INSTRUCTOR NOTES AND RESOURCES

FOR ABE COMPUTER CURRICULUM

Instructor Notes and Resources

Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................3
Before you begin.........................................................................................................................................5
Familiarize yourself with your computer lab............................................................................................5
At the first class meeting.........................................................................................................................6
If you are not starting with the Keyboarding and Computer Basics section.............................................6
1. Keyboarding and Computer Basics......................................................................................................7
Competencies in this section include......................................................................................................7
Handouts include.....................................................................................................................................8
Keyboarding exercise.........................................................................................................................10
Mouse exercise..................................................................................................................................10
Customize your Mouse......................................................................................................................10
Practice Web Sites.............................................................................................................................11
Start, shutdown, restart, log on and of.............................................................................................12
BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS self-assessment.........................................................................................15
COMPUTER BASICS REVIEW...............................................................................................................16
COMPUTER BASICS REVIEW – ANSWERS...........................................................................................17
2. Introduction to Microsoft Windows operating systems (XP and 7)....................................................18
Handouts include:..................................................................................................................................18
Parts of the Windows desktop...........................................................................................................19
Creating a folder on a jump drive and saving files.............................................................................20
Introduction to Windows self-assessment.............................................................................................21
3. Internet and Email...............................................................................................................................22
Setting up a gmail account.....................................................................................................................22
Sending an email...................................................................................................................................22
Sending email attachments...................................................................................................................22
Internet self-assessment.......................................................................................................................23
Email self-assessment............................................................................................................................24
Page 1
Adult Basic Education, 2012
 Instructor Notes and Resources

4. Basic Microsoft Word.........................................................................................................................25

EXERCISE 1 – TO DO LIST........................................................................................................................25
EXERCISE 2 – Saving a new version of a file...........................................................................................25
EXERCISE 3 – Thank You letter...............................................................................................................25
EXERCISE 4 – Revising the Thank You letter..........................................................................................25
EXERCISE 5 – Saving a document as a PDF.............................................................................................25
EXERCISE 6 – Create a Resume..............................................................................................................25
5. D2L: Desire To Learn............................................................................................................................30

Adult Basic Education, 2012 Page 2

Introduction

This course is designed to assist learners in meeting the Northstar Digital Literacy
competencies. It is intended to move beyond computer literacy instruction at the
basic level such as that taught in the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities
(MIRC) web site. Additional areas of instruction combine online resources and
written materials. The units include:

1. Keyboarding and Computer Basics

2. Introduction to Windows operating systems (XP and 7)
3. Internet use and Email
4. Microsoft Word
5. D2L, the Minnesota State College and Universities online classroom
platform

The exercises are intended to give learners practical applications for the new skills.
These include skills used in applying for jobs, continuing their education, or finding
information related to career fields

The Northstar Digital Literacy self-assessment checklists are included where they
apply. You may choose to use these pre- and post-instruction, or before using the
online Northstar Assessment to have students check for readiness before testing.

While the training is sequenced as a series, each section can stand alone.
However, it is assumed that the learners are approaching mastery of basic
computer skills before attempting the sections later in the series. The training
manuals are written for sixth to seventh grade reading grade levels.

Throughout the lessons, you will ideally demonstrate the material by projecting
your computer screen for all to see. Then the students can try it or explore the
areas of the program on their own before completing the exercises. Hearing
about it, watching it, then trying it on their own will give them multiple exposures
to the same materials.
 Instructor Notes and Resources

The Keyboarding and Computer Basics sections can be used in conjunction with
the MIRC online training. The training manuals beyond Keyboarding and
Computer Basics are designed for learners who have basic computer skills such as
those taught in the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Initiative (MIRC) online training
(located on the Minnesota Equella Learning Commons web site). These
competencies are listed on the BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS self-assessment included
here. The NorthStar Digital Literacy online assessments can be found at
http://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/. If you are interested in issuing
certificates to students upon successful completion of these assessments, click
“sponsoring sites” and follow the link at the bottom of the section to register.

