sharing personal information)
  6. Understanding Facebook Privacy (article) Social Media Privacy Basics (article)
  7. Demonstrate knowledge of managing “friends” on Facebook: adding friends, accepting/declining “friend” requests, and the difference between that and “following” someone.
  8. Friends (article) Facebook Groups (article)
  9. Understand and change privacy settings.
  10. Adjusting Your Privacy Settings (article) Privacy (media)
  11. Demonstrate an understanding of the consequences of “liking” or commenting on something.
  12. Share with Care (media)
  13. Share and delete content, including photos, videos, and links.
  14. Sharing on Facebook (article) Sharing on Facebook (media)
  15. Identify information that is unwise to post and/or upload on a social media (too much personal sharing, inappropriate photos/comments).
  16. Protecting Reputations Online (media)
  17. Distinguish between public and private “spaces” on social media sites (e.g., Facebook messages vs. Facebook timeline).
  18. Chat and Messages (article) Sharing on Facebook (media)
  19. Post, share, like, or comment on content.
  20. https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/facebook101/sharing-on-facebook/1/ (article) Sharing on Facebook (media)
  21. Demonstrate knowledge of the permanence of anything posted on the internet.
  22. Deactivating your Facebook Account (article)
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Information Literacy

  1. 1 Define a problem, formulate a question, or identify a decision that needs to be made.
  2. Information Literacy Interactive Tutorial (activity)
  3. 2 Identify the purpose for accessing information (how the information will help solve the problem, answer the question, make a decision, or accomplish a goal or objective).
  4. InfoLit Course: Why IL Matters Course Notes (article)
  5. 3 Define the kind of information needed to complete the task.
  6. ALA Guide on Information Literacy (article)
  7. 4 Identify types and formats of information found online (articles, databases, images, videos, etc.).
  8. Selecting the Right Source (article)
  9. 5 Plan steps required to solve the problem or accomplish the task.
  10. Getting Started with Research (article)
  11. 6 Recognize the costs, in time or money, and benefits of accessing different sources of information (article, newspaper, consumer reports).
  12. Finding Online Reviews (article) Finding Online Review (media)
  13. 7 Demonstrate use of efficient search strategies to hone in on relevant information.
  14. Introduction to Searching Online (article)
  15. 8 Locate relevant information in media found online, including text, video, images, etc. Locate the source of the information.
  16. How to Read a Webpage (article)
  17. 9 Make use of hyperlinks to follow desired/required path of information.
  18. Understanding Hyperlinks (article)
  19. 10 Demonstrate basic understanding of use of non-Internet sources of information (personal documents, Excel spreadsheets, etc).
  20. Solving Real Life Problems in Excel (article) Solving Real-Life Problems in Excel (media)
  21. 11 Discern between relevant and non-relevant information in an information source and select the information that addresses the issue that motivated the search.
  22. Practice Evaluating a Webpage (article)
  23. 12 Determine the quality of information by identifying bias, assessing the reliability of sources, and identifying the impact of context.
  24. Judging Online Information (article) Judging Online Information (media)
  25. 13 File/store information in a format that facilitates ease of access for future use (e.g., file naming, folder organization, bookmarking, etc.)
  26. Finding Your Downloads (article) Bookmarks (article)
  27. 14 Monitor extent to which information solves a problem and know when additional information is needed.
  28. Problem Solving and Decision Making Strategies (article) Decision-Making Strategies (media)
  29. 15 Synthesize relevant information from one or more sources.
  30. Putting Information Together (article)
  31. 16 Integrate new information into current knowledge and use it to support understanding, views, perspectives, or opinions.
  32. Deconstructing Media Messages (article) Deconstructing Media Messages (media)
  33. 17 Act on information to solve basic problems or answer a question.
  34. What is Critical Thinking (article) What is Critical Thinking (media)
  35. 18 Select appropriate format for sharing information, based on audience and purpose, and distribute to intended audience.
  36. Sharing and Collaborating (article) Understanding Social Media (article)
  37. 19 Evaluate the result of gaining/using the information. Was the question answered? Was the problem solved? Was a better decision made? Was a goal or objective met?
  38. The Role of Reflection in Problem Solving (media) How to Ask Better Questions (media)
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Career Search Skills

  1. 1 Identify tools for determining career aptitude (self-assessment, interest inventories, skill identification, and values awareness).
  2. Assess Yourself (activity) Discover Your Career Needs (article) A Career Planning Game Plan (article)
  3. 2 Identify features and timeline of a job search plan.
  4. Job Search and Networking (article) Getting Organized (article)
  5. 3 Identify resources that aid in finding a job (internet resources, social media websites, job listings, targeted employment, job fairs, networking clubs, etc.)
  6. Find a Job Online (article) Networking Basics (article) Job Hunt with Social Media (article) Where to Find Jobs (article)
  7. 4 Demonstrate the ability to use search and filter functions in job search sites.
  8. How to Search for Jobs with Indeed.com (media)
  9. 5 Distinguish between skills sets (job skills, transferable skills, self-management skills, and emotional intelligence).
  10. Transferring Your Skills to a New Career (article) Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills (article) 3 Steps to Identifying Transferrable Skills (article) What Are You Good At? (article)
  11. 6 Demonstrate understanding of the value of volunteering.
  12. Gain Job Skills (article) Skills vs. Job Training (article)
  13. 7 Identify steps to prepare for a career or job fair (posting resume, preparing introduction, reading schedule/calendar).
  14. Learn to Work a Career Fair (article)
  15. 8 Identify ways to research employers, labor markets, and salary ranges.
  16. Explore Careers (article) Researching Employers (article)
  17. 9 Identify elements of a strong portfolio including work samples and other supportive documents.
  18. Portfolios (article) Work Samples (article) Work Samples (article)
  19. 10 Identify elements of a cover letter and distinguish between weak and strong cover letters.
  20. How To Write A Cover Letter: 22 Professionals Comment (article) Crafting Your Cover Letter (article) Cover Letters (article)
  21. 11 Identify elements of a resume and best practices for writing one (including employment history, hard and soft skills, accomplishments, job search goals, gaps in employment, etc.)
  22. Resume Writing Tips (article) Resume Writing (article) Resumes (article)
  23. 12 Identify best practices for sending and following up with resumes.
  24. How to Email a Resume (article) How to Email a Resume (article)
  25. 13 Demonstrate understanding of hiring processes (including recruitment, screening, and selecting).
  26. Hiring Process Steps (article)
  27. 14 Identify the basic principles of direct employer contact (in-person, telephone, video calls, social media, and email).
  28. Cold Contact Cover Letter (article) Contacting Employers (article)
  29. 15 Identify key steps in preparing for an interview including identifying common interview questions; distinguish between strong and weak answers to interview questions; how to practice for an interview, giving answers for gaps in employment or previous incarceration.
  30. What to Prepare Before an Interview (article) What to Do During an Interview (article) Interviewing for a Job with a Criminal Record (article) Job Interview (article)
  31. 16 Distinguish between different types of interviews (such as screening, selection, informational, work sample, peer group, group, luncheon/coffee, stress, video conference, etc.).
  32. Types of Interviews (article) Types of Interviews (article)
  33. 17 Distinguish between legal and illegal job interview questions; appropriately respond to illegal questions in an interview.
  34. What Employers Can't Ask (article) Illegal Questions (article)
  35. 18 Identify key post-interview steps (contacting references, thank you notes, social media).
  36. Following Up After an Interview (article) Post-Interview (article)
  37. 19 Demonstrate understanding of proper etiquette throughout the job search process, including when you are not hired.
  38. Job Search Etiquette (article) Rejection (article)
  39. 20 Demonstrate understanding of negotiables: salary, schedule, benefits, professional development, training, and vacation time.
  40. Negotiating a New Job Offer (article) Salary Negotiation (article) Get the Job (article)
  41. 21 Distinguish between job types (temporary, seasonal, part-time, full-time, and unpaid internships)
  42. Part-Time, Temporary, and Seasonal Employees (article) Internships (article)
  43. 22 Identify best practices to be successful on the job (including meeting employer expectations, making arrangements so that responsibilities and problems outside of work do not interfere with the job, learning new skills, dressing professionally, showing appreciation, and accepting constructive criticism).
  44. Increase your Job Success (article) Success on the Job (article)
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Your Digital Footprint

  1. 1 Define digital footprint.
  2. What is a Digital Footprint (media) Digital Footprint (article)
  3. 2 Understand why a digital footprint is important.
  4. Your Digital Footprint (media)
  5. 3 Understand the potential benefits of having a digital footprint.
  6. Your Digital Footprint Matters (article) What Do Your Digital Footprints Say About You? (media)
  7. 4 Understand the sources of a digital footprint (browsing, job search, shopping, social media).
  8. Digital Footprint (media)
  9. 5 Understand that actions online can have unintentional impacts to your digital footprint.
  10. Understanding Digital Citizenship (article) Dynamics at Work in a World of Digital Footprints (article)
  11. 6 Identify consequences of a digital footprint (permanent, real-life, employment-related).
  12. What is Your Digital Baggage (article)
  13. 7 Demonstrate how to manage an online identity responsibly.
  14. 5 Ways to Make a Positive Digital Footprint (media) Manag a Digital Footprint (article)
  15. 8 Demonstrate ability to manage privacy settings.
  16. Manage Your Privacy Settings (article) Manage Your Privacy Settings (article) Different Devices Make Different Digital Footprints (media)
  17. 9 Understand breaches of privacy and the dangers these represent.
  18. Online Safety Basics (article) Digital Footprint Problems (article)
  19. 10 Identify the different organizations interested in a digital footprint and what they might use it for (employers, retail, government).
  20. Your Digital Trail and How it Can Be Used Against You (article) Hot on Your Trail (media) What is the Economic Bargain or Internet Users? (media)
  21. 11 Define cookies and understand how these are used to track a digital footprint.
  22. What You Need to Know about Internet Cookies (media) Why Did We Start Leaving such Big Footprints (media)