The University of Washington Tacoma has partnered with Northstar Digital Literacy to offer computer literacy courses to our students, staff, and faculty. UW Tacoma offers access to both the self-service modules, as well as in person help. 

In person help is available at the IT Helpdesk (WG 108) for the following hours: 

MONDAY: 10:00AM - 1:00PM
TUESDAY: 12:30PM - 3:30PM
WEDNESDAY: 12:30PM - 3:30PM 
THURSDAY: 12:30PM - 3:30PM

No appointment is necessary. 

What is Northstar?

Northstar Digital Literacy offers a set of online, self-paced digital literacy assessments and tutorials. These tools help you build the basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online in daily life, employment, and college. 

 

What can I learn?

Northstar has assessments matched with with online tutorials: Basic computer skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows, Mac OS, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Docs, Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills and Your Digital Footprint. After you login and take an assessment you can access the tutorial material. 

Lecciones en español: Alguno temas y evaluaciones están disponibles en español. Habilidades esenciales de computación y habilidades esenciales para usar un software están completos. Para más información, contacta Caitlin Chavez-Moats (correo electrónico: moatsc@uw.edu).

 


Why use Northstar?

  1. Set yourself apart from others on your resume and job applications! Earn certificates for essential computer skills and list these accomplishments for future employers to see.
  2. Get college ready. Your college instructors may assume you already know how to use Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, or other software. Learning these skills will help you be successful in your classes.
  3. Develop skills to keep your job and advance your career. The problem solving and technology skills you will practice in Northstar will help you on the job!
  4. Build confidence and skills needed for successful remote and online learning.
  5. Learn at your own pace and without judgment.

How Does Northstar Work?

Northstar gives you the opportunity to check your digital literacy skills, learn and practice new skills, and demonstrate your mastery of these skills. Northstar teaches you essentials like using email and navigating the Internet, using Microsoft Office, and searching for career and job information.

How to use Northstar:

  1. Email Caitlin Chavez-Moats (moatsc@uw.edu) to create a learner account with the UW Tacoma instance of Northstar.
  2. Log in.
  3. Choose a digital literacy topic (e.g., Microsoft Word).
  4. Take a digital literacy skills assessment on your topic.
    1. There are 14 assessments to choose from.
    2. This initial assessment will help you identify what you already know and what you need to learn.
    3. You’ll receive links to lessons to develop some skills you need to learn. (Note! Lessons are under development, so you might not be available for all of your skills gaps.)
  5. Work through the topic-specific lessons to learn and practice new skills.
    1. Use self-paced Northstar video lessons or recommended learning resources

We're so glad that you are here!