Accessing and Using Technology
This page is intended to assist CPE alumni in becoming confident and fluent users of technology. If you have any questions about the below resources, or would like to schedule an appointment to review specific information, please reach out to CPE staff.
Accessing Affordable Technology
EveryoneOn: EveryoneOn is a nonprofit dedicated to creating social and economic opportunity by connecting low-income families to affordable Internet service and computers, and delivering digital skills training. You can find offers for low-cost Internet service and computers in your area by following this link, and inputting your zip code.
Assurance Wireless: Assurance Wireless is a federal Lifeline Assistance program. Lifeline is a government assistance program. The Assurance Wireless offer provides eligible low-income free monthly data, unlimited texting, and free monthly minutes. Plus a free phone. Check out their website to see if you qualify.
Life Wireless: Life Wireless provides free monthly cell phone service and a free smartphone to those who qualify. Check out their website for more information.
Lifeline Service: Lifeline provides free monthly cell phones and plans to qualifying customers. Check out their website for more information.
Computer Safety
GCFGlobal: GCF Global has comprehensive Internet safety lessons. Their lessons are inclusive of, but not limited to: creating a strong password, avoiding/dealing with spam and phishing, avoiding malware, safe online shopping, understanding social media privacy, how to deal with computer viruses, and so much more. Check out their page here for more information.
ConnectSafely: This article covers basic online safety tips and tricks. Topics including: Interacting with old and new friends, Security and passwords, Shopping, banking, donating and contests, Using apps and unknown websites, Social media safety tips, Media literacy and fake news, Cyberbullying, and Smartphone use. Check on the article here for more information.
Learning Computer Basics
By Organization
Through EveryoneOn’s Digital Learning Center, there are several resources and tutorials on Computer and Internet Basics, where you can learn how to set up an email account, navigate the Internet, and leverage the power of technology. Their resource page includes the following organizations:
GCFGlobal: GCFGlobal offers more than 200 topics, including more than 2,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free. Their resources range far and wide with, email basics, Internet access, online safety, photos and graphics, social media, excel formulas and tips, computer programming basics, Microsoft office, zoom basics, applying for jobs online, and so much more. Check out all of their topics here.
Digital Learn: Digital Learn provides 10-20 minute courses on a wide range of topics. This site has you covered whether it’s learning the basics of using a PC/MAC, creating an email, applying for jobs online, online shopping, or simply just connecting with others. Check out their page to see all of their course offerings.
Tech Boomers: Tech Boomers provides access to 100+ free courses on Internet basics, advanced Internet applications, and other Internet resources. Check out their page to learn more.
Excel Easy: Excel Easy offers the #1 excel tutorial on the internet. It's easy to follow, has +300 fully illustrated examples, and is completely free. Excel can be used to organize and analyze all kinds of data ranging from financial, mathematical, and statistical calculations. Categories of material on their website include, but are not limited to: the basics, functions, data analysis, visual basic for applications, etc. Check out their page to learn more.
By Category
- Learn how to set-up an email account, send emails and attach files and pictures here.
Social Media
- Learn more about social networking here.
- Learn more about video and image sharing here.
- Learn more about messaging and chatting here.
Internet Basics
- Learn more about the Internet, the world wide web, URLs, hyperlinks, websites, browsers, clouds, etc here.
- Learn more about passwords here.
Computer Skills
- Learn more about operating excel here.