Below are resources that instructors can use to incorporate the Digital Literacy Skills into their lessons or to offer extra support for students with particular digital literacy needs. Select the resources that are the best fit for your students’ goals and current skills.
2.1 Accesses and Navigates the Internet Safely
Connects to public and private networks to access and navigate the internet. Uses the various features of a web browser and employs preventative strategies against internet security threats.
Identifies and explains the purpose of the common navigational features of the web browser that are installed on a personal device, identifies ways to connect to the internet, and connects a familiar device by following step-by-step directions. (INT 2.1.1)
Internet Basics (GCF Global): Learn what the internet is, all the things you can do online, and how to connect and stay safe.
Internet Safety (GCF Global): An introduction to internet safety that helps you understand the risks and learn how to avoid them.
Chrome (GCF Global): Learn all about browsing, customizing, and bookmarking in Chrome, as well as personalizing your privacy and security settings.
Firefox (GCF Global): Learn how to use and customize the Firefox web browser in this free tutorial.
Edge (GCF Global): In this free tutorial, learn all about using and customizing Edge for a better browser experience.
Safari (GCF Global): Learn all about browsing, customizing, and bookmarking in Safari, as well as personalizing your privacy and security settings.
Internet Basics: What is the Internet? (GCF Global): Learn the basics of using the internet.
Internet Basics: Connecting to the Internet (GCF Global): Learn how to get online and start using the internet.
Internet Basics: Using a Web Browser (GCF Global): Use these tips so you can get the most out of your web browser.
Internet Basics: Understanding Hyperlinks (GCF Global): Learn how hyperlinks work to connect various web pages.
Internet Basics: Understanding URLs (GCF Global): Understand how URLs work and what they are.
Internet Basics: How to Set Up a Wi-Fi Network (GCF Global): Learn how to set up your Wi-Fi- network.
Internet Basics: Choosing a Web Browser (GCF Global): Consider these factors when selecting a web browser.
Internet Basics: Internet Basics Quiz (GCF Global): Test your knowledge of internet basics by taking our quiz (feedback immediately after each question; summary only includes the number of correct responses).
Internet Tips: Getting Started with the Internet (GCF Global): Learn how to get started with and navigate the internet.
Internet Tips: Using Your Browser’s Status Bar (GCF Global): Here’s how to use your browser’s status bar to stay safe online.
Access the Internet (WiscOnline Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Learn internet vocabulary, access the internet, use browser toolbar buttons, URLs, and hyperlinks (Note: demonstration is on Chrome using a Windows 7 computer. Some information may be outdated.)
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.1: Accesses and Navigates the Internet Safely. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Uses a familiar web browser to access and navigate the internet. Transfers knowledge of a familiar browser to use an unfamiliar one, connects familiar and unfamiliar devices to the internet, and attempts to troubleshoot connectivity issues, seeking support as needed. (INT 2.1.2)
Internet Tips: How to Clear Your Web Browser’s Cache (GCF Global): Use these step-by-step instructions to clear your browser cache so you can keep it functioning as it should.
Internet Tips: Tips for Fixing Broken Links (GCF Global): Use these tips for fixing broken links you encounter online.
Internet Tips: How Do I Check My Internet Speed? (GCF Global): Learn how to check your internet speed.
Internet Privacy (Digital Learn): Interactive module that is four sections called Internet Privacy, Searching and Visiting Sites, Privacy on Social Media, and Internet Connections.
Internet Safety: Introduction to Internet Safety (GCF Global): Get an introduction to internet safety by understanding the risks and learning how to avoid them.
Internet Safety: Your Browser’s Security Features (GCF Global): Better understand your browser’s security features and how they work.
Internet Safety: How to Avoid Malware (GCF Global): Learn how to avoid malware and remove it from your computer.
Internet Safety: Wi-Fi Security (GCF Global): Learn how to improve Wi-Fi security using these internet safety tips.
