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Basic Computer Skills + Job Search Essentials

Beginner Digital Literacy · 6 weeks · 2 sessions/week · 90 min/session (12 sessions total)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, learners will be able to:

  • 1.Use a Windows/Mac computer confidently: mouse/keyboard, settings, Wi‑Fi, printers, and basic troubleshooting (restart, updates, storage).
  • 2.Create and manage files like a pro: folders, downloads, USB/cloud basics, naming and organizing documents for work and school.
  • 3.Use Microsoft Office for general purpose: Word (resume/letters), Excel (lists, budget, job tracker), PowerPoint (basic slides).
  • 4.Apply for jobs online end-to-end: create email, search jobs (Indeed, LinkedIn, company sites), complete applications, upload resume, and track submissions.
  • 5.Install and safely manage software: trusted sources, install/uninstall apps (Zoom, Chrome, Adobe Reader, Office), avoid scams/malware, and security basics.
  • 6.Use browser configs: set up and manage bookmarks, default search, security and privacy settings, and safe browsing for job search and daily use.

Who It's For

  • •Adults/seniors with limited computer experience
  • •Job seekers who need help with resumes, applications, and online portals
  • •Immigrants/newcomers needing practical digital skills for daily life in the U.S.
  • •Anyone who wants confidence with computers, email, Office, and online services

Program Details

Duration
6 weeks
Schedule
2 sessions per week, 90 minutes per session (12 sessions total)
Program price
$500
Level
Beginner

12-Session Curriculum

Session 1

Class objective

Get comfortable with the computer: mouse, keyboard, and desktop.

Class details
  • Identify monitor, keyboard, mouse/trackpad, and tower/laptop.
  • Use the mouse: click, double-click, right-click, drag and drop.
  • Use the keyboard: letters, numbers, Enter, Backspace, Space, Shift, Tab.
  • Turn the computer on and off safely; log in if required.
  • Navigate the desktop: icons, taskbar/dock, Start menu/Apple menu.
Deliverables (end of each session)
  • Successfully turn on the computer and reach the desktop.
  • Perform basic mouse and keyboard actions.
  • Open and close one program from the desktop or menu.
Homework / next steps

Practice mouse and keyboard for 15 minutes daily. Write down one question about your computer for next class.

Session 2

Class objective

Connect to Wi‑Fi, adjust basic settings, and perform simple troubleshooting.

Class details
  • Find and connect to Wi‑Fi; understand network name and password.
  • Open Settings (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac); explore display, sound, and language.
  • Browser configs: open the default browser (Chrome, Edge, or Safari); find basic settings (home page, default search engine).
  • Check battery/power status and charging.
  • Restart the computer and understand when to restart.
  • Check for and install updates (overview); understand storage (hard drive space).
Deliverables (end of each session)
  • Connected to Wi‑Fi and able to open Settings/System Preferences.
  • Restarted the computer at least once.
  • Know where to check storage and updates.
Homework / next steps

Restart your computer once. Check how much storage is free. Bring a list of any error messages you see at home.

Session 3

Class objective

Create folders and save files in an organized way.

Class details
  • Understand files vs. folders; where files are stored (Documents, Desktop).
  • Create a new folder; rename and move folders.
  • Save a document (e.g., from Notepad/TextEdit) with a clear name.
  • Open, close, and find recently used files.
  • Use Search/Spotlight to find a file by name.
Deliverables (end of each session)
  • Created at least two folders (e.g., “Work” and “School”).
  • Saved one new file with a descriptive name.
  • Located a file using Search/Spotlight.
Homework / next steps

Create one more folder and save a simple note inside it. Practice opening that file from the folder.

Session 4

Class objective

Manage the Downloads folder and use USB drive or cloud basics.

Class details
  • Find the Downloads folder; open, move, and delete downloaded files.
  • Rename files using clear, consistent names (e.g., date or purpose).
  • Copy a file to a USB drive; safely eject the USB.
  • Introduction to cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud): what it is and how it syncs.
  • Organize 3–5 sample documents into folders with sensible names.
Deliverables (end of each session)
  • Cleaned or organized the Downloads folder.
  • Renamed at least two files with clear names.
  • Copied one file to a USB drive (if available) or understood cloud option.
Homework / next steps

Organize 5 files at home into folders. Bring a USB drive next time if you have one.

Session 5

Class objective

Create and format a simple document in Microsoft Word.

Class details
  • Open Word; create a new document and save it.
  • Type and edit text; use Backspace, Delete, and selection.
  • Change font, size, bold, italic, underline, and alignment.
  • Use bullet points and numbering.
  • Insert today’s date and practice spacing (Enter, line spacing).
Deliverables (end of each session)
  • Created and saved a new Word document.
  • Typed at least 3 lines with different formatting (bold, size, or bullets).
  • Saved the document in a folder with a clear name.
Homework / next steps

Type a short paragraph about yourself in Word. Use at least two formatting options. Save it in your Work or School folder.

Session 6

Class objective

Build a simple resume and a short cover letter in Word.

