Curriculum Offers: Northstar
The mission of Northstar Digital Literacy is to help individuals around the world master the digital skills needed to work, learn, and participate fully in daily life.
Northstar Digital Literacy defines basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. Online, self-guided modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on these skills. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in three main areas:
- Essential Computer Skills – Phone Keyboard Basics and Logging In, Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac OS
- Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
- Using Technology in Daily Life – Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Your Digital Footprint, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Accessing Telehealth Appointments, Cybersecurity Basics.
Northstar allows end users to freely take the assessments from anywhere via its homepage, but individuals can instead go to an approved Northstar Location and obtain the Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate and Digital Badge when they pass assessments. Northstar also includes learning resources to support adult learners to master the standards outlined. Learning resources include classroom curriculum that can be used in person or remotely, as well as Northstar Online Learning, which provides self-directed instruction and practice for individuals.
OTAN has organized a pilot program that enables California adult education agencies to become Northstar Locations for free. This pilot is in place from the fall of 2026 through June 30, 2028. If your agency would like to join this OTAN Northstar pilot, please complete this form. You can also email support@otan.us for more information.
More information about Northstar Digital Literacy, including the free assessments, is available on the Northstar website.
OTAN hosted three Northstar trainings in September 2024 for agencies participating in the OTAN Northstar pilot. Here are links to the webinar recordings: