Resources for Basic Computer Skills

Basic computer skills has become an essential need in our lives. Learning most commonly used programs like Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint, to knowledge in using internet, security and privacy are key components in basic computing. The free online resources listed below will help provide a good learning platform for beginners.

• Alison - is a great free learning platform for education and skill training. The Alison’s introductory material to some invaluable computer techniques includes Microsoft Digital Literacy courses - which cover basics like security, privacy, and the Internet - and special courses on Microsoft Office (including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access) and touch typing.
• Meganga - provides free basic computer training for beginners with online video computer lessons in computer basics, Microsoft Office (includes Word, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint and Excel), Internet and emails. Additional lessons are available, not limited to, Graphics & Photography and Technology topics such as cloud storage and smartphones.
• GCF - From Microsoft Office and email, to internet and computer, to reading, math, and more— GCFLearnFree.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 7,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free. GCF also offers courses in Spanish and Portuguese languages.
• Udemy - has hundreds of free beginner level courses in MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. More advanced courses are also available for free. Many other online learning disciplines are also available for your personal growth.

A very useful and popular online documenting platform. G Suite Learning Center provides training on everything included in G Suite such as google docs and business emails to online file storage, shared calendars, video meetings, and etc.
Alison and GCF (mentioned above) are also good resources in learning google docs and emails.

• TechBoomers offers over 100 free courses with thousands of step-by-step tutorials in Technology Basics and useful internet using (includes online entertainment, online shopping, social media and other useful websites and applications)
• Alison, Meganga and GCF, online resources mentioned above are also very good resources to find free online learning courses in internet basics and technology.
• Stanford Online and Coursera are good resources of online learning for in many topics including post-secondary education. Certifications and specialization courses are also offering for a cost, for those of who are interested. Details including how to sign up and search courses on Coursera is available in Techboomers website.
•  Basic skills for adults and seniors at Damascus Library . Library card is needed to participate, but do not need to register for classes beforehand.