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Northstar Digital Literacy

What is Northstar Digital Literacy?

Northstar Digital Literacy (Northstar) is a website where you can test your computer skills and learn new skills on your own, at your own pace. Northstar calls these tests "assessments." After taking an assessment, you can learn and practice new skills by completing the corresponding Northstar tutorials. Northstar resources are available in English and Spanish.

Northstar is free and anyone can use this tool - students, staff, and community members! Sign up for a Northstar account here.

Why use Northstar?

  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.
  6. Available in English and Spanish (en español).

Getting Started with Northstar

  1. Create an account. (Look for the "Sign up as learner" link on the home page.)
  2. Log into your account.
  3. Take an assessment. Assessments are untimed and ungraded. They just help the system determine what tutorials you need.
  4. After completing your assessment, complete tutorials at your own pace. You can save your work and return to them later. 

Acknowledgments

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.

Additional credit goes to Clackamas Community College, from whom the content for this page was adapted under a CC-BY-4.0 license.