Digital Essential Skills: GCCP Program

Godfrey Okoye Computer Competency Program (GCCP)

• The presentation slides are for lecturers participating in the GCCP.
• The slides are to be used from January to April 2025.
• Ogbu Nnaemeka Emmanuel, Manager E-learning and GCCP Coordinator at Godfrey Okoye University, is the lecturer for Digital Essential Skills.
• For inquiries, contact [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +2347036129146.

Introduction to Digital Essential Skills

• Digital essential skills encompass the skills and knowledge for using digital tools in life, work, and learning.
• These skills facilitate participation, communication, and task performance in the digital world with confidence and safety.
• Staying connected, informed, and productive is crucial as technology evolves.
• Digital essential skills are vital for personal empowerment, professional growth, and active participation.

Six Key Digital Essential Skills

• Digital Literacy
• Communication and Collaboration
• Online Safety and Security
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
• Adaptability and Learning
• Digital Etiquette

Digital Literacy

• Digital literacy involves effectively and critically navigating, evaluating, and creating information using digital tools.
• It encompasses both knowing how to use technology and understanding how to apply it responsibly.
• A component of digital literacy is communicating effectively online.
• Critically assessing information is included as part of digital literacy.
• Skills include understanding digital tools like computers and software.
• Skills include navigating the internet, browsing, and using online resources effectively.

Basic Computer Skills

• Understanding and using digital tools, such as computers and software, is a basic computer skill.
• Basic computer skills include operating systems, file management, applications software, and security practices.

Operating System (OS)

• An operating system (OS) manages both hardware and software resources, acting as the backbone of a computer or device.
• The OS provides a friendly interface to interact and run applications, making the device functional.
• Key functions include resource management, user interface, file management, hardware communication and security.
• Resource management allocates memory, processing power, and storage.
• A user interface provides graphical or command-line interactions.
• File management organizes, stores, retrieves, and manipulates data.
• Hardware communication acts as a bridge between hardware components and software applications.
• Security protects data and system resources from unauthorized access.
• Examples of popular operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. -Windows is widely used in personal computers and was created by Microsoft. -macOS is designed for Apple computers. -Linux is open-source and customizable. -Android and iOS areExclusive to Apple devices.

File Management

• File management involves creating, organizing, storing, accessing, and maintaining files.
• An effective system enables easy location and secure storage of files.
• Key aspects include file organization, operations, formats, storage, search/retrieval, backup/recovery, and security.
• File organization includes structuring files into folders and using meaningful names.
• File operations consist of creating, opening, editing, saving, closing, copying, moving, renaming, and deleting files.
• File formats includes understanding file types and choosing the right format.
• File storage uses local drives, external devices, or cloud storage.
• Search and retrieval is implemented via using search features to locate files by keywords.
• Backup and recovery prevents data loss and helps recovery from accidental deletion or corruption.
• Security can protect files using passwords or encryption and controlling access.

Software Applications

• Software applications (apps) are programs designed to perform specific tasks or solve particular problems.
• Apps run on operating systems and can be tailored for personal, business, educational, or professional use.
• Productivity apps enhance productivity, manage tasks, and facilitate collaboration; examples include Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Communication apps enable communication through messaging, video calls, and conferencing; examples include WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.
• Creative and design apps assist with graphic design, video editing, animation, etc.; examples include Adobe Photoshop and Canva.
• Education and learning apps provide resources for learning new skills, languages, or academic subjects; examples include Duolingo, Coursera, and Khan Academy.
• Entertainment apps deliver music, video streaming, games, etc.; examples include Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube.
• Utility apps help with managing files, system maintenance, or securing devices; examples include File Explorer, WinRAR, and antivirus programs.

Platforms for Software Applications

• Desktop/PC software is installed on computers running Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• Mobile apps are designed for smartphones and tablets running Android or iOS.
• Web applications are accessed via browsers without needing installation, such as Gmail or Google Drive.
• Software applications are tailored to meet different user needs depending on purpose and platform.

Security Practices

• Security practices involve understanding and applying measures to protect personal information, devices, and online presence.
• Use strong, unique passwords, avoid easily guessable information, and consider password managers.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) by requiring a second verification form.
• Regularly update operating systems, apps, and antivirus software.
• Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading files from unknown sources.
• Use a strong password for Wi-Fi and avoid public, unsecured networks.
• Review and adjust privacy settings on social media and websites.
• Recognize and avoid scams, like fake emails requesting information.
• Back up important files to a secure location, such as an external drive or cloud storage.
• Install reputable antivirus software and enable firewalls.
• Staying informed by keeping up with security news and resources is important.

Navigating the Internet

• Internet Navigation and browsing online effectively are valuable skills for tasks, information, and resource exploring.
• Web browsers such as Google Chrome allow viewing of websites.
• Website URLs can be entered directly in the address bar.
• Multiple websites may be opened at once.
• You can navigate back and forwards between visited web pages.
• Use search engines to search the web.
• Use specific keywords to focus search queries.
• Bokmark frequently visited sites for ease of access.
• Use browser tabs and tools to keep tasks organized.

