Digital Literacy

Program Description

Learning basic digital skills helps you:

  • use your computer, smart phone, or tablet 
  • use your devices for everyday tasks
  • build confidence in using your devices and participating in the digital world

There are three areas that we typically focus on:

  1. Developing familiarity with the hardware of a computer such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, and USB memory stick.
  2. Building an understanding of how different types of software work, including using Microsoft Windows or a Mac Operating System to navigate spreadsheets, word processors, and PowerPoints.
  3. Reaching your personal digital goals: programs that you may require or want to learn for work or school such as accessing email, word processing, spreadsheets, using search engines, joining social media platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn), and data management may also be covered, as per your personal learning goals.

Digital Literacy Coordinator

Laureen Guldbrandsen

587-635-3960

Learning Activities

One on One Tutoring

Using your own device, meet with a tutor in person at a public location (library or our office) or online for 2 hours a week.

Work on your goals at your own pace.

Group Activities

Small group classes for adults who are eager to improve their computer skills. Classes are 2 hours each week at the PALS office, starting the week of March 27. Contact the Coordinator to register.

Computer Basics

Mondays, 12:30-2:00 PM
Tuesdays, 9:30-11:00 AM
Thursdays, 2:30-4:00 PM

For adults with little or no computer experience.

Learn to:

  • use a computer
  • use basic programs
  • use files and folders
  • personalize your computer

Internet Basics

Tuesdays, 11:30-1:00 PM
Wednesdays, 12:30-2:00 PM
Thursdays, 9:30-11:00 AM

For adults with some computer experience to learn to use the Internet

Learn:

  • about web browsers
  • to use websites and links
  • to use email
  • to create strong passwords and stay safe online

Chromebooks

Thursdays, 11:30-1:00 PM

Learn to use your Chromebook for everyday tasks.

Learn to use:

  • ChromeOS
  • Google Drive for managing files
  • Google Docs

Skills for Work

Fridays, 9:30-11:00 AM

For adults who want to learn how to use office programs for everyday tasks

Learn to use:

  • word processors
  • spreadsheets
  • slides

Digital Literacy Updates

Celebrating Digital Skills

WOW! International Literacy Day was such an enormous success! This event celebrated literacy in all its forms, but as the Digital Literacy Program Coordinator, I wanted to call special attention...

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Learning Together with Digital Literacy

Happy August everyone! I don’t know about you, but it seems like summer just started and suddenly we’re halfway through August. How did that happen? They say time flies when...

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Leveling up Digital Skills in July

July arrives with a warm (too warm) embrace and resounding applause for our adult learners who have embraced the world of digital literacy! Their dedication and progress remind us that...

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Overcoming Computer Anxiety with PALS

Before coming to PALS, I used to experience anxiety when it came to using computers. I was afraid of fraud and identity theft. Communicating with family members who were using...

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