Before writing a line of code or opening a design tool, everyone benefits from a strong foundation in how to actually use the internet well — finding trustworthy information, protecting personal data, and communicating responsibly online. This track is a great starting point for absolute beginners, and a useful refresher for everyone else.
Great First ModuleNo Prior Skills NeededPractical Safety Habits4 Phases
Mentor TipTreat this module as a warm-up — it's short, but the habits you build here protect every other skill you learn after it.
The Roadmap
01
Digital FoundationsConfidence with devices and files
Comfortable, everyday use of a computer or phone is the base every other skill in this program is built on.
01
Operating a device confidentlyFiles, folders, settings, and installing software safely.
02
File managementOrganizing, naming, and backing up your work so nothing gets lost.
03
Email essentialsWriting clear, professional emails and managing an inbox.
04
Cloud toolsGoogle Docs, Drive, and other tools for working and collaborating online.
Practice ProjectOrganize a personal folder system for your schoolwork or projects, with backups set up in the cloud.
02
Navigating the InternetFinding information you can trust
Search engines return millions of results instantly — the real skill is judging which of them are actually reliable.
01
Effective searchingUsing search operators and specific keywords to find what you actually need.
02
Evaluating sourcesChecking who wrote something, when, and why, before trusting it.
03
Spotting misinformationCommon patterns behind fake news and manipulated media.
04
Understanding your digital footprintWhat you post and search leaves a trail — understanding what that means.
Practice ProjectFact-check three viral claims you've seen online using at least two independent sources each.
03
Staying Safe OnlineProtecting yourself and your information
This phase is about building safety habits that protect you without limiting how you use the internet.
01
Privacy settingsLocking down what strangers can see on your social accounts.
02
Recognizing scamsCommon tricks used to steal money or information from young people specifically.
03
Safe social media useWhat's safe to share publicly, and what never is.
04
Protecting personal informationUnderstanding what data apps collect, and how to limit it.
Practice ProjectRun a privacy check-up across your three most-used apps and tighten every setting that overshares.
04
Digital CitizenshipBeing a good, capable presence online
The internet is a shared space — this final phase covers using it well, for yourself and for others.
01
Respectful communicationDisagreeing and engaging online without it turning toxic.
02
Healthy screen time habitsNoticing and managing how technology affects your focus and mood.
03
Using tech for opportunityFree courses, scholarships, and communities available to anyone online.
04
Helping othersSharing what you've learned with family members newer to the internet.
Practice ProjectTeach one family member or friend three safety habits from this module, in your own words.
Free Video Courses
Curated, highly-rated, and free — pick whichever teaching style matches how you learn best.