You may choose to give the self-assessment to identify areas for review before
starting on the new materials. Typical review items include: starting and shutting
down the computer, parts of the window, and keyboard layout. Teacher materials
for these review items are included here and can be copied as necessary for the
learners.

Adult Basic Education, 2012 Page 4

Before you begin

Familiarize yourself with your computer lab

 What operating system are you running?

 Are all the computers set up the same way (preferences, etc.)? If the
students’ computers are not all the same, the students may quickly become
confused.
 Is there at least one desktop shortcut the students can identify and practice
deleting and restoring?
 Do you have keyboarding practice software installed (and is there a shortcut
on the desktop), or will you direct students to internet practice sites?
 Are you familiar with the MIRC training and is it bookmarked on the
students computers? The direct address is:
https://equella.mnlearningcommons.org/mnlc/file/87893cd5-f8b0-1e74-
fb86-4a6a243d566a/1/BC_Introduction%20to
%20Keyboarding.zip/player.html Or you can go to
equella.mnlearningcommons.org, select Minnesota Learning Commons,
then Browse Adult Basic Education Subjects. This will give you a list of the
MIRC Digital Literacy modules.
 Instructor Notes and Resources

At the first class meeting

 Have students adjust their workstations. Familiarize yourself with the

adjustments on the chairs in your lab and demonstrate to the students how
each adjustment works. Elbows, knees, and seat backs should be at 90
degree angles. Arms and wrists should be comfortably supported. Monitors
may need to be raised for proper viewing angle (a ream of paper can easily
be placed under the monitor to raise it).
 Have students introduce themselves, perhaps summarizing their past
computer use (you may find some ‘experts’ who can help other students!)
and state why they are taking the class. If you have a white board available,
write the students first names on the board in their seating order; this way
they can get to know each other by name and you will have an easy
reference to call students by name.

If you are not starting with the Keyboarding and Computer Basics section

If you are not starting with the Keyboarding and Computer Basics section, take
time to review how to start and shutdown the computers (handout included
here), as well as parts of the desktop and keyboard (particularly Caps Lock and
Num Lock, as these often are activated by accident).

 Review the importance of practicing correct keyboarding. Many students

will by ‘hunt and peck’ typists, but they will need to increase their speed if
they want to pursue technical college training or get a job that requires
daily use of a computer (inventory, etc.). Office jobs typically require a
minimum of 40 WPM with 90% accuracy or higher. Keyboarding web sites
are a good way to practice; a handout with sites is included in the
Keyboarding section.

Adult Basic Education, 2012 Page 6

  Have students complete the Computer Basics Review sheet and ‘correct’ it
as a group. This will give you a good idea of what the students know and
will bring out questions the students have wanted to ask.

1. Keyboarding and Computer Basics

The training manual covers the basics of keyboarding and computer use. This can
be used in conjunction with the online MIRC training at
https://equella.mnlearningcommons.org/mnlc/file/87893cd5-f8b0-1e74-fb86-
4a6a243d566a/1/BC_Introduction%20to%20Keyboarding.zip/player.html

Competencies in this section include:

 Basic keyboarding
 Identify types of computers: desktop (stationary), laptop (portable)
 Turn computer and monitor on and of
 Log on and log of of a computer
 Shutdown and restart computer
 Identify specific computer hardware: CPU, monitor, printer,
keyboard, mouse or touchpad, USB port
 Find and know function of keys: enter, shift, control, backspace,
delete, arrow keys, tab, caps lock, number lock
 Identify mouse, touchpad, touch screen
 Hold a mouse
 Use and know functions of mouse buttons: left button, right button,
single click, double click
 Know that mice can be customized for left-handed people and that
the speed of clicking can also be customized
 Recognize cursor shapes: typing, arrow, hand pointer, I-beam
 Single click, double click, and right click
 Click and drag
 Use mouse to select check boxes, use drop-down menus and scroll
 Instructor Notes and Resources

Handouts include (in case the students are not keeping their books):

- Keyboard and mouse exercise

- Practice web sites ‘bookmark’
- How to start and shut down
- Start button for Win Xp & Win 7
- Keyboard handout
- Computer basics self-assessment

After reviewing the manual and/or using the lessons on the MIRC web site, have
students practice keyboarding and using the mouse, and customizing the mouse
settings. Remind students that when practicing keyboarding they should go slow
and try not to look at their hand or the keyboard. Speed will come after training.
A hand out for keyboarding, mouse practice, and customizing the mouse is
included here. You may want to demonstrate these before handing out the
exercise sheet.

