Foundation Topics – First Session
Course Outline
Week 1 – Course Introduction & Review of Core Digital Concepts
Day 1: Introduction to Computers
- Course Overview: Objectives, expectations, and project-based learning
Introduction to Computers
- Activities: Overview of course objectives, basic computer hardware (CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse), hands-on exploration of devices.
Operating Systems
- Activities: Introduction to Windows/Mac/Linux; navigation, file management, and settings exploration.
- Hands-on exercises in file creation and organization.
Internet Basics
- Activities: Understanding the internet, browsers, and search engines.
- Hands-on: Safe browsing techniques, performing searches.
Day 2: Operating Systems & Advanced File Management
Review of key digital literacy concepts (file management, internet research, document formatting, etc.)
Advanced use of different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Task: Organizing complex file structures, exploring OS-specific shortcuts.
Introduction to Command-Line Interface (CLI) basics for navigation and file management.
Day 3 & 4: Cybersecurity, Internet Technologies & Network Fundamentals
Understanding Cybersecurity
- Activities: Overview of threats (viruses, phishing, etc.) and safe practices.
- Discussion on password management.
Safe Browsing Practices
- Activities: Identifying secure websites and avoiding scams.
- Hands-on: Practice identifying phishing emails.
Protecting Personal Information
- Activities: Discussing privacy settings on social media and other platforms.
- Activity: Review privacy settings on personal accounts.
Mobile Device Security
- Activities: Overview of mobile security practices.
- Hands-on: Secure a smartphone/tablet.
Internet Technologies & Network Fundamentals
Internet architecture (DNS, IP addressing, and routing).
- Setting up and troubleshooting home/office networks.
- Task: Configure a small network, test, and resolve connectivity issues.
Understanding Networks & Internet Infrastructure
- How the internet works: TCP/IP, DNS, and IP addressing.
- Practical: Setting up a local network, troubleshooting connection issues.
- Tools: Using network diagnostic tools (Ping, Traceroute, etc.).
Week 2 – Productivity Tools
Day 1: Basic Software Applications
Overview of common applications (word processors, spreadsheets, browsers).
Practical: Create a simple document and spreadsheet.
Day 2: Word Processing Basics
Creating, editing, and formatting documents in Word or Google Docs.
Hands-on: Create a resume.
Day 3: Spreadsheet Skills
Introduction to spreadsheets, basic formulas, and functions.
Hands-on: Create a budget tracker.
Day 4: Presentation Software
Using PowerPoint/Google Slides.
Hands-on: Create a simple presentation.
Week 3 – Digital Skills
Day 1: Advanced Digital Skills
Cloud Computing
- Activities: Introduction to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).
- Hands-on: Upload and share files.
Basic Photo Editing
- Activities: Introduction to photo editing software.
- Hands-on: Edit and enhance photos.
Intro to Coding
- Activities: Basic concepts of programming.
- Hands-on: Simple coding exercises using platforms like Scratch or Code.org.
Understanding Algorithms
- Activities: What are algorithms? Discussion and examples in daily life.
- Group activity: Create a simple algorithm for a task.
Day 2: Digital Communication
Email Essentials
- Activities: Setting up an email account, composing emails, managing contacts.
- Hands-on: Send, receive, and organize emails.
Digital Etiquette
- Activities: Discussing appropriate online communication, including social media.
- Role-playing scenarios.
Online Collaboration Tools
- Activities: Introduction to tools like Google Docs, Zoom, and Slack.
- Hands-on: Collaborate on a document.
Social Media Basics
- Activities: Overview of popular platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
- Discussion on privacy settings and online presence.
Day 3 & 4: Communication Tools & Online Security
- Email management (filters, rules, labels).
- Video conferencing software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
- Social media management tools (Hootsuite, Buffer).
- Introduction to cybersecurity (phishing, malware, firewalls).
Week 4 – Multimedia Literacy
Day 1: Multimedia Literacy
Understanding Multimedia
- Activities: Types of media (text, audio, video).
- Discuss the importance of media literacy.
Creating Infographics
- Activities: Understanding infographics and their purpose.