Internet Safety: Internet Safety Quiz (GCF Global): Test your knowledge of internet safety by taking our quiz (feedback immediately after each question; summary only includes the number of correct responses).
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.1: Accesses and Navigates the Internet Safely. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Accesses and navigates the internet using any available browser, adjusts browser settings to increase security and personalization, connects familiar and unfamiliar devices to the internet, and successfully troubleshoots connectivity issues. (INT 2.1.3)
Internet Tips: Customizing Your Web Browser (GCF Global): Use these customization tips so your web browser functions the way you want it to.
Internet Safety: Understanding Browser Tracking (GCF Global): Understand how browser tracking works
2.2 Recognizes and Uses Website Type and Organization
Uses knowledge of the internet and website organization to recognize the type, purpose, layout, and access level of different sites and pages. Use this information to select sites and information relevant to goals.
Recognizes and identifies the type, purpose, and access level of some websites. Follows step-by-step directions to select a site relevant to personal goals. (INT 2.2.1)
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.2: Recognizes and Uses Website Type and Organization. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Understand the type, purpose, and access level of a variety of websites and select websites that will help to accomplish personal goals. (INT 2.2.2)
Reading News Online (Common Sense Education): Lesson Plan: What are the important parts of an online news article?
Navigating a Website (Digital Learn): Interactive module with four sections called Introduction, Finding a Site, Parts of a Site, and Finding Information.
Intermediate 4: Searching for evidence for research tasks (Google Search Education): This lesson plan encourages learners to explore different types of websites and assess the information found on them for reliability.
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.2: Recognizes and Uses Website Type and Organization. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Recognizes the type, purpose, and access level of any website and selects websites that help to achieve goals. (INT 2.2.3)
Internet Safety: Safe Online Shopping (GCF Global): Use these strategies for a safe online shopping experience.
Common Sense Education- You Won’t Believe This! (Common Sense Education): Lesson Plan–What is clickbait and how can you avoid it?
2.3 Creates and Manages Usernames and Passwords
Creates login credentials and manages passwords securely.
Understand the purpose of software, define terms common to applications, and utilize common controls with step-by-step instructions. (BCM 1.3.1)
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.3: Creates and Manages Usernames and Passwords. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Creates a username and password to enter a closed-access site. (INT 2.3.2)
Internet Safety: Creating Strong Passwords (GCF Global): Use these tips to create a strong, safe password.
Common Sense Education-Password Power-Up (Common Sense Education): Lesson Plan–How can a strong password help protect your privacy?
Internet Safety: Using Phone Verification (GCF Global): Learn how phone verification works to protect your identity online.
Accounts and Passwords (Digital Learn): Interactive module with four sections called Creating a Strong Account, Logging in to an Account, Account Security, and Practice.
Surf the Internet Securely (WiscOnline Basic Computer Skills MOOC): Interactive Module: learn to create and manage passwords, log in and out of accounts, and some general online safety tips. (Be sure to vet this resource before using it with students, as some information may be outdated.)
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.3: Creates and Manages Usernames and Passwords. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Creates, manages, and resets usernames and passwords. (INT 2.3.3)
Internet tips: Forgot Your Password? (GCF Global): Use these password recovery tips to get back into any account.
Create and Safeguard Passwords (Google Applied Digital Skills): Practice creating passwords with a spreadsheet and discover the best ways to keep them safe. (45-90 min)
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.3: Creates and Manages Usernames and Passwords. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
2.4 Manages and Shares Files
Manages files on a personal device and transfers files from one device to another, recognizing situations in which it may not be safe to do so.
Follows step-by-step directions to manage files on a personal device and uploads and downloads files from one device to another. (INT 2.4.1)
Internet Basics: Understanding the Cloud (GCF Global): Gain a greater understanding of the cloud and how it works.
Internet Basics:Downloading and Uploading (GCF Global): Learn how to upload and download files on your computer.
