Sparklight Digital Education Center
Welcome to the Sparklight Digital Education Center! This free website provides resources on how to get started using computers and the Internet. It also offers information on computer and online safety, an overview of social media, and additional tips for parents to keep children safe while exploring online.
Computer Basics
Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning videos cover computer and device basics, working with operating systems and applications, and keeping your computer secure and updated.
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What is Wi-Fi?
Going online today most commonly involves an invisible connection to the Internet, often through a Wi-Fi connection. Learn more about this technology from Britannica.
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Internet 101
Going online, surfing the web, and accessing the Internet are all the same, just different terminology. Learn from GCF Global about the Internet and how to access it in these short videos.
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Social Media Terminology
This video from Common Sense Media explains hashtags, memes, gifs and emojis.
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TikTok
TikTok is a social media platform for sharing short videos. Here is a quick overview video from Common Sense Media.
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Instagram is popular for sharing photos and videos. Learn more from Common Sense Media’s video.
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Keep Your Computer Safe and Updated
Learn more from CGF Global regarding what anti-virus software and software updates do for your computer and why you need them.
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Computer Viruses
We all get sick sometimes, but how can a computer catch a virus? Learn about this form of computer problem from Britannica.
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Phishing
Phishing is a type of scam conducted through email where consumers receive emails that look like they come from a reputable source, asking for private information and invading customer’s accounts. Learn more from the United States Federal Trade Commission, or FTC.
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Online Safety for Kids
Common Sense Media provides five simple tips for keeping kids safe on the Internet.
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Credit Freezes for Kids
To protect children from identify theft, parents can take steps to protect their children’s information, including placing a freeze on their credit report. Learn more from the United States Federal Trade Commission, or FTC.
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Parental Controls for Gaming
Parents can set limits on many video game platforms, including time limits, blocking content by age ratings, and setting limits on in-game purchases. Learn more from the Entertainment Software Rating Board.
Get started*This website provides resources on how to get started using computers and the internet, information on computer and online safety, an overview of social media, and additional tips to keep children safe while exploring online. This website uses information from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/digital-literacy and links to external websites that provide resources related to its topics. This website is for informational purposes only. No warranty of any kind, expressed, implied, or statutory, is made regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information, either isolated or in the aggregate. All information is provided “as is.”