- Hands-on: Create an infographic using online tools.
Day 2: Video Editing
Video Editing Basics
- Activities: Introduction to video editing software.
- Hands-on: Create a short video project.
Day 3: Sound Editing
Podcasting Basics
- Activities: Introduction to podcasts and audio editing.
- Hands-on: Create a short podcast episode.
Day 4: Advanced Image & Video Editing Tools
- Introduction to tools like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Premiere Pro.
- Practical: Editing images, creating visual presentations, and video content.
Week 5 – Productivity, Collaboration & Digital Literacy
Day 1: Software & System Utilities
Project Management Tools
- Activities: Overview of tools like Trello or Asana.
- Hands-on: Set up a simple project.
Advanced usage of office suites and automation tools (MS Office, Google Suite).
- Task: Creating and automating advanced spreadsheets and documents (e.g., macros).
- System utilities for maintenance: disk cleanup, defragging, virus scanning.
Day 2: Advanced Productivity Tools & Collaboration
- Time management tools (Trello, Asana, Microsoft Planner).
- Advanced collaboration in cloud environments (Google Docs, OneDrive).
- Project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum).
- Task automation and macros for repetitive tasks.
Advanced Automation Techniques
- Automating workflows with IFTTT, Zapier, and Microsoft Power Automate.
- Practical: Create automated workflows for emails, backups, or data transfers.
Advanced Online Collaboration Tools
- Deep dive into cloud storage, collaborative editing, and remote work tools.
- Practical: Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Slack for projects.
- Integrating online productivity tools with automation scripts (e.g., Zapier).
Day 3: Advanced Digital Literacy – Search & Research
Advanced Web Search Techniques
- Boolean operators, advanced search engines, and academic research tools.
- Practical: Finding credible sources, fact-checking.
- Tools: Google Scholar, JSTOR, and research databases.
Digital Content Curation & Organization
- Techniques for curating content from different digital sources.
- Practical: Organizing research and content with Evernote, Pocket, or OneNote.
- Building personal knowledge databases.
Information Analysis & Presentation
- Analyzing information for credibility and bias.
- Practical: Crafting well-structured reports using data visualization tools (e.g., Google Data Studio, Tableau).
Day 4: Advanced Office Suite Techniques
- Deep dive into Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets: advanced formulas, pivot tables.
- Practical: Building complex spreadsheets with macros and functions.
Week 6 – Computer Programming Basics
Day 1 & 2: Programming Fundamentals
- Introduction to programming logic (variables, loops).
- Basic Python programming and scripting.
- Using Python for task automation.
- Debugging and testing Python scripts.
Day 3: Advanced Web Development
- HTML/CSS review for creating web pages.
- JavaScript fundamentals for interactivity.
- Responsive design and mobile-first development.
- Website hosting and management.
Day 4: Advanced Software Skills & Customization
- Customizing the desktop environment (shortcuts, widgets).
- Advanced file conversion techniques (file types, batch conversions).
- Software troubleshooting and repair techniques.
- Virtualization and running multiple OSs (VirtualBox, VMware).
Week 7 – Digital Tools & Data Security
Day 1 & 2: Data Security and Privacy Best Practices
- Review of cybersecurity principles: firewalls, VPNs, encryption.
- Practical: Setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) and password managers.
- Introduction to GDPR, data protection laws, and personal privacy practices.
- Case study: Responding to a data breach.
Day 3: Cybersecurity & Online Privacy
- Deep dive into cybersecurity threats and prevention.
- Setting up two-factor authentication, encryption, and VPNs.
- Identifying vulnerabilities in personal/work systems.
- Building and deploying basic firewalls for personal use.
Day 4: Advanced Digital Tools & Data Security
- Using encryption tools for sensitive data.
- Managing digital identities and authentication.
- Cybersecurity breach recovery plans.
- Hands-on cybersecurity challenges.
Week 8
Day 1 & 2: Automation & Scripting for Efficiency
- Introduction to Scripting Languages
- Overview of Python, Bash, and PowerShell scripting for task automation.
- Practical: Writing simple scripts to automate repetitive tasks.