Adult Basic Education, 2012 Page 8

Keyboarding exercise

Practice using one of the free internet keyboard practice sites. The step-by-step instructions here are for
the Sense-lang site.

1. Find the internet icon (picture) on your desktop (computer screen).

2. Double-click (left click twice) on the internet icon
3. In the address bar (the rectangular blank across the top) type:
www.sense-lang.org
4. Double-click “Tutorials”
5. On the next screen, double-click “Tutorials” again
6. Double-click “Lessons”
7. Double-click “Lesson 1”

NOTICE: Across the top, the letters you are to type will be highlighted. The highlighted keys show you
where to place your fingers. If you make a mistake, it will display how to do it correctly.

Mouse exercise

A fun way to practice using your mouse is to play some of the games installed with your
operating system. Try some of the diferent games installed on your computer.

1. Click the Start button.

2. Click on All Programs (directly above the start button).
3. Click on the folder for Games (in the alphabetical list of folders).

Solitaire is a fun game that most people know how to play. There are instructions included in
the game. It is a good way to practice clicking, clicking and dragging, and dropping cards on a
pile.

Customize your Mouse

If you want to use the mouse in your left hand or customize your mouse in other ways, try this.

1. Go to the Start button

2. Double-click Control Panel
3. Double-click Hardware
4. Double-click Mouse

You can also change the size of the pointer and other mouse icons as well as clicking speed and
other settings from here. These changes can be helpful for those with visual impairments,
tremors, or other accessibility issues.
 Instructor Notes and Resources

Practice Web Sites Practice Web Sites Practice Web Sites

Free, self-paced computer lessons: Free, self-paced computer lessons:

Free, self-paced computer lessons:
www.gcflearnfree.org/computers www.gcflearnfree.org/computers
www.gcflearnfree.org/computers

Free, self-paced typing lessons: Free, self-paced typing lessons:

Free, self-paced typing lessons:
www.powertyping.com www.powertyping.com
www.powertyping.com

Free computer and keyboard lessons: Free computer and keyboard lessons:
Free computer and keyboard lessons:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/cours http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/course
http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/cours
es/computer-basics/ s/computer-basics/
es/computer-basics/

15 free keyboarding lessons: 15 free keyboarding lessons:

15 free keyboarding lessons:
www.sense- www.sense-
www.sense-
lang.org/typing/tutor/keyboarding.php lang.org/typing/tutor/keyboarding.php
lang.org/typing/tutor/keyboarding.php

Free keyboarding lessons: Free keyboarding lessons:

Free keyboarding lessons:
www.typeonline.co.uk/index.html www.typeonline.co.uk/index.html
www.typeonline.co.uk/index.html

Free lessons for adults and kids: Free lessons for adults and kids:
Free lessons for adults and kids:
http://www.learn2type.com/NewUser http://www.learn2type.com/NewUser
http://www.learn2type.com/NewUser

Adult Basic Education, 2012 Page 10

Start, shutdown, restart, log on and off

Start

1. First, check the power supply. Make sure your computer is plugged in to the wall socket!
2. Look for a button that has the symbol below. It is often the largest button on a desktop
computer. On a desktop computer, the start button might be on the side of the computer or on
the front. On a laptop computer, it might be on the side or the top.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reset_button

3. If you are using a desktop computer, you will also need to turn on the monitor.

Shut down (or turn of)

DO NOT USE THE POWER BUTTON TO TURN YOUR COMPUTER OFF. It can cause you to lose changes
you have made and over time it can make your computer run slower.

1. Find the Windows Start button in the lower left corner of your screen – on the taskbar. You
need to click the Windows Start button to find the Shut Down button. The start button looks
like a blue circle with a colored flag.

