Northstar Digital Literacy

What This Includes

Skills addressed: Presenting Skills, Self-motivation, Navigating Systems, Personal Development, E-Safety, Digital Fluency, Versatility

Learner and instructor free resources

• Online, self-guided assessments of basic digital literacy skills in three main areas: essential computer skills, essential software skills, and using technology in daily life
• No badges or certificates are awarded unless assessments are taken at a Northstar testing location
• A repository of online digital literacy skill-building materials curated by Northstar staff and organized by Northstar digital literacy standards, as well as a collection of other free, online learning resources
• The skills associated with each digital literacy standard are explained in detail and can serve as a framework
• Online learning digital skill-building courses, The Basic Computer Skills, Email, Microsoft Word, and Career Search Skills, are available free for a defined period while in-person testing locations are closed because of the pandemic

Learner resources at Northstar testing locations

• Proctored digital literacy assessments leading to certificates and badges upon demonstration of mastery of skills
• Online learning self-directed instruction and practice platform accessed through individual student accounts with instruction tailored to skill needs, based on assessment results
• Digital literacy certificate can be earned upon completion of all assessments

Testing resources

• Digital literacy online assessments with user login and tracking
• Classroom and remote class lesson plans for each assessment, with detailed instructor preparation guide and learner practice activities
• Track users’ assessments, badges, and certificates, as well as online learning work
• Award certificates and badges to assessment users

Key Takeaways

• Adult education students can use Northstar assessments to evaluate and build their digital literacy skills, as well as earn certificates and badges.
• Instructors at non–Northstar testing locations can help students access free external resources, curated by Northstar staff, to study digital literacy topics organized according to the Northstar standards for learners.
• A new assessment, along with free curricula called Supporting K–12 Distance Learning, is designed to help caregivers support children with virtual distance learning.
• Libraries can use Northstar as part of their digital literacy and education and assessment programs.
• Employers can use workers’ Northstar certificate of mastery to screen for mastery of defined computer skills.
• Northstar badge and certificate earners can qualify to pursue more advanced training, certifications or career pathways elsewhere.

Tags: Adaptability & Flexibility, Communication, Critical & Creative Thinking, Digital Literacy, Navigating & Using Information, Self-Management, Assessment Tool, Credentialing & Badging, Instructional Material, Skills Framework, Audio / Video, Download & Print, Online, Free, Free (Registration Required), Payment Required, Adult Education, English Language Learners, Higher Education, Older Youth, Workforce Development