Online Resources

• Educational platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy offer free/paid courses on various topics.
• Research databases like Google Scholar and JSTOR provide academic articles and research papers.
• Online libraries and E-books such as Project Gutenberg offer access to free texts.
• Clear, concise emails are a must for effective communication.
• You should avoid spam in email by checking privacy.
• Social media is used for personal and professional networking but can also be a privacy risk.
• Forums and online communities helps you asks questions and share knowledge.
• Cloud storage is helpful for synchronizing and access everywhere.
• Note-taking is helpful to store and organize all forms of information.
• Online collaboration platforms allows task tracking and communication.

Online Safety and Privacy

• Cybersecurity basics highlight awareness of phishing, malware, and ransomware.
• Phishing is fraudulently obtaining credit card numbers and passwords by pretending to be a reputable company.
• Malware disrupts and obtains unauthorized access to a computer system.
• Ransomware denies access to a computer system unless money is paid.
• Ensure to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and avoid clicking on suspicious links and avoid downloading files from untrustworthy sources.
• There should be use of VPNs, review of privacy settings and websites with control of who sees what Google accounts et al.
• It is equally important to be cautious about oversharing of information on public forums
• Avoiding misinformation can be actioned by verifying facts and using reputable sources.
• Avoid Fake news, be cautions sensational headlines and always cross-check information across reputable sources
• Always use Encrypted Websites: Look for HTTPS at the beginning of a website's URL.

Communication and Collaboration

• Communication and Collaboration involves using digital technology and platforms to promote teamwork and information sharing which establishes and maintains relationships.
• Essential skills and tools for collaborating includes digital literacy, clarity & tone, multimedia use and giving feedback with etiquette.
• Digital Literacy:
• Understanding to use communication platforms like emails, messaging apps, or video conferencing tools is important
• Clarity & Tone:
• Adapting your language and tone to suit digital interactions whether formal or casual is recommended
• Multimedia Use:
• Enhancing messages with visuals like images, charts, or presentations to convey ideas
• Feedback Etiquette:
• Provide and receive constructive feedback in a virtual space.

Collaboration Tools

• Collaboration tools facilitate file sharing and project work even for remote environments.
• File sharing capabilities are enabled via the tools Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Box that allow cloud-based storage for file sharing.
• Real time collaboration, comments, suggestions are made by Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365, and Zoho.
• Enhancements to creative input made by boards, tools: Miro, Mural, Jamboard, Canva allows real time creative design.
• Meetings, remiders and personal schedules are managed by Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, or Calendly.
• Calendar sharing made easier schedules appointments with others.
• Different time zones enabled by easy time planning are accessible using World Time Buddy.

Online Safety and Security (Overview)

• Online safety and security are crucial in safeguarding personal, financial, and professional information in the face of increasing data sharing.
• Password Management and Security is the first step and involves creating strong passwords, password managers and biometric security.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enables more security by more authentication.

Protecting Personal Information

• Protecting personal information comes down to limiting the information to the necessary online via privacy measures.
• Users must recognize what is requested in information sharing and not provide unnecessary access.
• Security features of public Wifi for sensitive accounts and always have a VPN

Phishing and Scams

• Scams using links and urgent requirements for information are a sign of phishing.
• Always verify and use official correspondence to follow up.

Device Security

• Patches, updates, antivirus and firewalls on your devices are very important to protect the machine from malfeasance.
• Lock screens and encryption are security that ensures that prying eyes can not access your data.

Browsing Safety

• HTTPS is a standard that keeps the website encrypted and secured.
• Browsing without malicious ads that may install malware comes hand in hand with ad blockers.
• Reputable search engines are known for not exposing the user to security risks.
• The memory that browsers have in caches, should be cleared regularly.

Mobile Device Security

• Use biometric identification to secure your mobile device and only download from authorized app stores.
• Device tracking and remotely wiping the device that is stolen will ensure that the device will become inoperable for a 3rd party.
• Revoke access data in app preferences that are not related to the function of the app.

Secure Online Transactions

• Ensure that websites use HTTPS for secure transactions with a padlock button. Look for a padlock icon next to the website URL in the browser's address bar before entering payment details.
• Check bank card transactions to monitor any fraud.

Social Media and Privacy

• Always be mindful of personal information and what you expose on social media.
• Only share what is required, or can be shared to a certain group of contacts to prevent information theft.
• Be cautious as always about using links on social media that may steal information.

Assessment Task

• Study the topics of critical thinking and problem solving and adaptability

Digital Etiquette

• Digital etiquette includes behaviour guides and general rules for online communication, email and other digital platforms.
• Respect others' time and attention by being clear, concise and prompt.
• Always think before you post something.
• Ensure that everything you share is truthful and accurate:

Appropriate Language

• Refect your intention in being polite and formal and avoid language, that may be shouting and rude.
• Be respectful always of boundaries don't bombard, people, respect media sharing and request permissions.
• use of emojis, and GIFs may be misunderstood in online communications.

Empathetic Interaction.

• Be alert that tone of voice are not easily read when interacting in real time, always ask questions.

Awareness and Digital Footprints

• Everything you do online and contribute to digital footprints can be viewed again.

Email Etiquette

• Use clear and concise subjects to express the intent in an understandable way in emails, and follow proper format and respectful tone.

Copyright and Intellectual Property:

• Respect other authors, and sources that you utilize when sharing and ensure you recognize sources.
• Respect those that want to remove someone from emailing distribution and the reply all function is not required.
• Be mindful of contributing constructively and use positive attitudes with encouragement and respect.