2. Click once on the Windows Start button. You will see a button labeled “Shut down” on the
menu that pops up.
3. Move your mouse to the “Shut down” button and click once. This will make sure your files are
saved properly and turns of your computer. (If your files are not closed properly, your
computer will ask you what you want to do with them.)

Notice the arrow next to the shut down button. You have other options: switch user, log of, lock,
restart, sleep and hibernate.
If you click on the Start button (lower left of the screen), a menu appears like the ones below. (You can also open
the start menu by clicking the key on your keyboard that has the start button icon.)

Windows XP Windows 7

Let’s compare the Start button menus for Windows XP (the older version) and Windows 7. Let’s
look at how they are organized. Windows XP and Windows 7 start menus are very much alike.

The Start button menu has three basic parts. This is where we Shut down or log of. On the lef are
programs that we have used recently. On the right is access is to commonly used folders, files, settings
and other features.

The user name is listed across the top of the Windows XP menu. In Windows 7 the user name is listed at
the top of the right column.

The lef column lists programs we have used recently. All programs, at the bottom left, lists all programs
that are installed on your computer. These programs are listed alphabetically. Move your cursor over the
name of a program and a small box displays information about the program. Notice that some of the
programs are in folders. We need to open the folders by double clicking to see what’s inside.
 The alphabet character keys on a keyboard are found in the
center of the keyboard.

Alphabet Character Keys

The numeric characters 0 to 9 are found on the row that is
second from the top of the keyboard.

A B If you are using an extended keyboard, you will also have a

numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard that can
be used by pressing the Num Lock key in the top left corner
of the keypad.

Numeric Character Keys

Special character keys are found in two places on the
keyboard. Some of them are found on top of the numeric
keys. You can type one of these by pressing the Shift key
A while you press a number key.

Other special character keys are found on the right side of

the alphabet keys. Press the shift key to type the special
B character on the top of the key.

Special Character Keys

Function keys are found across the top row of keys. They are
used to make a certain task happen – like display a help
screen, or to make your computer display on a projector
screen.

Function Keys
 There are special keys on your keyboard that control things,
but do not type a character by themselves.

These special keys change what happens when you press it

along with another key. Some examples are:
Shift and a letter key  types an upper case letter
Ctrl and another key  tells the computer to do something
else (not type a letter) example:
Special Keys Ctrl+S = Save,
Ctrl+X = Cut (short cut to remove text)
Ctrl+V = Paste (short cut to insert text)

Not yet With assistance Independently

BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS self-assessment
Identify types of computers: desktop (stationary),
laptop (portable)
Turn computer and monitor on and of
Log on and log of of a computer
Shutdown and restart computer
Identify specific computer hardware: CPU, monitor,
printer, keyboard, mouse or touchpad, USB port
Find and know function of keys: enter, shift, control,
backspace, delete, arrow keys, tab, caps lock, number
lock

Identify mouse, touchpad, touch screen

Hold a mouse
Use and know functions of mouse buttons: left button,
right button, single click, double click
Know that mice can be customized for left-handed
people and that the speed of clicking can also be
customized

Recognize cursor shapes: typing, arrow, hand pointer,

I-beam
Single click, double click, and right click
Click and drag
Use mouse to select check boxes, use drop-down
menus and scroll
Identify icons on desktop
Open programs
Open files
Name: Date:
COMPUTER BASICS REVIEW

1. Is a desktop computer hardware or software?

2. Is an Internet browser hardware or software?

3. Is an Operating System hardware or software?

4. Is a monitor hardware or software?

5. Is a spreadsheet application hardware or software?

6. Is a word processor software or hardware?

7. Is a flash drive software or hardware?

8. Is a mouse hardware or software?

9. Is it safe to turn of your computer by pressing the power button?

10. How is a desktop computer diferent than a computer desktop?

Revised fromhttps://equella.mnlearningcommons.org/mnlc/file/78f8bbe3-78f-1c11-737d-55487cd69211/1/BC_Hardware-Software%20Intro
%20and%20Quiz.zip/player.html
COMPUTER BASICS REVIEW – ANSWERS

1. Is a desktop computer hardware or software?

Hardware. A desktop computer is hardware because you can touch it.

