Integrity’s Digital Skills Development class is an entry level course designed to introduce users to basic computer principles. It is a basic course; it requires little to no experience to complete the class. The class provides basic information technology (IT) literacy and ensures one understands the terminology and the functionality of the basic Microsoft Office Suite. Students learn how to access the software and their documents from a desktop, laptop or personal phone.
After the initial class session, each student’s next step varies based on the level of computer literacy they have. Students with little to no computer experience focus on the basic skills and then progress to cover some of the more complex functions of Microsoft Word. Students are tested before they begin the program and then tested again at the conclusion of the course. Study capabilities are assessed using the Northstar digital literacy standard. Students continue to work in a specific module until they receive a score of 85 or better. Most employers recognize this score as the level of proficiency needed to effectively participate in today’s office environments. Once students are proficient at a particular skill level in the Word software, they may pursue a higher level of competency or receive training in another software like Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint or a database program.
Janet was a typical program participant who is part of the AARP Senior Program. At age 62, Janet had never touched a computer in her life and didn’t believe she was likely to be successful gaining greater computer literacy. But by the close of her four-week training session she had received the required score of 85 and was recommended for employment.
You too can strengthen your computer skills and gain employment. The next session of Integrity’s Digital Literacy training begins on February 17th.