Technology increasingly dominates our ways of connecting, communicating, and doing business. This guide will assist you in finding resources for learning to use computers, from navigating your email to the basics of hardware, operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, using the Internet, and online safety.

Research Databases

The following are part of the Upper Arlington Public Library’s premium resources. Unless you are in one of our library locations, you will need your library card number and PIN in order to access them. These resources provide technology learning modules and instruction on popular software applications.

Kanopy Streaming Cinema – Documentaries as well as educational and instructional videos from this streaming service provided by the UA Library. Includes The Great Courses series.

Niche Academy – Provides video tutorials that explain how to use popular social media services and the UA Library’s subscription databases.

Northstar-Digital Literacy – It provides self-guided modules for essential computer skills, essential software skills, and using technology in daily life. 

Small Business Source – Provides a variety of resources for those who wish to improve their business skills. Includes instruction, lectures, and interviews.

Interested in arts and crafts or DIY instructional resources for home improvement and car repair? The UA Library’s list of Consumer, Home, and Car databases include Hobbies and Crafts Source, Creativebug, Home Improvement Source, Chilton Auto Repair, and more.

Websites

These recommended websites chosen by Research staff are reliable sources of information on the topic of technology and online learning.

• Basic Computer Skills/ Digital Literacy
  • DigitalLearn.org
  • Tech Life Unity
• Computer Programming/Coding
  • Mozilla
  • Code Academy
  • Apple Everyone Can Code
  • W3Schools.org
• General Education
  • Khan Academy
  • TED
• Job Skills
  • LearnFree.org –This program offers thousands of up-to-date lessons covering more than 200 topics. You will need to create a free account.
    • Technology courses – Includes free courses that range from basic computer to advanced Excel, and a lot in between, including email, social media, and online safety tutorials.
    • Job and Career – Provides tutorials on job searching, developing work skills, and professional development.
    • Core Skills – Includes courses on personal finance, reading and math, digital literacy, and more.
  • LearningExpress through Ohio Means Jobs – The State of Ohio provides access to this free resource. To find courses, visit the site and select “Access Learning Express Anonymously” or create an account and save your progress. Find courses covering Business and Technology Skills, School Test Prep, Career Test Prep. 
• Microsoft Skills
  • Basic Tasks in Microsoft Word
  • AARP Microsoft Word Basics (requires free registration with AARP)
  • Basic tasks in Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Excel Basics (requires free registration with AARP)
• Google Skills
  • Learn Prompting: ChatGPT for Everyone – One-hour introduction to ChatGPT. The course is free.  You will need to upgrade to LearnPrompting Plus if you want to receive a certificate of completion.
  • Google Docs Basic Training and Help – Beginner’s guide to Google Docs
  • Google Docs: The Basics – Free Google Docs training through Indiana University’s IT department. You will need access to Google Docs to complete the exercises.
• Privacy Education
  • American Civil Liberties Union – Internet Privacy
  • Electronic Frontier Foundation
  • Electronic Privacy Information Center
  • FTC Consumer Information – Privacy and Identity
  • San Jose Public Library – Virtual Privacy Lab
  • Surveillance Self-Defense
  • Teaching Privacy

Journals / Magazines

Some current issues of the following magazine and journal titles are available for checking out, while in some cases older issues may be accessed at the Tremont Branch Library’s Research Department. Follow the links to the catalog or see a librarian for more information:

• Wired
• MIT Technology Review

In-Library Help

One-on-one appointments  are available with library staff in the Adult Services Department for assistance with our free digital resources and basic Apple and Android orientations. We cannot advise on hardware issues or repair devices.

Search Starters

• Business Computer Programs
• Chromebook Computer
• Cloud Computing
• Computers and Older People
• Electronic Surveillance
• Electronic Spreadsheets
• Google
• iPad Computer
• Internet Privacy
• Smartphone
• Macintosh Computer
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Word
• Operating System Computer
• Tablet Computer
• Word Processing