Montgomery County Public Libraries Launches Northstar, a New Digital Literacy Resource

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) now offers the Northstar Digital Literacy suite of tools to help residents acquire or improve basic digital literacy skills. The resource includes the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment, a suite of free online modules that test proficiency in essential digital skills. The assessments, built around basic computer digital literacy standards, were developed by leading Adult Basic Education groups and are now sustained by Literacy Minnesota.

Assessments are available to test proficiency in the following digital skill areas: Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Understanding your Digital Footprint.

Residents who take proctored assessment tests and score 85 percent or higher can earn certificates and badges to show to employers or add to resumes to prove proficiency in key digital skills.

The resource also includes a learning component, Northstar Online Learning (NSOL), which offers customized, self-directed online instruction and practice resources making it easy for learners to review material, practice and prepare before taking proctored tests. 

“As a center for lifelong learning, MCPL is pleased to offer this valuable free resource to help our customers gain or sharpen digital literacy skills and enhance their chances of success in life, work or school,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “Northstar is the latest of several tools MCPL has launched recently (Brainfuse’s HelpNow, VetNow and JobNow) to support learning and economic recovery.”

To access NSOL, customers must request a Northstar learner account: https://mcpl.link/northstar-signup

To take a virtual proctored assessment test to earn a certificate or badge, customers can register for an upcoming test session:

• Tuesday, July 27: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5126178
• Tuesday Aug 31: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5336799

 

Release ID: 21-553
Media Contact: Monika Hammer 240-463-2442
Categories: Library