2. Is an Internet browser hardware or software?

An Internet browser is software. You cannot touch a browser. Does anyone know what a browser does?
It lets you connect to the Internet.

3. Is an Operating System hardware or software?

The operating system is software. Does anyone know what the operating system does? It is software
that runs your computer.

4. Is a monitor hardware or software?

A monitor is hardware; you can touch it. Some people refer to the monitor simply as the SCREEN
(although technically the screen is PART of the monitor.)

5. Is a spreadsheet application hardware or software?

Software. Does anyone know what spreadsheets are used for? A spreadsheet application is computer
software that lets you track and calculate information like budgets and numbers. Can anyone name a
program that is a spreadsheet? Excel.

6. Is a word processor software or hardware?

A word processor is computer software that lets you type letters and documents.

7. Is a flash drive software or hardware?

A flash drive is hardware. It is a portable storage device, so you can keep a copy of your resume, for
example, to use on any computer.

8. Is a mouse hardware or software?

A mouse is hardware. You can touch it. Does anyone know if a mouse can be used in your left hand?
Yes, they can be customized to be used in the left hand.

9. Is it safe to turn of your computer by pressing the power button?

No, you might lose part of your files. To safely turn off your computer, go to the start button and select
TURN OFF.

10. How is a desktop computer diferent than a computer desktop?

A desktop computer is hardware that sits on top of a table or desk. The computer desktop is what
appears on your screen when you start your computer, before any additional software is started.
Revised from https://equella.mnlearningcommons.org/mnlc/file/78f8bbe3-78f-1c11-737d-55487cd69211/1/BC_Hardware-Software%20Intro%20and
%20Quiz.zip/player.html

2. Introduction to Microsoft Windows operating systems (XP and 7)

A good foundation in operating systems will make computer operation much easier for
learners in the long run. This will be challenging for learners and they will need to practice,
practice, practice. Be sure you model and keep the learners attention on your demonstration
before they try it themselves.

The competencies covered in this section include:

 Resize Windows
 Identify the taskbar
 Start and exit programs
 Define: Program or Software
 Recognize drives on a computer: CD/DVD, floppy, hard drive (C), USB port,
network drives
 Access the help menu
 Define and identify desktop
 Explain basic Windows file organization system and use it to locate
files/documents, including desktop, My Documents and My Computer
 Use "Search" to locate a file or document
 Delete documents or files
 Understand trash/recycle bin and how to retrieve
 Identify basic office software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and
PowerPoint, know what they do and be able to identify their corresponding file
extensions
 Identify types of software: operating system, program/application, ‘Apps’ for
phone & tablets
 Adjust volume or mute audio. Use headphones when appropriate
 Know that screen resolution can be changed
 Know that it is possible to customize a computer for increased accessibility
 Recognize various storage media including USB/flash drives (external) and hard
drive (internal)
Handouts include:
Parts of the Window
Creating a folder on a jump drive and saving documents
Intro to Windows self-assessment
Parts of the Windows desktop

4
2

1
3

Match the name of the part to the number above:

Desktop ___

Start button ____

Task Bar _____

Desktop or shortcut icon ____

Creating a folder on a jump drive and saving files

To create a folder on a jump drive

1. Attach the jump drive to your computer

2. Click the Start button, then Computer
3. Locate the jump drive from the list on the left (it is typically listed as Removable Disk or the brand name of the
jump drive)
4. Click New Folder in the toolbar across the top
5. Highlight the name New Folder and type your name

To save a file

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button (2007) or the File tab (2010)
2. Click Save As.
3. A Save As dialogue box will appear.

There are three things you should look at when saving a document: where you are saving the document, the name of
the document, and the file type.

