Learners who are new to computers, returning after time away, using a shared device, or trying to meet work and school requirements with less friction.
Course 53 · Digital course 06
Digital Basics for Work and School
Practice computer controls, web browsing, email, files, online forms, and simple fixes for work and school.
Before you start
Use a computer, tablet, or phone you are allowed to practice on; the concepts transfer across devices.
See everything you’ll needWhat you’ll leave with
A safe digital onboarding packet with organized files, a professional email, a completed mock form, accessibility settings, and a troubleshooting checklist.
Start course Start without an account. Sign in to save lesson progress across devices.
Your project
Start with the practice files. Build your project one lesson at a time.
Practice files are free without an account. Sign in to save your project record in My Proof: a description, checklist, and optional work link. Keep the original files in your own app or notebook; saving a project record does not upload them.
- Get your materialsDownload the practice worksheetUse the downloadable worksheet or toolkit alongside the lesson instructions.
- Make your projectView the project checklist Work in your own notebook, document, or software. Use the supplied practice examples when you prefer.
- Keep a private recordSave a project record Sign in to save a description and checklist, then return to update them.
Optional course overview
Watch an introduction.
This overview from DigitalLearn introduces ideas you’ll practice in the lessons.
Watch directly on YouTubeDigitalLearnGetting Started on a ComputerYouTube
Course handbook
Know the route before you begin.
Here’s what you’ll need and what you’ll make. You can return to this guide during any lesson.
- Use a computer, tablet, or phone you are allowed to practice on; the concepts transfer across devices.
- Use fictional files throughout; the forms lesson supplies a complete Cedar Skills applicant and file-card set. Never use a Social Security number, bank detail or employer record for practice.
- Turn on captions, zoom, keyboard navigation, or other supports that make the practice accessible to you.
Finish with proof you can use.
Complete a mock digital onboarding packet: create a folder, name and export a document, attach it to a professional email draft, complete the supplied Cedar Skills paper form with corrected validation errors, simulated file-selection log, review and simulated receipt, and write a troubleshooting record.
Save a project record in My ProofSee project checklist and review criteria
- A device orientation card with labeled controls, one accessibility preference, and a safe recovery routine.
- A browser practice log with one verified URL, one organized download, one bookmark, and a shared-device closeout checklist.
- A professional practice email with a correctly named attachment and a short pre-send safety checklist.
- A small organized folder with a source document, PDF export, filename guide, and backup note.
- A completed Cedar Skills paper form with applicant-source notes, two corrected validation errors, a SIMULATED file-selection log, review checklist and SIMULATED confirmation CEDAR-PRACTICE-001.
- A troubleshooting log and support message for a simulated access, file, or form problem.
Three ideas to help you along the way
Three useful ideas
The rules behind the steps.
Learn the pattern, not one button
Different devices and apps change labels, but files, permissions, inputs, outputs, and recovery steps remain recognizable.
Protect the person using the system
Digital fluency includes privacy, accessibility, safe defaults, and knowing when to stop before submitting sensitive information.
Leave a recovery trail
A filename, saved copy, confirmation, and clear support question make the next attempt faster and safer.
What do these words mean?
Key words
Key terms worth knowing.
- Operating system
- The core software that manages a device’s hardware, settings, files, and applications.
- Browser
- An application used to visit websites and web applications, such as a page for a form or learning platform.
- File format
- The structure identified by an extension such as .pdf or .docx that affects how a file opens or can be edited.
- Accessibility setting
- A device or application option that changes interaction, display, sound, timing, or input to support participation.
Your route6 lessons.
6 lessons.
One useful project.
Work in order the first time. Each lesson makes something the next lesson can use.
- 1Up next
Get oriented to a device
Identify the basic controls, settings, input methods, accessibility options, and safe shutdown or restart steps on a device.
- 222 min
Use a browser with purpose
Navigate tabs, addresses, search, downloads, bookmarks, and private information with a repeatable process.
- 326 min
Create and use email safely
Compose a clear message, use recipients and attachments carefully, and recognize basic account-safety decisions.
- 428 min
Organize files and PDFs
Create folders, use meaningful filenames, export a file to PDF, and keep a recoverable copy without oversharing.
- 535 min
Complete online forms and portals
Complete a paper simulation of entering a form, selecting a PDF, fixing validation errors, reviewing answers and saving a clearly labeled simulated confirmation.
- 624 min
Troubleshoot a common problem
Describe a digital problem, test low-risk fixes, preserve work, and ask support for the right next step.
Use the tools
See all tools Tools to help you practice.
Source transparency
Sources and further study.
Explore the references behind the lessons and take your learning further. Source notes explain access and reuse.
Ready when you are
Start lesson one Start with the first useful move.
You’ll always know what to do, what to make, and where to go next.
Open collaboration ideaHelp keep this complete course free.
Potential collaboration: Libraries, digital-inclusion programs, workforce centers, schools, and employers
Partner with LifeStarter