- Tools: Automator for macOS, Windows Task Scheduler.
- Advanced Automation Techniques
- Automating workflows with IFTTT, Zapier, and Microsoft Power Automate.
- Practical: Create automated workflows for emails, backups, or data transfers.
- Automating File and Data Management
- Writing scripts to automate file organization and data backup.
- Practical: Set up automated file sorting and cloud syncing scripts.
Day 3 & 4: Cloud Computing, Virtualization & Online Services
- Introduction to virtual machines (VMs) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
- Setting up virtual machines and cloud storage.
- Practical: Creating a VM using VirtualBox/Hyper-V.
- Introduction to containers (Docker).
- Managing cloud applications and costs.
- Cloud security best practices.
Advanced Web Browsing & Data Collection
- Using developer tools in browsers (Chrome, Firefox).
- Web scraping and data collection techniques.
- Managing and visualizing data in spreadsheets.
- Introduction to APIs and integration with online services.
- How to connect and integrate apps using APIs.
- Practical: Pulling data from APIs into Google Sheets or Excel.
Week 9 – Data Science, Analysis & Management
Day 1: Data Analysis & Visualization
- Introduction to data analysis tools (Excel, Google Sheets, Python Pandas).
- Data visualization best practices.
- Using Power BI/Tableau for data insights.
- Advanced charts and visual storytelling techniques.
Day 2 & 3: Advanced Programming & Data Analysis
- Introduction to Python for Data Analysis
- Overview of Python libraries (Pandas, NumPy) for data analysis.
- Practical: Writing Python scripts to analyze datasets.
- Machine Learning Basics for Non-Programmers
- Introduction to basic machine learning concepts using simple tools.
- Practical: Using a no-code ML platform (e.g., Teachable Machine).
- Data Visualization with Python
- Using Python libraries like Matplotlib and Seaborn for data visualization.
- Practical: Creating interactive visualizations.
Day 4: Database Management
- Introduction to Databases & SQL
- Review of database structures, relational databases, and non-relational databases.
- Practical: Setting up and querying a MySQL database.
- Advanced SQL Queries & Database Management
- Writing advanced SQL queries (joins, subqueries, and indexing).
- Practical: Working with large datasets, importing/exporting data.
- Introduction to NoSQL Databases
- Overview of NoSQL databases like MongoDB.
- Practical: Basic operations using MongoDB.
Week 10
Day 1 & 2: Cybersecurity for Advanced Users
- Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing
- Introduction to ethical hacking, penetration testing, and common vulnerabilities.
- Practical: Running penetration tests on a local network using tools like Kali Linux.
- Cybersecurity Incident Response
- What to do in case of a cyberattack.
- Practical: Incident response scenarios and simulations.
- Securing Digital Footprint
- Evaluating and securing your personal and professional online presence.
- Practical: Advanced privacy settings, securing social media accounts.
Day 3 & 4: Digital Citizenship
Defining Digital Citizenship
- Activities: Discuss rights and responsibilities online.
- Group activity: Create a digital citizenship pledge.
Online Safety for Youth
- Activities: Discuss challenges faced by youth online.
- Role-playing scenarios.
Recognizing Misinformation
- Activities: Discuss fake news and misinformation.
- Hands-on: Analyze articles for bias.
Building an Online Portfolio
- Activities: Introduction to creating a personal website or blog.
- Hands-on: Start a simple blog using a platform like WordPress.
Week 11 – Objective & Theory Main Exams
Week 12 —–> Projects (Practical Exams)
Capstone Projects & Practical Applications
- Learners work on capstone projects, applying everything they have learned throughout the course (e.g., automating a business process, creating a secure network, or building a website).
- Presentations, peer reviews, and feedback sessions.
Project Week – Research & Presentation
- Individual or Group Project on Course Topics
- Students work on a capstone project, researching a topic of interest (e.g., setting up a secure network, automating a business process, or creating a web-based tool).
- Presentation of findings and solutions by the end of the week.
Final Projects & Wrap-Up
- Final Projects & Presentations
- Students work on a comprehensive final project, combining various skills they’ve learned.
- Final project presentation and peer review.