1. Navigate to the directory where you want to save your document. Look at the list down the left side.
2. Name your document.
3. Check the file type. It will automatically be the version of Word in which you created your document. Do you
need to change it to an older version of Word to share with others?
 Not yet With assistance Independently
Introduction to Windows self-assessment
Resize Windows
Identify the taskbar
Start and exit programs
Define: Program or Software
Recognize drives on a computer: CD/DVD, floppy, hard
drive (C), USB port, network drives
Access the help menu
Define and identify desktop
Explain basic Windows file organization system and use it
to locate files/documents, including desktop, My
Documents and My Computer

Use "Search" to locate a file or document

Delete documents or files
Understand trash/recycle bin and how to retrieve/restore

Identify basic office software programs such as Microsoft

Word, Excel and PowerPoint, know what they do and be
able to identify their corresponding file
extensions

Identify types of software: operating system,

program/application, ‘Apps’ for phone & tablets
Adjust volume or mute audio. Use headphones when
appropriate
Know that screen resolution can be changed
Know that it is possible to customize a computer for
increased accessibility
Recognize various storage media including USB/flash
drives (external) and hard drive (internal)
Print and use print preview for documents
Open files using appropriate programs
Know that software programs are upgraded periodically
and that diferent versions may be installed on diferent
computers
3. Internet and Email

This section provides lots of hands on practice for the students. They can explore web sites and set up a new gmail
account. It may be useful to have an assistant in the room for this session, depending on the number of students, as
there are sure to be many questions and lots of looking at individual screens to determine the issues.

Exercises include:

Setting up a gmail account

Sending an email

Sending email attachments

Internet self-assessment Not yet With assistance Independently
Identify an Internet Service Provider and identify
the main options for connecting to the internet:
Dial-up, High Speed (cable or DSL), or wireless
connection.
Identify commonly used browsers (Internet
Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari) and demonstrate
knowledge of function.
Identify the address bar and enter a URL address.
Identify a website.
Identify a homepage.
Identify the following browser toolbar buttons and
demonstrate the ability to use them: home, refresh,
stop, back, forward
Use scroll bars to view different portions of
webpages
Identify a hyperlink and demonstrate the ability to
use a hyperlink to access other webpages.
Create a new tab, open a webpage in a tab, and
move between tabs.
Enlarge the displayed text size
Fill out an online form.
Correctly enter CAPTCHA security codes.
Use zoom function to enlarge image (CTRL+ or
CTRL-)
Identify search engines (Google, Yahoo!, Bing) and
enter search terms into the search engine.
Identify pop-up windows and close them.
Identify pop-up windows have been blocked and
enable individual pop-up windows as needed
Identify common domain types: com, org, gov, edu.
Demonstrate knowledge that there are ways to
increase Internet safety for children.
Identify antivirus software providers and function of
antivirus software (Norton, McAfee, AVG).
Avoid providing personal or financial information
unless on a secured website (https://)
Email self-assessment
Define: email Not yet With assistance Independently
Register for new email account in online program
Create username and secure password
Log into email
Create an email message
Address an email, including to more than one recipient
Send an email
Open an email
Reply to only the sender of an email or to all recipients
(reply, reply all)
Forward an email
Add an attachment to an email
Open an attachment in an email
Move or delete an email and retrieve an email from the trash

Understand basics of email etiquette: don't use all capital

letters, fill in the subject line, use appropriate greetings &
closings
Use caution when opening an email from an unfamiliar or
unexpected source and avoid opening suspicious
attachments
Avoid giving out personal information (especially financial
information) or email address to unfamiliar people
Identify and delete junk mail, including spam
Be selective and cautious about forwarding email to large
groups of people
Define: Computer virus
Define and tell the diference between a URL and an email
address (see World Wide Web)
4. Basic Microsoft Word

The Microsoft Word training manual contains the following exercises:

EXERCISE 1 – TO DO LIST (very short so anyone can do)

EXERCISE 2 – Saving a new version of a file
EXERCISE 3 – Thank You letter (long – length of time to complete depends on
keyboarding speed)
EXERCISE 4 – Revising the Thank You letter
EXERCISE 5 – Saving a document as a PDF for attaching to an email
EXERCISE 6 – Create a Resume

The training manual is designed to give students quick success by creating a short document
(the TO DO List), saving it in a folder with their name, modifying the TO DO List, and saving it
with a new name. Then Word is explored in more depth by reviewing the ribbons. The
diference between Word 2007 and Word 2010 is highlighted. However, the ribbons are
reproduced in Word 2010 which is what is being used at WorkForce Centers and MnSCU
Technical Colleges. The instructor may need to remind the students that FILE in 2010 is the
Office Button in 2007. After the ribbons are explored, longer exercises provide practice in
formatting and saving documents as diferent types.

