From Northstar Digital Literacy:
“Northstar Digital Literacy defines basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. Online, self-guided modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on these skills. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in three main areas:
- Essential Computer Skills – Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS
- Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
- Using Technology in Daily Life – Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Accessing Telehealth Appointments, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Your Digital Footprint.”
Northstar is used by over 2830 Adult Basic Education programs, colleges, nonprofits, workforce centers, government agencies, and businesses, including 96 libraries in New Jersey.
New Jersey Locations
A full list of library locations is below.
Atlantic
Bergen
- Bergenfield Public Library
- Fairview Free Public Library
- Fort Lee Public Library
- Franklin Lakes Public Library
- Hasbrouck Heights Public Library
- Johnson Public Library
- Ridgewood Public Library
- Rochelle Park Free Public Library
- Teaneck Public Library
Burlington
Camden
- Camden County Library System
- Cherry Hill Public Library
- Collingswood Public Library
- Gloucester City Library
- Haddonfield Public Library
- Pennsauken Free Public Library
Cape May
Cumberland
Essex
- East Orange Public Library
- Glen Ridge Public Library
- Maplewood Memorial Library
- Montclair Public Library
- Newark Public Library
- Orange Public Library
- South Orange Public Library
- West Orange Public Library
Gloucester
- Franklin Township Library
- Gill Memorial Library
- Gloucester County Library System
- Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library
- West Deptford Free Public Library
Hudson
- Bayonne Public Library
- Jersey City Public Library
- North Bergen Free Public Library
- Secaucus Public Library
- Union City Public Library
Hunterdon
Mercer
Middlesex
- East Brunswick Public Library
- Edison Public Library
- Highland Park Public Library
- Jamesburg Public Library
- Monroe Township Public Library
- New Brunswick Free Public Library
- Old Bridge Public Library
- Plainsboro Public Library
- Sadie Pope Dowdell Library
- Sayreville Public Library
- South Brunswick Public Library
- Woodbridge Public Library
Monmouth
- Asbury Park Library
- Bradley Beach Public Library
- Keyport Free Public Library
- Long Branch Free Public Library
- Matawan Aberdeen Public Library
- Middletown Township Public Library
- Red Bank Public Library
Morris
- Boonton Holmes Public Library
- Butler Public Library
- Denville Public Library
- Florham Park Public Library
- Long Hill Township Library
- Morris County Library
- Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System
- Rockaway Borough Public Library
- Roxbury Public Library
- Wharton Public Library
Passaic
- Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library
- Bloomingdale Free Public Library
- Paterson Free Public Library
- Ringwood Public Library
- Wanaque Public Library
- Wayne Public Library
Somerset
Sussex
Union
- Clark Public Library
- Cranford Public Library
- Elizabeth Public Library
- Fanwood Memorial Library
- Hillside Public Library
- Linden Free Public Library
- Plainfield Public Library
- Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library
- Springfield Free Public Library
- Summit Free Public Library
- Union Public Library
Warren
Training and User Group
Register for the NJ Northstar Libraries User Group! Meets on the third Thursday of every month from 2:00-3:00pm.
Labor and Literacy Library Program Training
Learn more and sign up to participate as a Labor and Literacy Library here. Questions? Contact the Labor and Literacy Library Program.
Overview of Northstar Features
In this training, you will learn about Northstar Digital Literacy standards, assessments, curriculum, self-directed online learning, and reporting. You will ascertain how to start incorporating and implementing digital literacy into your organization using the Northstar features.