Dropbox (GCF Global): In this free tutorial, learn how to use this popular cloud-based storage service to keep files safe and sound.
Computer Basics: Bringing Your Files With You (GCF Global): Learn how you can bring your computer files and folders with you wherever you go.
Google Docs: All About Google Drive (GCF Global): Learn all about using Google Drive.
Google Docs:Getting Started with Google Drive (GCF Global): Get started using Google Drive.
Google Docs: Uploading Files to Google Drive (GCF Global): Learn how to upload and sync Google Drive files.
Google Docs: Converting and Printing Docs (GCF Global): Learn how to convert, download, and print Google Drive files.
Cloud Storage (Digital Learn): Interactive modules with five sections called What is Cloud Storage?, Dropbox, Sharing, Google Drive, and Skydrive.
Google Drive for Beginners (Google Applied Digital Skills): Learn the skills you’ll need to use Google Drive effectively and keep your Drive organized. (45-90 min.)
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.4: Manages and Shares Files. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Manages the files on a personal device with increasing independence, transfers files from one device to another, and explains when a file is or is not safe to transfer. (INT 2.4.2)
Google Docs: Managing Your Files (GCF Global): Learn how to manage and organize your Google Drive files.
Digital Literacy: Workplace Safety Lesson Plan (Teaching Skills that Matter Digital Literacy): This lesson plan includes instruction on sharing a Google Doc with your peers. It also includes performing a Google image search and formatting a Google doc.
Use Drive to Organize Files (Google Applied Digital Skills): Learn how to store, access, and share documents, presentations, forms, and photos in the cloud. (45-90 min)
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.4: Manages and Shares Files. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Manage files on unfamiliar devices, uses an efficient means to transfer files between devices, and quickly identifies potentially unsafe files. (INT 2.4.3)
Google Docs: Sharing and Collaborating (GCF Global): Learn how to share and collaborate on Google Drive files.
Google Docs: Changing Ownership of a Doc (GCF Global): In this lesson, you’ll learn how to transfer ownership of a doc to someone else.
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.4: Manages and Shares Files. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
2.5 Practices Healthy Screen Time Habits
Practices healthy screen-time habits.
Describes the personal concept of healthy screen-time habits. (INT 2.5.1)
Digital Media Literacy: Always On in a Digital World (GCF Global): Learn about the problems of always being connected to the digital world in this free lesson.
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.5: Practices Healthy Screen Time Habits. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Sets personal screen-time goals. (INT 2.5.2)
My Media Use: A Personal Challenge (Common Sense Education): Lesson Plan: What is your strategy for finding media balance?
The Health Effects of Screen Time (Common Sense Education): Lesson Plan: Can screen time be bad for us?
Build Healthy Digital Habits (Google Applied Digital Skills): Video and Activity: Create a healthy technology balance by reflecting on digital habits with one of three creative projects. (6-9 hours)
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.5: Practices Healthy Screen Time Habits. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
Monitors how effectively they are meeting personal screen-time goals and adjusts habits when necessary. (INT 2.5.3)
Google Applied Skills (Google): Google’s Applied Digital Skills is a free online digital skills curriculum. The Applied Digital Skills curriculum uses a series of videos to guide learners through creating a project from scratch using various Google apps. Click the link to see which Google Applied Digital Skills Lessons align with PA Digital Skill 2.5: Practices Healthy Screen Time Habits. Look across the row for each lesson to see other skills and subject areas addressed by the lesson. Click on a lesson title in the first column of the spreadsheet to view the lesson. Instructors may want to review the Get Started Guide before using these lessons with students.
View Resources for the Other Digital Literacy Skills
Computer & Mobile Skills
Access resources to enhance students’ basic computer and mobile skills and learn how to perform essential tasks.
Information Literacy Skills
Access resources to enhance students’ information literacy skills for personal and professional goals and evaluating information.
Communication Skills
Access resources to enhance students’ communication skills, emphasizing safe technology and adapting to evolving digital tools.