DigitalLearn.org, the Public Library Association’s (PLA) website designed to help community members increase their digital literacy skills, has added two new beginner-level courses to its collection of tutorials. The learning modules are video-based with narration at a fourth-grade reading level. Each course takes between six and 22 minutes to complete. The lessons were designed to be taken independently, anywhere and anytime, by learners, but are also used by libraries and other community groups for one-on-one instruction and classroom teaching.
One new course was designed for first-time users of mobile devices running the Android operating system. The five-part learning module includes a basic overview of mobile devices and instruction on connecting devices to a network, using and adding apps, and maintaining data privacy and security. The second new course, Creating a Basic Budget with Microsoft Excel, guides learners through core budgeting concepts in the Excel software program such as creating a budget template, formatting data cells, and using formulas and functions.
DigitalLearn.org is just one tool PLA offers to help its members make their libraries digital literacy learning centers. The Association also offers continuing education on digital literacy training and a variety of professional tools for public librarians. For more information, please click here.