Technology Made Simpler

Technology is supposed to make life easier. But for many people, it can have the opposite effect.

Maybe it's a new smartphone that doesn't work the way the old one did. A computer update that changed familiar menus. An online job application that won't submit. Or a video call that refuses to connect just before an important appointment.

These moments can be frustrating; not only because technology can feel impossible to learn at times, but because it often feels like everyone else already knows how to use it. Asking for help can feel intimidating, and searching the internet for answers can quickly become overwhelming amid ads and information overload. Instead of enjoying the device, the user finds themselves afraid of pressing the wrong button or over-relying on family members for every little question.

Technology should empower the user, not stress them out.

Try Northstar Digital Literacy

Northstar Digital Literacy is an online resource available through the library designed specifically for adults who need to build or refresh their computer and internet skills. Whether you're trying to find a job, help a child with homework, or simply want to keep up with family, Northstar meets you where you are.

The program is built around the belief that digital literacy is essential to daily life and should be accessible to everyone. It is offered in 15 self-guided modules that cover three main areas:

• Essential Computer Skills – Computer basics, Internet basics, using email, operating system basics
• Essential Software Skills – Microsoft products, Google Docs
• Using Technology in Daily Life – Social media, information literacy, cybersecurity, and more

What is great about Northstar is its flexibility. You can take assessments to test what you already know, then use the educational materials to fill in the gaps at your own pace.

Building confidence, one skill at a time

Northstar Digital Literacy is organized around real-world tasks that people encounter every day. Whether you're learning technology for the first time or simply brushing up on a skill, the lessons focus on practical problems and step-by-step solutions. Each assessment starts with a short orientation video, then leads into an interactive portion where you're shown realistic computer screens that mirror your real-life experience.

Learning how to navigate around a computer

Ever misplaced a document or wondered where a downloaded file went? Northstar's Basic Computer Skills and Internet Basics modules explain how files are organized, where they're stored, and how to find them again.

Learning to use a smartphone

Touchscreens, settings, and on-screen keyboards can be intimidating if you're new to mobile devices. Northstar's Phone Keyboard Basics modules introduce common gestures, keyboard basics, logging in, and other essential smartphone skills. Many lessons are even designed to work on mobile devices, recognizing that a smartphone is often someone's primary way of accessing the internet.

Staying safe online

From phishing emails to suspicious websites, online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Modules like Your Digital Footprint and Cybersecurity Basics help learners evaluate online information, recognize common warning signs, and better protect their personal information.

Communicating with family, friends, and coworkers

Need help sending an email or attaching a document? The Using Email module covers the basics of composing messages, organizing an inbox, and sharing files with confidence.

One of Northstar's most helpful features is its personalized learning approach. After completing an assessment, learners receive a report highlighting what they already know and where they can improve, along with recommended lessons tailored to those skills. Instead of starting from scratch, they can focus on exactly what they need to learn next. In your dashboard, you can always revise and practice modules.

How to Access Northstar

Getting started is easy:

1. Find Northstar Digital Literacy in our A-Z Resource list.

2. Create a Learner account to track your progress, or just jump right in with a guest account to take an assessment.