Learn the most important computer skills to help you continue your volunteer work in the digital world.
What is digital literacy?
Digital literacy is the ability to use computers (or smartphones and other devices) and the internet for work and daily life. Includes computer essentials such as basic screen controls, using email, and searching the internet, for example.
Why is it important for volunteers?
Nowadays, many aspects of volunteering are being handled online. This has opened avenues for long-distance collaboration, faster operations, and easy information sharing. Therefore, digital literacy skills are essential for doing volunteer work through your computer/device:
- Email to communicate with coworkers and even clients/participants
- Video meetings when in-person meetings are not possible
- Internet to search for opportunities, information, and submit forms
- Computer screen navigation to make your computer easier to use
- Understanding how to download, organize, and print files that are sent to you
- And much more.
Video Meeting How-To
- Click on the button below this list that says "Zoom and Google Meet Tutorials." It will open a new page in your browser.
- After the page opens, scroll down until you see “Zoom Video Guides” or "Google Meet Video Guides." Click on the one you want.
- You will see a list of different tasks to learn. Click on each of the tasks to watch a YouTube video demonstration.
- Feel free to practice each of the tasks using Zoom or Google Meet on your own computer.
Improve Your Computer Skills
Test Your Digital Literacy
Use the free Northstar tests to test your current skill level in different digital literacy areas. After studying areas you're weaker in, you can visit these tests again to see your improvement. After clicking the link above, click on "Take an Assessment." Then, click the test topic to start the assessment. It's not necessary to make an account.
Use the free Northstar tests to test your current skill level in different digital literacy areas. After studying areas you're weaker in, you can visit these tests again to see your improvement. After clicking the link above, click on "Take an Assessment." Then, click the test topic to start the assessment. It's not necessary to make an account.
Fundamentals
Specific Apps and Tools
In-Depth Videos and Manuals
The following videos and digital guidebooks are available through Hired's website and digital skills resource page. Hired is a workforce development nonprofit located in the Twin Cities. Access their in-depth guides to gain a well-rounded understanding of common programs used in the digital world today.
Find the following videos and digital guidebooks by clicking the button below:
- Intro to Windows Computers (Video)
- Intro to Windows (Guidebook)
- Intro to Gmail (Video)
- Intro to Gmail (Guidebook)
- Email Etiquette (Video)
- Intro to Google Suite Part 1 (Video)
- Intro to Google Suite Part 2 (Video)
- Intro to Google Suite (Full Guidebook)
- Intro to Outlook (Guidebook)
- Intro to Word (Guidebook)
- Intro to Excel (Guidebook)