Class details
  • Structure of a resume: contact info, summary, experience, education, skills.
  • Create a simple resume template in Word; add your information.
  • Format section headings and use consistent spacing.
  • Write a short cover letter (3–4 sentences): greeting, why you want the job, thank you.
  • Save resume and cover letter with professional names (e.g., FirstName_LastName_Resume).
Deliverables (end of each session)
  • Draft resume with contact info, at least one experience or education section, and skills.
  • Short cover letter draft saved in the same folder as the resume.
  • Both documents saved with clear, professional file names.
Homework / next steps

Finish adding all your experience and education to the resume. Bring a job description (from paper or phone) for the next class.

Session 7

Class objective

Use Excel to create simple lists and a personal budget.

Class details
  • Open Excel; understand rows, columns, and cells.
  • Enter text and numbers; edit and delete cell contents.
  • Create a simple list (e.g., groceries or to‑do) with headers.
  • Create a simple monthly budget: income and 5–7 expense categories.
  • Use Sum to total a column; format currency.
Deliverables (end of each session)
  • One Excel sheet with a simple list (headers + at least 5 rows).
  • One Excel sheet with a basic budget and a total row.
  • Saved workbook with a clear name.
Homework / next steps

Add your real income and estimates for expenses to the budget. Bring the same job description for Session 8.

Session 8

Class objective

Build a job application tracker in Excel.

Class details
  • Design columns: Company, Job Title, Date Applied, Link/Where Applied, Status, Notes.
  • Enter at least 3 sample or real applications into the tracker.
  • Sort by date or status; filter by status (optional).
  • Use simple formatting (bold header, borders) to make it readable.
  • Save and update the tracker as you apply for jobs.
Deliverables (end of each session)
  • Job tracker spreadsheet with headers and at least 3 rows.
  • Tracker saved in a dedicated folder (e.g., “Job Search”).
  • Ability to add a new row and update status.
Homework / next steps

Add 2 more job applications to the tracker. Keep resume and cover letter updated.

Session 9

Class objective

Create a simple presentation in PowerPoint.

Class details
  • Open PowerPoint; choose a theme or template.
  • Add a title slide and 2–3 content slides.
  • Add bullet points and short sentences (no long paragraphs).
  • Insert one image (e.g., from your computer or stock).
  • Run a quick slideshow; use Presenter View or full-screen view.
Deliverables (end of each session)
  • Presentation with title slide and at least 2 content slides.
  • One image inserted; slides readable and not overcrowded.
  • Slideshow viewed in presentation mode.
Homework / next steps

Add one more slide (e.g., “Thank you” or “Questions”). Practice presenting it out loud for 1 minute.

Session 10

Class objective

Create or access email and search for jobs online.

Class details
  • Create a professional email account (Gmail/Outlook) if needed; sign in and out.
  • Compose, send, and reply to an email; add subject and attachment (e.g., resume).
  • Browser configs: set up bookmarks for job sites (Indeed, LinkedIn); organize a “Job Search” folder in bookmarks.
  • Search for jobs on Indeed: keywords, location, filters.
  • Search for jobs on LinkedIn (basic); browse company career pages.
  • Safe browsing: recognize secure sites (https), avoid clicking suspicious links in job ads.
Deliverables (end of each session)
  • Able to sign in to email and send one email with a subject line.
  • Performed at least 2 job searches (Indeed and/or LinkedIn/company site).
  • List of 3–5 jobs of interest with company name and title.
Homework / next steps

Apply to one job using your resume and cover letter. Save the job link and date applied in your tracker.

Session 11

Class objective

Complete a full online job application and track it.

Class details
  • Walk through a real job application: personal info, work history, education.
  • Upload resume and cover letter; paste content when required.
  • Review before submitting; confirm submission and save confirmation if available.
  • Update the job tracker with application date, status (“Applied”), and notes.
  • Write a short follow‑up email template to use 1–2 weeks after applying.
Deliverables (end of each session)
  • Completed at least one full online application with resume upload.
  • Job tracker updated with this application.
  • Draft follow‑up email saved in Job Search folder.
Homework / next steps

Apply to one more job. Send one follow‑up email from last week’s application if appropriate. Update tracker.

Session 12

Class objective

Install and uninstall apps safely; avoid scams and set security basics.

Class details
  • Identify trusted sources: official app store (Microsoft Store, Mac App Store) or official websites.
  • Download and install one app (e.g., Zoom, Chrome, or Adobe Reader) from a trusted source.
  • Browser configs: security and privacy settings (passwords, autofill, cookies); managing or disabling extensions; clearing browsing data when needed.
  • Uninstall an app (Settings > Apps / Applications).
  • Recognize common scams: fake pop‑ups, “tech support” calls, phishing emails; never share passwords.
  • Set a strong password; turn on two‑factor authentication for email (overview).
Deliverables (end of each session)
  • Successfully installed one app from a trusted source.
  • Uninstalled one app (or demonstrated the steps).
  • List of 3 “do not do” rules for staying safe online.
Homework / next steps

Review your email and computer passwords; enable 2FA on email if possible. Keep your resume, tracker, and job search folder updated.

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