The Northstar Digital Literacy project is supported in whole or part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the State Library of Oregon.

1. Set yourself apart from others on your resume and job applications! Earn certificates for essential computer skills and list these accomplishments for future employers to see.
2. Get college ready. Your college instructors may assume you already know how to use Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, or other software. Spend a little time learning how to use these software more effectively now, and save yourself from frustration later.
3. Develop skills to keep your job and advance your career. The problem solving and communication skills you will practice in Northstar will help you on the job!
4. Build confidence and skills needed for successful remote and online learning.
5. Learn at your own pace and without judgment.

Northstar Digital Literacy (Northstar) is a suite of online, self-paced digital literacy assessments and tutorials -- it tests your computer skills. You can build skills in key areas, and demonstrate your knowledge by earning certificates and badges. Northstar is a program of Literacy Minnesota, whose mission is to share the power of learning through education, community building, and advocacy.
 

Digital literacy encompasses three big categories of skills that you use all the time: "1) finding and consuming digital content; 2) creating digital content; and 3) communicating or sharing it" (EducationWeek).

Northstar gives you the opportunity to check your digital literacy skills, learn and practice new skills, and demonstrate your mastery of these skills. Northstar teaches you essentials like using email and navigating the Internet, using Microsoft Office, and searching for career and job information.

How Northstar works:

1. Set up a learner account.
2. Log in.
3. Choose a digital literacy topic (e.g., Microsoft Word).
4. Take a digital literacy skills assessment on your topic.
   • There are 14 assessments to choose from.
   • This initial assessment will help you identify what you already know and what you need to learn.
   • You’ll receive links to lessons to develop some skills you need to learn. Lessons are under development, so might not be available for all of your skills gaps.
5. Work through the topic-specific lessons to learn and practice new skills.
   • Use self-paced Northstar video lessons or recommended learning resources.
6. Optional: Take a proctored assessment to demonstrate your new knowledge and skills related to that topic.
   • When you successfully complete a proctored assessment, you can access a certificate that shows your competency in each area of digital literacy. (You'll learn more about proctored assessments later.)

You may be using Northstar in a class you've enrolled in, taking a library workshop, or discovering this tool on your own. We're glad you're here! Select Getting started with Northstar to continue.