Learn a New Skill in the New Year

Are you ready to learn something new this year? If you are, the library has many online resources to help you get started to learn a new skill, language, or craft.  

Let’s start with a new online resource: Northstar Digital Literacy 

The Northstar Digital Literacy’s assessments and lessons are aimed at helping adults acquire the basic computer skills they need in today’s workplace. The free set of assessments includes self-guided modules: Essential Computer Skills (Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basic, Using Email, Windows, Mac OS), Essential Software Skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs), and using Technology in Daily Life (Social Media, Information Literacy, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Career Search Skills, Your Digital Footprint).  

A Northstar Online Learning account will let you track your assessment progress and access online lessons. An email address is required. At the end of each assessment test, you’ll receive a page of results, which lists the skills that have been mastered and the areas that need improvement with helpful lessons.  

Do you want more online learning courses? Try LinkedIn Learning 

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lyndia.com) has more than 16,000 instructional videos (in seven different languages) covering the latest business, technology and creative skills. The video courses are taught by industry experts and are designed for any skill level. For those who are not tech-savvy, start with beginner courses, such as Windows 10 Essential Training or Windows 11 Essential Training. If you want more than technology courses, LindedIn Learning creative courses, includes Drawing Foundations: Fundamentals, Beginning Acoustic Guitar Music Lessons, and much more. All you need is your library card.  

Are you looking for courses for students as well as for adult learners? Look no further than Learning Express Library.  

Learning Express Library features online tutorials, practice tests and eBooks to help you achieve your education and professional goals. Learning Express Library is divided into different centers. For students, select any of the following centers to get started: Grades 4-8 Educator Resources, High Schools Students, Hight School Equivalency Center, College Admissions Test Preparation, College Students. For job seekers, select the Career Preparation or Job & Career Accelerator Centers. Learning Express Library also has Adult Core Skills for adult learners who need help to improve their math, reading, grammar, speaking, and vocabulary skills. Don’t forget the Computer Skills Center which includes beginner computer and internet tutorials as well as advanced tutorials for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft software.    

If you are interested in instructor-led courses, try Gale Courses.  

Gale Courses provide access to more than 360 highly interactive courses to enhance professional and career development, technology skills and personal enrichment. Courses run for six weeks and are taught by college instructors. Classes supports a wide variety of interests, such as Accounting and Finance, Business, Computer Applications, Design and Composition, Healthcare and Medical, Language and Arts, Law and Legal, Personal Development, Teaching and Education, Technology, and Writing and Publishing.  

New sessions begin every month and lessons are assigned twice a week, enhanced with images, videos, and games to support varied learning styles. If you have questions about the lesson, use the discussion area to communicate with your instructor and other students.  

Do you want to learn a language? Transparent Language Online is a one-stop shop.  

Transparent Language offers courses in over 100 languages. Lessons and course materials are designed to build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Transparent Language designed the courses to include pronunciation practices, speech analysis, grammar, writing activities, and vocabulary-building activities for a fun, effective, and engaging experience.  

Transparent Language also included KidsSpeak, a fun, easy to use language aged program for young learners. Designed for elementary aged children 6 and up. KidsSpeak offer courses in Chinese, English, French, Germain, Italian, and Spanish.  

Are you interested in learning a new craft or hobby? Get started with the Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center.  

Hobbies and Craft Reference Center offers detailed “how-to” instructions and creative ideas covering a variety of hobbies, including arts and craft, collecting, gardening, indoor and outdoor recreation, kids’ crafts, needlecrafts, papercrafts, model building, preforming arts, and science and technology. Full text is provided from the leading hobby and craft magazines and books, along with videos, hobby profiles and recipes.  

No matter your interest, the library provides completely free access to many online resources to help you gain new skills in this new year. Go to https://www.ccplohio.org/resource/ to discover even more online resources the library offers you.