The length of time for completing these exercises will vary greatly depending on the
keyboarding skills of the learners. Students who finish quickly can continue working ahead in
the training manual or practice keyboarding. A handout of keyboarding practice sites on the
web is included here as well as keyboarding and mouse exercises, and a sheet of free
keyboarding web sites that can be printed and cut into strips for ‘bookmarks.’

Additional exercises:
 How to attach your resume to email
If students do not have email, and time permits, have them set up email (this can be
rather time intensive depending on the number of learners) and attach the exercises in
an email to the instructor. A step-by-step handout is included here.

 Create your own resume from the information entered in www.MinnesotaWorks.net

If students have completed the online resume at minnesotaworks.net, have them print
the resume then recreate it in Word for more formatting options. The MinnesotaWorks
 resume does not present well when printed and by having their own version in Word
they can easily modify it for particular job applications.

Review the WORD PROCESSING SKILLS self-assessment competencies (included here) together
as a class and have each student take the self-assessment before going to the online
assessment. There are five assessment modules on the web site including one for Microsoft
Word. As of April 2012, these modules are in active development but are ofered as functional
beta demonstrations. The use is logged and results may be printed, but certificates cannot be
earned at this time. You may want to issue certificates of your own creation to the learners.
For each skill listed below, indicate your skill level.

Name: ____________________________________________ Date: _____________________________

WORD PROCESSING SKILLS Not yet With assistance Independently

Create a new document
Name a new document
Save and close a document
Open existing document
Recognize ribbon and toolbars
Save changes to existing document; explain
diference between "Save" and "Save As"
functions and use each where appropriate

Use Save As to save to a particular folder or

file location

Use undo and redo arrows

Cut, copy and paste
Use spell check and grammar check
Format the size, color and type of font
Align text: left, center and right justify
Set single or double spacing
Use bullets
Use automatic numbering
Print documents
Use print preview
Set margins
Select portrait or landscape
Identify file extensions, corresponding
document types and associated programs
used to open them: pdf, xls, doc, docx, rtf,
pub, ppt, pptx
Be aware of other Microsoft Office programs
such as Excel and PowerPoint and understand
what they do

Adapted from the St. Paul Community Literacy Consortium Digital Literacy Task Force
KEYBOARDING BASICS
Here are some popular web sites for keyboard practice. If you need to learn more about keyboarding basics, go the
MIRC Digital Literacy training. Your instructor can help you get to the Web site.
https://equella.mnlearningcommons.org/mnlc/file/87893cd5-f8b0-1e74-fb86-4a6a243d566a/1/BC_Introduction%20to
%20Keyboarding.zip/player.html
NOTE: When you use these sites, they will have you practice using the keys on the keyboard. Most of the time, you will
not be typing real words – just practice pressing the keys by typing the letters that appear on the screen.
http://www.powertyping.com/ This website includes basic typing lessons that give you feedback when you make a
mistake, and also lets you know how fast you can type and how many errors you make. When you get to this website,
look for the link to [QWERTY] to get to the typing lessons for a QWERTY keyboard. The practice lessons are in a
numbered list on the right side of the blue box. Click on a lesson. Then click the Start arrow below the blue box. After you
click start, the mouse cursor will be active and blinking inside the white box to the left of the start button. You can start
typing the letters that appear inside the blue box. Remember to use the spacebar to make the space between groups of
letters.

