Northstar Digital Literacy

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 - Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS
• Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
• Using Technology in Daily Life - Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Your Digital Footprint.

Northstar was developed in response to the needs of job seekers who may lack the digital literacy skills needed to seek, obtain, and retain employment, as well as to perform other tasks in daily life. Northstar allows end users to freely take the assessments from anywhere via our homepage, but individuals can instead go to an approved testing location and obtain the Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate when they pass assessments. Certificates provide an important credential for employment, as even entry-level jobs increasingly require basic computer skills. Certificates also certify end user ability to complete computer skills needed in higher education, and demonstrate their ability to use social media and online information thoughtfully. If individuals do not pass, personalized assessment results provide a roadmap to relevant instruction, allowing them to retake the assessment once they have mastered the necessary skills. 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, and Northstar Online Learning, which provides self-directed instruction and practice for individuals.

Northstar is used by over 2240 Adult Basic Education programs, colleges, nonprofits, workforce centers, government agencies, and businesses.

Go to Northstar Digital Literacy now:  http://www.digitalskillsohio.org

Quick Start Guides & Tip Sheets

• Northstar Manual
• Quick Start Guides
  • For Staff
  • For Proctors
  • For Site Administrators
• FAQs
• Northstar Curriculum, including
  • Teacher Guide
  • Northstar Tips for Remote Teaching
  • Sample Agenda for First Virtual Class Meeting
  • Curricula by Topic
    • Curricula for Essential Computer Skills
      • Basic Computer Skills
      • Internet Basics
      • Using Email
      • Windows 10
      • Mac OS
    • Curricula for Essential Software Skills
      • Microsoft Word Office 2016
      • Microsoft Excel Office 2016
      • Microsoft PowerPoint Office 2016
      • Google Docs
    • Curricula for Using Technology in Daily Life
      • Social Media
      • Information Literacy
      • Careers Search Skills
      • Supporting K-12 Distance Learning
• Northstar Online Learning (NSOL) Teacher Guide
• Proctor Resources
  • Proctor Training
  • NSOL Curriculum Standards
  • Proctor and Learner Codes of Conduct
• Other resources, including branding guidelines, sample flyers, & press releases from Northstar, can be found in the admin portal
  • (Admin) Login > Resources > Other Resources
• See the Ohio-specific marketing resources in the Marketing Materials section at the bottom of this page

Tutorials and Presentations

• Northstar webinars for Ohio public libraries
  • October 28, 2021 -  View the introductory webinar, "Closing the Digital Literacy Gap with Northstar"
    • Watch the recording here
    • View the slides here
  • November 30, 2021 - View the webinar for Site Administrator Training
    • Watch the recording here
    • View the slides here
  • December 9, 2021 - View the webinar for General Staff Training
    • Watch the recording here
    • View the slides here
  • December 15, 2021 - View the webinar for Learner Perspective Training
    • Watch the recording here
    • View the slides here
  • December 22, 2021 - View the webinar for Proctor Training
    • Watch the recording here
    • View the slides here

• Northstar recorded tutorials
  • Recommended Video Playlist
    • https://www.oplin.ohio.gov/services/northstar/libraries#quick_start_training
  • Video Tutorials by Topic
    • Video Tutorials - Overview
      • What is Northstar? (3 min, 55 sec)
    • Video Tutorials - Northstar Online Learning (NSOL)
      • Meet Northstar Online Learning (44 sec)
      • NSOL Navigation, Part 1 (1 min, 24 sec)
      • NSOL Navigation, Part 2 (1 min, 25 sec)
      • NSOL Navigation, Part 3 (1 min, 54 sec)
    • Video Tutorials - NSOL Learner Accounts
      • Creating and Managing Learner Accounts (2 min, 34 sec)
      • Viewing Learner Progress (1 min, 36 sec)
      • Viewing Leaner Usage Reports (1 min, 35 sec)
      • Organizing Learners Using Tags (2 min, 20 sec)
    • Video Tutorials - Assessments
      • Opening a Northstar Location's Launch Page (1 min, 45 sec)
      • Public vs Proctored Assessments (1 min, 53 sec)
      • Invalidating an Assessment (38 sec)
      • Viewing Missed Questions (51 sec)
      • Downloading Assessment Results (1 min, 05 sec)
    • Video Tutorials - Proctoring Assessments
      • Passwords and PINs (1 min, 27 sec)
      • Proctored Assessment - Using Proctor PIN (1 min, 13 sec)
      • Proctored Assessment - By Test Taker Request (1 min, 08 sec)
      • Claiming Badges (42 sec)
      • Printing a Certificate (52 sec)
      • Merging Certificates (1 min, 16 sec)
      • Changing the Name on a Certificate (55 sec)
    • Video Tutorials - Admin Portal
      • Managing Staff Accounts (2 min, 12 sec)
      • Editing Location Info (2 min, 00 sec)