DigitalLearn

What This Includes

Skills addressed: Written Communication, Dependability, Professionalism, Media Literacy, Navigating Systems, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Technology Literacy, Computer Use, E-Safety

Courses (English and Spanish)

• Starting Out offers beginners self-directed tutorials covering basic skills, such as Using a Mouse, Creating an Email Account, File Management and Cybersecurity
• Being Safe Online, Mobile Devices, Online Shopping, Job Skills, and Being Productive include a mix of beginner tutorials, such as Applying for a Job Online, and intermediate lessons, such as Online Health Information and Introduction to Google Maps
• Connecting with Others offers beginner tutorials on using Skype and Facebook
• Each course culminates in a certificate of completion

Instructor resources

• For each course, an instructor’s guide, handout(s), PowerPoint presentation, and additional documents added by other instructors and library staff are in the Tools & Resources for Trainers section
• Downloadable templates for instructors to design their own instructional tools to contribute to the DigitalLearn platform
• An instructional design training in three parts for a total of 20 minutes to learn about best practices for developing effective and engaging e-learning content for DigitalLearn.org
• A tech skills checklist in fillable PDF format allows instructors to self-assess the breadth of their digital knowledge and skills

Key Takeaways

• The tutorials are self-paced with narrated videos in plain language and are approximately 6–22 minutes long.
• The DigitalLearn.org courses could be adapted to work well in a synchronous online class or in an in-person classroom setting where audio/video is available.
• Instructors could assign particular courses to students with skills gaps.
• Video lessons come with a text version of the lesson which instructors could share with learners to boost reading skills or enhance their video listening experience.
• The elementary to middle-school reading level makes materials suitable for both adult basic education and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students.
• Libraries can build their own branded and custom DigitalLearn.org site.

Tags: Communication, Critical & Creative Thinking, Digital Literacy, Navigating & Using Information, Self-Management, Credentialing & Badging, Instructional Material, Audio / Video, Download & Print, Online, Free, Adult Education, English Language Learners, Higher Education, Older Youth, Workforce Development