Tools and Resources relating to: _ New to Tech

  • TechBoomers - Explore the basics when it comes to navigating the internet. Access over 100 free website and app courses along with thousands of useful articles with the Tips and Tricks you need to take your tech skills to the next level.   TechBoomers
  • CommonSense - Common Sense is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Common Sense is an independent voice for kids, families, and communities everywhere, combining original research with game-changing advocacy efforts to make the digital world work better for all kids. Their advocacy work highlights legislation related to technology and identifies solutions that protect consumer privacy, push for better connectivity for students and families, and hold tech companies accountable to ensure a healthy internet for all. Common Sense Media rates movies, TV shows, podcasts, books, and more so families can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids. We offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate ...
  • Digital Skills Library - This Digital Skills Library is a collection of resources, tutorials, lessons, etc. which has been built by educators through EdTech Maker Space events focused on content curation of digital skills activities. Through hundreds of hours of service, volunteer contributors have helped to compile nearly 2,000 learning activities that support digital skills development.   Digital Skills Library
  • DigitalLearn.org - DigitalLearn.org contains a collection of digital skills tutorials on topics such as how to use a search engine, how to get started on a computer, an introduction to email, online safety, video conferencing, Microsoft Word and Excel, and others. These courses are created by the Public Library Association and are available completely free to everyone! The courses are broken down well and information is presented clearly and at a pace appropriate for digital novices. The topics are taught through storytelling using real-world, practical scenarios. There are also interactive practice activities to reinforce learning. Most courses are either new, or newly updated.   DigitalLearn.org
  • Guide to Digital Security & Privacy – Consumer Reports - Consumer Reports believes digital innovation brings many benefits to consumers. But that innovation also carries new threats to personal privacy and data security. In our nationally representative CR Consumer Voices Survey, 65 percent of Americans told us they are either slightly or not at all confident that their personal data is private and not distributed without their knowledge. To help you navigate the complexities, this guide highlights risks, solutions—and easy-to-follow tips to protect you and your family.\   Guide to Digital Security & Privacy - Consumer Reports
  • IT Security Basics Course – Indiana University - Everyone should have a clear understanding of IT security basic skills, in today's world where our digital lives and connections are increasing constantly. Enroll in the IT Security Basics online course to learn 10 simple and effective skills, habits, and tools to stay safe online. This short, user-friendly course also includes an opportunity to earn an achievement certificate by passing the course's Final Exam.   IT Security Basics Course - Indiana University
  • GCF LearnFree.org – Internet Safety Course - Staying safe online is essential in today's world. Use these Internet safety tips to keep yourself and your loved ones protected. This site shares a number of Google search strategies and tips created by the Goodwill Community Foundation (GFC) Global to get you started on your quest to find new things to learn about.  This link connects you with a brief tutorial on searching better with Google. Exploring the site will bring you to multiple resources. For example: Internet safety is the focus @ Internet Safety - GCFLearnFree.org The dashboard presents many topical choices beyond searching @ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/search-better-2018/ A YouTube Playlist of the videos in this course is also available. Topics include: Creating Strong Passwords Spam and Phishing How to Avoid Malware Understanding Browser Tracking Social Media Privacy Basics What To Do if Your Computer Gets a Virus   GCF LearnFree.org - Internet Safety Course Keywords: digital literacy, lifelong learning
  • 10 Advanced Web Search Techniques You Probably Never Knew About - Understanding how to perform sophisticated searches of online information will greatly increase your chances of finding what you want. While most popular search engines let you define your search criteria in very specific ways, not all function identically.   10 Advanced Web Search Techniques You Probably Never Knew About
  • Search Tips: Getting Started - Learn how to find and use library materials at UB and across SUNY. We now have a single, unified system that gives you the ability to search databases, UB library collections, and all SUNY campus library catalogs, all in one place, all at one time.   Search Tips: Getting Started  
  • Hoax or Fact - Hoax or Fact is an attempt to spread knowledge and wisdom. To bring out the truths and facts behind all kinds of online rumors and hoax messages. The people, at Hoax or Fact, research, and analysis of various online issues in-depth, so as to put a check on all kinds of online spammers, thus preventing their unfair motives. They thrive to encourage healthy wisdom. Their main goal is to educate Internet users by exposing all kinds of scams, viruses, deceptions, misconceptions, misbeliefs, and unfair hoaxes and rumors. This way, they educate, alert, and save the internet users from unwanted dangers and frauds online. They also provide necessary safety measures and tips to avoid any kind of damage from these online hoax messages.   Hoax or Fact
  • Google – Search Better Tutorial at GCFGlobal - This site shares a number of Google search strategies and tips created by the Goodwill Community Foundation (GFC) Global to get you started on your quest to find new things to learn about. Learn the basics and advanced strategies for searching for info online. Get more out of your Google Search results with this helpful tutorial. Learn about the many hidden features of Google Search in this tutorial.   Google - Search Better Tutorial at GCFGlobal   Keywords: Digital Literacy, Lifelong Learning
  • Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers - This electronic book helps readers learn how to fact-check claims made on the Internet on a variety of topics. Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers   The author, Michael Caulfield, also has a companion blog: Four moves   Keywords: Copyright, Creative Commons, Digital Literacy, Lifelong Learning, Media, Open Educational Resources (OER) & Open Access, Searching
  • TED Talks: lifelong learning playlist - TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). This playlist is of 5 TED Talks related to lifelong learning. Titles include "The Nerd's Guide to Learning Everything Online"; The Life-long Learner"; "What We're Learning from Online Education"; "On Being Wrong"; "What Adults Can Learn from Kids."   TED Talks: The love of lifelong learning   Keywords: Digital Footprint/Identity, Digital Literacy, Lifelong Learning