http://www.sense-lang.org/typing/tutor/keyboarding.php This site has 15 keyboarding lessons. Click on a lesson link,

click the start button and type the letters shown in the white box above the keyboard. When you make a mistake, the
correct key is highlighted in green on the screen.

http://www.typeonline.co.uk/index.html From the menu on the left, click Typing Lessons. The menu expands, but also
opens to Lesson 1. In the gold box is a drop-down menu for Keyboard exercises 1-10. Click the drop down arrow and
choose your first lesson. Exercise 1 will appear in the drop-down box. Click the start button. A line of characters will
appear above the long white box on the screen. Click your mouse in the white box and start typing the letters shown
above it…”asdfg hjkl;.” The letters will move across the screen with you while you type them into the box.

http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/cjh/appliedtech/Business/Keyboarding/ This exercise gives you practice, but no feedback.

Click a lesson title from the numbered list. A line of letters appears above a box. Click in the empty box below the line of
letters. You need to type the line two times in the box. Type it one time. Then press the Enter key on the right side of the
keyboard to move to the next line. Type the letters again. Remember to use the space bar to create the empty space
between the letters. After you finish typing these letters twice, press the Tab key on the left side of the keyboard to move
to the next box and type the next practice exercise. There are 12 – 20 exercises on each page. Click Home to return to
their menu and try another exercise.

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~rvirga/TypingTutor.html This is designed like a game. Click the button labeled “Click here to
launch Typing Tutor.” A small window will open. The letters fall from the top of the window and you need to type them in
the order they fall before they get to the bottom. Click the start button in the new window to start the game. You can
drag the slider, or click the arrows at the bottom, to speed up or slow down the speed of the falling letters.

http://www.learn2type.com/NewUser This website has both an adult typing section, and an easier kids typing section.
You do need to enter an email address to register for this site. NOTE: This site does contain advertising which clutters the
screen.
 How To
Attach Your Resume To Email

1. Go to the internet and open your email account.

2. Select “Compose,” “Compose Mail,” or “New Message” (depending on your email
provider)
3. Type recipient’s email address in the “To:” box
(Optional: add your address to “cc:” to send a copy to yourself.)
4. Type something in “Subject” (your name and the position you are applying for make
sense)
5. Click on “Attach a File” or “Attachments” ( the icon is usually a paperclip)
6. Click on “Browse” and find the documents you want to send. (You will need to
remember where you saved it – on your flash drive?)
7. Either double click on the documents or click once to highlight (select) and then click
“Open” (any of these will attach the document to your email). If you are attaching two
documents, you will need to go through this process twice. You may also want to copy
and paste the cover letter into the body of your email.
8. Click on “Send.”

You are done!

5. D2L: Desire To Learn
D2L is the Minnesota State College and Universities online classroom platform. This instruction
manual guides users through the organization of D2L and takes them to a live demonstration
site.

You can choose the have the students complete the assignments on the live demonstration site
to practice using D2L. Once on the site at http://www.mnsu.edu/ext/online/demo.html select
Visit a Live Course, enter Username student and Password student. In the course list, select
Demonstration Course. On the course navbar, select Content. From here you can click
through to the assignments for the demonstration course. Allow an hour to complete the
demonstration course.

Students will take 3 quizzes online, write 2 Discussion Postings and submit 1 Written
Assignment. It is recommended that you pass this course at 90% level (Refer to the Grades
area to monitor your success).The assignments include four modules:

Module Content Assignments Due

 Introductory Discussion Posting

1 Types of Online Delivery  Survey

 Quiz 1 (five minutes allowed)

 Module Discussion posting
Advantages and
2 Disadvantages of Online  Student Homepage in D2L
Education
 Quiz 2 (ten minutes allowed)

Skills for Successful Online

 Anonymous Discussion Posting
3
Learner
 Written Assignment
 Anonymous discussion posting

 Course evaluation survey (ten

4 Help and Useful Resources
questions)

 Quiz 4 (ten minutes allowed)

Begin by exploring the navbars, etc. included in the training manual. Then, explore the
demonstration course syllabus and demonstrate how to read the lectures and complete the
assignments. You may want to complete Module 1 together as a group.