- Course wrap-up, feedback, and reflections.
Review and Reflection
- Review of Key Concepts
- Activities: Group discussion to review major topics covered in the course.
- Presentations of Final Projects
- Activities: Students present their projects to the class.
Career Development
Job Search Strategies
- Activities: Overview of job search techniques, online job boards. Hands-on: Search for job opportunities.
Crafting a Professional Resume
- Activities: Resume writing techniques. Hands-on: Create/update a resume.
Interview Skills
- Activities: Discuss interview techniques, role-playing common interview questions.
Networking Online
- Activities: Importance of networking, using LinkedIn. Hands-on: Create or update a LinkedIn profile.
Course Content & Teaching Guide
Day 1: Introduction to Computers
Course Overview
- Objectives:
- Familiarize students with computer hardware and software.
- Build foundational skills in digital literacy.
- Encourage project-based learning to apply skills in real-world contexts.
- Expectations:
- Participation in hands-on activities.
- Completion of projects demonstrating learned skills.
- Respectful collaboration with peers.
Introduction to Computers
- Basic Computer Hardware:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer; responsible for processing instructions.
- Monitor: Displays output from the computer; different types include LCD and LED.
- Keyboard: Input device for typing and commands; familiarity with function keys and shortcuts.
- Mouse: Pointing device; understanding of left-click, right-click, and scrolling.
Activities
- Overview of Course Objectives:
- Discuss the importance of digital literacy in daily life and future career opportunities.
- Hands-on Exploration:
- Activity: Students form small groups to identify and explore the hardware components of a computer.
- Task: Label each component and discuss its function.
Operating Systems
- Introduction to Operating Systems:
- Windows: Most widely used; known for its graphical interface.
- MacOS: Apple’s operating system; user-friendly interface and robust design.
- Linux: Open-source; customizable and used for server management.
Activities
- Navigation:
- Students practice opening applications, accessing settings, and managing the desktop environment on their assigned OS.
- File Management:
- Hands-on Exercise: Create a folder, save a document in it, and organize files within the folder.
- Discuss the importance of good file organization for efficiency.
Internet Basics
- Understanding the Internet:
- Definition and history of the internet.
- Differences between the web and the internet.
Activities
- Browsers and Search Engines:
- Discuss popular web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and their features.
- Introduce search engines (Google, Bing) and their importance.
- Safe Browsing Techniques:
- Discuss the significance of recognizing secure websites (HTTPS).
- Common phishing scams and how to avoid them.
- Hands-on:
- Task: Conduct a search for a specific topic, evaluating the first five results for credibility.
- Discussion: How to identify reliable sources online.
Day 2: Operating Systems & Advanced File Management
Review of Key Digital Literacy Concepts
- File Management: Importance of organizing files for easy access.
- Internet Research: Effective techniques for finding and evaluating information.
- Document Formatting: Basic skills for formatting text in word processors.
Advanced Use of Different Operating Systems
- Exploring Advanced Features:
- Windows: Task Manager, Control Panel, and shortcuts.
- MacOS: System Preferences, Finder, and shortcut keys.
- Linux: Terminal basics, package managers, and desktop environments.
Activities
- Organizing Complex File Structures:
- Task: Students create a multi-layered file structure (e.g., folders for different subjects or projects).
- Emphasize the importance of naming conventions and logical organization.
- Exploring OS-Specific Shortcuts:
- Introduce keyboard shortcuts for efficient navigation (e.g., Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V for Windows; Command+C, Command+V for Mac).
- Activity: Students practice using shortcuts while managing files.
Introduction to Command-Line Interface (CLI) Basics
- Understanding CLI:
- Definition and comparison with graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
- Importance of CLI for advanced users and system administrators.
Activities
- Basic Navigation and File Management with CLI:
- Introduce basic commands (e.g., ls, cd, mkdir, rm for Linux/Mac; dir, cd, mkdir, del for Windows).
- Hands-on Exercise: Students open a terminal and practice creating and deleting directories.
- Project Task:
- Group Task: Organize a shared folder using both GUI and CLI methods, allowing students to experience both interfaces.
