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Computer Skills Assessment



The Adult Learning Centre's Computer Skills course consists of four lessons to help you become comfortable using the mouse, web browsers, email, and search engines.

If you answer "No" to two or more of the following questions, ask your instructor to set up a time for you to attend a Computer Skills class or private lesson.

1. Have you used a computer with internet access in the last two years?
2. Do you have an email account?
3. Are you comfortable finding information (for school projects or personal use) online?
4. Do you understand the difference between a web browser (such as Internet Explorer) and a search engine like Google?
5. Are you able to use the mouse to navigate from webpage to webpage?

If you answered "No" to less than two questions, you are ready for Learn 2.0!  Please scroll down the page to watch a video tour explaining how to use this 2.0 website.

Gmail is an email account you can access from any computer with an internet connection.  Watch the following video for more information on Gmail and why you should use it.

1. 
   
   Double click on Internet Explorer to open a web browser.
2. 
   
   Click in the address bar and type www.google.com/mail
3. 
   
   When the Gmail sign in page appears, move your mouse pointer to the box in the lower right-hand corner and click on "Sign up for Gmail."
4. 
   
   Fill out the fields on the registration page that appears next.  Note: For your alternate email address, please use an email you will be able to check to retrieve your password in case it is lost.
5. 
   
   Your login name: Use the first three letters of your first name, a period, then the first four letters of your last name.  For example, an email address for John Smith would look like this:

iGoogle is your personal homepage.  You can add different gadgets to your iGoogle page to help you keep track of the things you are interested in on the internet.

Some gadgets also let you create To Do lists and track your goals.  iGoogle is a great tool for learners because each time one of the webpages you follow is updated, the new information appears on your iGoogle page.  You don't have to go searching for each new webpage to stay up-to-date.



Where to Find iGoogle

iGoogle and GMail are both free services offered by Google.  You sign into both services using your GMail address and password.

Go to the Google homepage at http://www.google.com/ (ask your instructor if you need help opening a second browser window).  In the top right corner, click the link to iGoogle.  If you are already signed in to GMail, you are directed to your iGoogle page.  Or, if you have not yet signed in, iGoogle will ask you to sign in to see your personalized page.

Ask your instructor to send you our Adult Learning Centre iGoogle homepage.  This contains the gadgets you will use to track your goals and progress throughout your time at the ALC.



Why Use iGoogle?

Keeping track of all of the helpful and interesting information you find on the internet can be confusing.  Your iGoogle page gives you a place to put some of this information.

It is important to note that when you visit your iGoogle page, you will just see small snippets of information from each webpage that you follow.  However, you can click on the information you want to see and go to the full webpage.



Add a Learning Goal to Your iGoogle Page

Once your instructor shares the ALC iGoogle page with you, check your email and follow the link to see it.  Note: if you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your Spam inbox.

In the middle of your iGoogle page, you should see a box called "Countdown."  Fill in the boxes to track your learning goal.  For example, if you are writing your GED test on April 9, 2011, add "GED test" as the event name, followed by the end date for your learning goal.  This exercise allows you to see how much closer you are to achieving your goal as you progress through the course.


Other Things You Can Do with iGoogle

iGoogle lets you keep track of information from the internet, but you can also add your own content, such as:

• photos
• goals
• notes to yourself
• lists of things to do or things you like
• local weather
• and much more!

Watch this 2-minute video to learn more about Google gadgets and how to add them to your iGoogle page:



Congratulations!  Now that your iGoogle page is set up and you know how to add gadgets, you can move on to the next lesson, 7 1/2 Habits of Successful Learners.  Before you do, be sure to click on the form at the bottom of the page and fill it in to enter the monthly draw!  Click Home to return to the homepage.

Welcome! Learning is something we do our whole lives. Lifelong learning means that we, as adults, are still learning new skills in our communities every day. For many people, the internet can be a scary and strange place to explore on their own.

What Can the Internet Do for You?

We have developed the activities in Learn 2.0 to help you understand how the internet, or world wide web, can enrich our daily lives.

In this activity, you will get helpful advice from other lifelong learners. As we begin, let's review a few habits that may help you on your journey towards lifelong learning.

The 7 1/2 Habits Exercise

Plug headphones or speakers into your computer and have a pen and paper ready to take notes.  As you watch and listen to the video below, write down the habit among the 7 1/2 that you find easiest for you, as well as the habit you find the most difficult.

You will use the blog you will create in lesson six to post your thoughts about lifelong learning.  Click the picture below to get started, then return to Learn 2.0 for your next exercise.