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What is Northstar Digital Literacy?
Northstar Digital Literacy is a tool for learning and demonstrating “the basic skills needed to use a computer and the internet in daily life, employment, and higher education.” It includes both computerized pre- and post- assessments, as well as learning modules that can be taken online or presented by an instructor. We offer Northstar Digital Literacy as part of our programs as an introductory program for people working toward their IC3 as well as those who aren’t ready for the IC3 program. The Northstar certificates we cover in class are Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel. For more information about Northstar, see their web page.
What is the IC3?
IC3 stands for Internet and Computing Core Competency. It’s an industry-recognized certification of computer use competency. We are currently using the IC3 GS5. The GS5 certification is comprised of three exams: Computing Fundamentals, Living Online, and Key Applications. Passing all three exams earns the student the IC3 Digital Literacy Certificate. In addition to basic understanding of the Windows operating system, email, hardware, networking, security, and Internet use, it includes the basics of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Powerpoint. For more information, visit the Certiport IC3 GS5 page.
What is the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) program?
The Microsoft Office Specialist exams/certifications are an industry-recognized standard for more in-depth understandings of Microsoft Office tools. Passing three “Core” or associate tests earns the student the Microsoft Office Specialist full certification. The library is currently offering live instruction for Microsoft Word and Excel, but registered students also have access to the study materials for the other Office 2016 Specialist tests and take those exams at no cost to themselves. For more information, visit the Certiport MOS page.
What if I forgot my PIN?
If you do not remember your PIN code (necessary for access to some services) and wish to reset it, please click on the "Your Library Card" link on the top right-hand corner of any page on the Library's website and select the red "Forgot my PIN" option.
How do I get a Plainfield Library card?
The computer resources used in our current classes are accessible to anyone with card from their NJ home library. If you live in Plainfield and do not have a library card or have lost your existing card, please contact the Circulation Department for assistance. If you do not live in Plainfield please request a a Library card from your local Library instead.
I do not wish to disclose my information to the Department of Labor/Union County AJC, would I be able to attend the class anyway?
In short, no. To keep these programs 100% free to the public, a large portion of the funding comes through grants from the Union County Workforce Development Board & Union County Board of County Commissioners. Providing that information to them is required to be compliant with funding conditions. Please contact us to discuss this if you have concerns: training@plfdpl.info.
Do I need Microsoft Office on my computer to join the workshops?
Depending on the class you may be required to use Office 2016 or Office Online (free). The IC3 class and some workshops whose description is related to Microsoft Office will require you to have Microsoft Office in order to get the most out of the Workshop.
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