Incorporating Digital Literacy Routines into ELL Instruction
In this training we will look at the new teacher resource guide Northstar has created to help instructors incorporate daily routines to help build essential digital literacy skills into all levels of ELL classrooms. Aligned with the Northstar standards, these routines are valuable for programs who don’t have access to a separate digital literacy course and for use with lower level digital literacy and/or ELL students who would benefit from an on-ramp to the full Northstar curriculum. Topics covered in the training will be:
- Simple/fast rubrics for teachers to use as a pre/post assessment of beginning level digital skills knowledge
- An in-depth look at how to use the guide
- A demonstration of a routine (or two) from the perspective of both student and teacher
- Best practices for teaching digital literacy to ELL learners
Keeping Learners Motivated
In this training, we will take a look at adult persistence learning theory and steps programs can take to keep adult learners motivated.
Other Recorded Webinars
Getting Started with Northstar
This workshop focuses on understanding what the Northstar software is and how you will use it in your library. The session will be focused on the basic navigation of Northstar and how to access the tools needed to start (or better understand) using Northstar in your library.
Supporting Learners Using Northstar Online Learning
In this workshop, you will learn how to: Create Learners, Get Learners logged in, Change the content from English to Spanish, Use unproctored assessments, Start using the learning modules
Administering Northstar Assessments
Workshop attendees will learn: The difference between proctored and unproctored assessments, Methods for proctoring assessments, How to view assessment results, How to print certificates for learners who achieved a passing score
Using Northstar Curriculum
During this workshop, you will learn how to use the Northstar Curriculum to facilitate live classes.
The session covers the following topics:
• What is Northstar curriculum and where can I find it
• How do I use Northstar curriculum to prepare for and run a class
• What role do assessments and Northstar Online Learning (NSOL) play in live classes
Vendor-Led Training
Northstar Digital Literacy Training
Part 1: Overview of Northstar Features
Overview of Northstar Features In this training, you will learn about Northstar Digital Literacy standards, assessments, curriculum, self-directed online learning, and reporting. You will ascertain how to start incorporating and implementing digital literacy into your organization using the Northstar features.
Slides for Part 1: Overview of Northstar Features
Part 2: Getting Started in Northstar
This training will cover the tasks needed to start using Northstar effectively and efficiently, how to run reports, resources available to Northstar subscribers, and first steps. The topics covered include:
- Creating Learner Accounts
- Proctoring – In person and Remote
- Running Reports
- Accessing and Using Curricula
- Resources
Slides for Part 2: Getting Started in Northstar
Part 3: Introducing Learners to Northstar Digital Literacy
In this training, we will go over how to present assessments and self-directed online learning to your students, as well as go through the Northstar curricula with participants as learners. The topics covered include:
- Benefits of assessments to learners
- Proctoring from a Learner and Staff point of view
- Explaining the student dashboard to learners
- How to use Northstar self-directed Online Learning from a learner perspective
- Example of using the instructor led curricula remotely
Slides for Part 3: Introducing Learners to Northstar Digital Literacy
Northstar Digital Literacy YouTube Channel
Logos and Marketing
Click image to enlarge and right click to save as.
Examples of text to use on your website:
Moorestown Public Library: Northstar Digital Literacy is a free learning resource to build and certify your computer skills.
Maplewood Library: Our Librarians are ready to help you with Northstar Digital Literacy. These free online assessments will test your computer and Internet skills.
Sayreville Public Library: Northstar Digital Literacy tests your computer skills. You can build skills in key areas, and demonstrate your knowledge by earning certificates and badges. Prepare for your future now! Email us if you would like to set up a learner account. Northstar Online Learning (NSOL) can help you learn digital literacy skills online.
Wanaque Public Library: Learn or improve your computer and digital literacy skills with free access to Northstar Online Learning, offered with support from the New Jersey State Library.
Using Northstar to Run a Workshop
Northstar Digital Literacy has Workshop Curriculum you can use to quickly and easily prepare to run a Workshop.
- Log in to the Northstar Admin Portal
- Click the Resources link at the top of the website
- Find the Northstar Curriculum section and click the View Northstar Curriculum button
- Review the Teacher Guide as well as Remote/Virtual tips and samples, if needed.
Select the desired curriculum and lessons to get started.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this website do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.