Through the Cisco Networking Academy, The Community Connections is offering a series of free, self-paced training courses. 

Course 1: Digital Awareness

Estimated duration: 6 hours

Overview: Are you curious about the digital world but not sure where to start? Designed with the beginner in mind, this course equips you with fundamental knowledge and practical digital skills you can apply at home, school or work. Think of digital skills like your toolbox for the online world. Learn tips and tricks for searching the internet, creating strong passwords and tackling pesky technical problems such as slow performance and Wi-Fi or connectivity issues. You will also learn how to manage your personal data and protect yourself from online threats, like phishing scams and malware. 

This course provides an easy format including drag and drop quizzes, exercises, real-world examples, and interactive activities. Prefer learning through videos? No problem. We've got you covered with 20 short videos and step-by-step guides that are clear and easy to follow.

This course is a great resource for teens, seniors, parents/guardian, educators, and anyone new to technology looking to build digital skills.

Link: https://www.netacad.com/courses/digital-awareness?courseLang=en-US&instance_id=96f19bd8-40db-4289-a189-c6ea4b8becfa

Course 2: Using Computers and Mobile Devices

Estimated duration: 6 hours

Overview: Today, there are more mobile phones than people. In just 6 hours, this course can help you grow the confidence to use devices with greater independence and ease.

You'll begin with the basics, learning how to use computers and mobile devices, including features, hardware, operating systems, and software. you'll learn how to download and update apps, connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, cellular data, or Bluetooth, and improve your device performance by managing storage, memory, and clearing the cache. you'll also learn to move, copy, delete, and restore files on Windows, Android, and using the cloud. Additionally, you'll grasp trackpad and mouse functions and gestures, such as left, right, and double-click, two-finger tap, swipe from the edge, and pinch to zoom. Through interactive practice activities, videos, and how-to guides, you'll gain the skills to use technology with confidence and boost your digital skills.

Link: https://www.netacad.com/courses/computer-mobile-devices?courseLang=en-US&instance_id=95600049-1e75-4f41-9f89-84324fb105f4

Course 3: Digital Safety and Security Awareness

Estimated duration: 6 hours

Overview: Are you ready to take control of your online safety? As the digital world evolves, it offers incredible opportunities but also presents unique challenges. 

Building on the foundational knowledge from the Digital Awareness course, this beginner-friendly Digital Safety and Security Awareness course equips you with practical skills to navigate online confidently and securely. Just as learning to drive teaches the rules of the road, this course empowers you with skills akin to defensive driving to anticipate, recognize, and protect against online threats. 

You'll begin by learning essential security measures to protect your devices and data, including running full computer scans, changing PIN codes in Windows, and updating router firmare. Progress to understanding the dark web, while focusing on safe online practices, such as verifying information and managing privacy settings. Finally, explore eco-influence and the impact of technology on health and well-being, including deep fakes, fake news and misinformation. 

You'll get lots of engaging video, problem-solving tips, plus interactive "Try Me, Show Me" exercises that allow you to first attempt tasks independently then receive guidance or demonstrations as needed.

: https://www.netacad.com/courses/digital-safety-security?courseLang=en-US&instance_id=3a101b56-7b35-4a16-8dae-0b4d081bcae3

Course 4: Create Digital Content, Communicate, and Collaborate Online

Estimated duration: 6 hours

Overview: This course is designed to equip you for working in remote and hybrid environments with confidence.

You'll begin by exploring the fundamentals of digital content creation, learning how to work with various types of audio, image, text, and video, and understanding their formats. As you progress, You'll create, edit, and manage digital documents, gaining skills in text editing, formatting and layout design. You'll also develop a strong grasp of email etiquette, learning when and how to use CC, BCC, and Reply All, while maintaining clarity, conciseness, and proper tone in your communications. Then, deep dive into digital collaboration using popular video conferencing and project management tools like Webex, Discord, Asana, Trello, and digital whiteboards.

You'll get 23 engaging videos, 9 problem-solving scenarios, plus 5 'Try Me, Show Me' activities that allow you to first attempt tasks independently then receive guidance or demonstrations as needed.

Link: https://www.netacad.com/courses/create-communicate-collaborate?courseLang=en-US&instance_id=0626db1a-262c-4b6f-bb82-9b5930234d23

Simply click on the green "get started" button to start learning today