- Reflection: Discuss when and why to use CLI versus GUI.
Day 3: Cybersecurity
Understanding Cybersecurity
- Overview of Cybersecurity Threats:
- Viruses: Malicious software that can corrupt or delete files.
- Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information (passwords, credit card numbers) through deceptive emails or websites.
- Ransomware: Malware that locks files and demands payment for access.
- Malware: General term for malicious software, including viruses, worms, and trojan horses.
Activities
- Group Discussion:
- Divide students into small groups to discuss common threats they have encountered or heard about.
- Share stories about personal experiences with cybersecurity threats and solutions.
- Safe Practices:
- Teach students best practices for protecting themselves online:
- Regularly update software and operating systems.
- Use antivirus software and firewalls.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links and attachments.
- Teach students best practices for protecting themselves online:
- Password Management:
- Discuss the importance of strong passwords.
- Introduce concepts like password managers and two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Activity: Students create strong passwords using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and discuss methods for remembering them or securely storing them.
Safe Browsing Practices
- Identifying Secure Websites:
- Discuss indicators of secure websites (HTTPS, padlock icon).
- Teach how to check for valid certificates.
Activities
- Recognizing Scams:
- Provide examples of common phishing emails and suspicious websites.
- Hands-on Exercise: Analyze provided emails to identify red flags (poor grammar, urgent requests, unfamiliar senders).
- Phishing Email Identification:
- Set up a mock phishing email campaign where students must identify which emails are real and which are fake.
- Discuss the results and learning points.
Protecting Personal Information
- Privacy Settings:
- Overview of the importance of managing privacy settings on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.).
- Discuss the potential risks of oversharing personal information.
Activities
- Reviewing Privacy Settings:
- Activity: Guide students through the privacy settings of a social media account.
- Encourage students to adjust their settings to enhance privacy (e.g., who can see their posts, friend requests, etc.).
Mobile Device Security
- Overview of Mobile Security:
- Discuss common mobile threats (malicious apps, unsecured Wi-Fi networks).
- Emphasize the importance of app permissions and updates.
Activities
- Hands-on Security:
- Activity: Students secure their smartphones/tablets by:
- Setting up strong passwords or biometric locks.
- Reviewing app permissions and removing unnecessary permissions.
- Enabling remote wipe features.
- Activity: Students secure their smartphones/tablets by:
Day 4: Internet Technologies & Network Fundamentals
Internet Architecture
- Understanding the Basics:
- DNS (Domain Name System): Translates domain names into IP addresses.
- IP Addressing: Unique identifier for each device on a network (IPv4 vs. IPv6).
- Routing: The process of forwarding packets of data from one network to another.
Activities
- Exploring DNS:
- Demonstrate how DNS works through a simple explanation and example (e.g., accessing a website by its domain name versus IP address).
- Activity: Use a DNS lookup tool to find the IP address of popular websites.
Setting Up and Troubleshooting Networks
- Basic Networking Concepts:
- Overview of LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network).
- Importance of routers and switches.
Activities
- Configuring a Small Network:
- Task: Students work in groups to set up a small local network using routers/switches.
- Ensure they understand IP assignment (static vs. dynamic).
- Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues:
- Hands-on Exercise: Create scenarios where students have to identify and resolve connectivity issues (e.g., no internet access, slow connection).
- Discuss common troubleshooting steps (checking cables, restarting devices, using diagnostic tools).
Understanding Networks & Internet Infrastructure
- How the Internet Works:
- Explain the TCP/IP model and its importance for data transmission.
- Overview of how data is routed over the internet.
Activities
- Practical Networking:
- Task: Set up a local network using provided equipment (routers, switches, and devices).
- Practice troubleshooting connection issues using various methods.
- Network Diagnostic Tools:
- Introduction to Tools:
- Ping: Tests connectivity between devices.
- Traceroute: Displays the path data takes to reach a specific destination.
- Introduction to Tools:
Activities
- Using Diagnostic Tools:
- Hands-on Exercise: Students use the ping and traceroute commands to check connections and trace routes to various websites.
- Discuss results and troubleshooting based on findings.