Perhaps you are starting at the very beginning. If you need to learn how to turn on your computer and access programs, then you want web sites that teach you technological skills. Information literacy explains how to locate, evaluate, and use information on the Internet. Technology tutorials teach things like how to copy, paste, and save information; how to organize files and folders; how to use a word processor or presentation software. It is a good idea to know most of the basic technological skills before you try to tackle information literacy. Knowing the things offered by the web sites listed below will make learning in our 21CIF courses much easier.

The following web sites provide tutorials on Technology Skills:

Professional Development -- Subscription Required

Connected University, Classroom Connect charges a substantial (currently $300) yearly subscription fee; then the learner can take as many courses as s/he likes. They offer both teacher led and independent tutorials backed by research.

Element K offers self-study courses for free and online instructor-led courses for members. Membership requires a yearly fee that entitles the member to take an unlimited number of courses within a specific category of offerings; prices vary widely. View the catalog for opportunities.

Global Connections Online requires free registration to the online environment. College credit currently costs $98.00 from the University of California, Santa Cruz. This course introduces basic Internet concepts in preparation for deeper information fluency research.

PBS TeacherLine averages around $150.00 per course, plus $90.00 per credit from Adams State College, Colorado. Registration into the community is free. Courses cover grades preK-12 professional development topics.

ULiveandLearn has free membership and some free courses, others usually cost around $169.00. These often address more advanced communication skills; however, they also provide an environment in which to practice. Webcasts are a regular part of community interaction.

Professional Development -- Free

The Collaboratory Project is a Northwestern University initiative funded by the State of Illinois, federal, and foundation grants that is helping educators use the Collaboratory, a web-based collaborative learning environment, to improve student learning and achievement. Free educator accounts can be requested from the Collaboratory web site.  On-line eCourses and other training are available free of charge (CDPUs are available).

Computer Training Tutorials is a collection of links and learning materials by Chris Rippel, a Kansas librarian. They cover everything from buying a computer to web publishing.

GCF Global Learning, Goodwill Community Foundation, offers free, web-based courses, both self-paced and instructor-supported, in mainly software applications.

The George Lucas Educational Foundation's Professional Development Modules support innovative technology integration. Learning materials are free, standards aligned, and totally web-based.

RDN Virtual Training Suites, the Resource Discovery Network of experts from across the United Kingdom have created step by step Internet information literacy and information & communication technology tutorials categorized by subject matter. For example, an English instructor may find tutorials "English Studies", "Information and Communication Technology", "English", "Modern Languages", "Instructor", and "Education" of interest.

TAPPED IN requires free membership registration. Tapped In offers new professional development experiences every month in a online community of dedicated educators.

Tech Learning supplies brief synopses of technology professional development. Individual conferences and workshops may require a fee, if you are interested in pursuing more detailed instruction.

Techtorials, Education World keeps a collection of classroom friendly resources. These are short, practical tutorials applicable to K-12 classroom teachers on topics such as keyboarding, PowerPoint, and webquests.

Terry Freedman's Articles cover a wide range of basic skills and helpful tips. He has spent years collecting and refining these common sense solutions to technology foibles.

TONIC: The Online Netskills Interactive Course provides a structural overview on how to use the Internet including multiple examples. Registration is required but there is no cost. This merely allows the program to keep track of the learner's progress.

The WebQuest Page provides training materials for educators interested in building webquests. Webquests are the most popular way to learn about technology in school.

Learner Development -- Free

Atomic Learning offers software, browser, and curriculum integration tutorials specifically designed for PC or Macintosh users. Materials range from simple documents to elaborate audio and video demos of the software. Some lessons are offered in Spanish.

Beginners tutorials start with how to hook up your computer and keep offering quick study on software installation, using technology in business, even programming. Whatever you want to learn that is related to technology is available here.

Internet Navigator provides a solid introduction to basic Internet skills: how to browse, research, evaluate, and web publish. It makes a nice introduction to our 21CIF courses. It is colorful, informative, and self-paced.

The Secret Guide to Computers lets you teach yourself how to purchase, set up, manage, and even program your computer.

Technology Skills Orientation is a Florida Gulf Coast University web site teaching library, technology, and Internet skills. Screen shots and a glossary clearly define basic software application and skill processes.

ActDen, Digital Education Network teaches common classroom software and skill courses with an interactive, Flash-based, cartoon style.

How Stuff Works, the Computer section of this web site explains digital media in as simple a manner as possible. Links to related web sites can keep you learning for days; there is always something else that looks interesting.

Newbies & Nitwits lets novices in on the fun. Tutorials start with basics like filing and extend all the way to web purchasing. You can even have tips and articles sent to your email, so you don't forget to keep up with new technologies.

Technology Tutorials found on the Web, by internet4classrooms, is a collection of lessons about technology commonly used in classrooms. This site also contains teacher resources.

World Wide Web Workbook is an interactive lesson in beginning Internet navigation. Learners follow Spot and his pals through a set of directions until they master the vocabulary and movement within a web environment. Graphics, color, and a Flash version of Spot keep learners motivated while reinforcing the content. If performed as a group exercise, it could be adapted for younger learners, though the vocabulary is technical (e.g.: hypertext, interactivity, imagemaps).

APTE offers an eclectic array of topics for the curious, digital investigator. Internet Coach uses QuickTime audio/video to walk learners through new information. Internet Coach claims to offer a " learning program for every age Web-ster from 3 years to 103".

Kid's Online Resources link to edutainment for people of all ages. Interactive multimedia, simulations, and tutorials provide just a few of the rich environments for learning about and practicing technology skills.

Recommended Resources

21st Century Literacies. "Lesson Grade Level Chart." Knowledge Network Explorer. Pacific Bell/UCLA Initiatives. (9 July 2002): SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P. 26 May 2004 < http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/21stcent/gradelevel.html >.

Badke, William B. "Research Strategies: Finding Your Way Through the Information Fog." Associated Canadian Theological Schools (2004): Trinity Western University 26 May 2004 < http://www.acts.twu.ca/lbr/textbook.htm >.

"Designing Professional Development for Integrating Technology." Leadership and Learning with Technology (2001): NCREL (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory) 28 May 2004 < http://www.ncrtec.org/pd/llwt/prof.htm >.

"Search Engine Dictionary." Glossary of Search Engine Terms (2003): Pandecta Magazine 28 May 2004 < http://www.searchenginedictionary.com/ >.

"Web Quest Generator." (2003): Teachnology, Inc. 28 May 2004 < http://teachers.teach-nology.com/web_tools/web_quest/ >.