Free Online Tools for Getting Started with Tech
Learn how to use technology for everyday tasks, finding a job, building new skills, and keeping you and your family healthy.
Once your family has access to a computer and a reliable internet connection, you'll have a powerful tool to support your children's healthy development. When you're connected online, you can talk with your child's school, communicate with health care providers, learn job skills, and more.
Everyone has a different level of experience with technology. It can take time to learn how to use a computer and navigate the internet. Fortunately, lots of websites offer lessons and videos to help you learn these skills on your own. The free resources here can help you learn computer skills, search for jobs, build new skills, and keep your family healthy.
Computer Skills
Learn essential skills like how a computer works, setting up the internet, using email, and more with these websites.
DigitalLearn.org
Choose from 28 video-based courses on topics like Navigating a Website or Intro to Email. Courses are available in both English and Spanish and take from 7 to a little over 30 minutes to complete.
GCF Learn Free
Find hundreds of videos tutorials on over 300 topics, from basic computer skills to operating systems like Mac or Windows. Check out these important topics to get started: Computer Basics, Internet Basics, and Internet Safety
Google Applied Digital Skills
Watch video-based lessons on basic computer tools as well as free Google software. Each series of videos takes about 30 minutes to complete. Here are some great ones to start with:
- Communicate Using Email
- Organize Your Google Calendar
- Using Digital Tools for Everyday Tasks
- Use Google Drive to Organize Files
- Track Your Monthly Expenses
Typing.com.
Practice typing skills with these fun, free exercises. Choose from lessons for beginner, intermediate, or advanced learners. You can create a free account if you want to track your learning progress.
Xfinity Internet Essentials (from Comcast)
These collections include videos from Xfinity along with lessons and tutorials from other providers like GCF Learn Free, Common Craft, CNBC, and more. Check out Internet Basics and Getting Things Done.
Job Search and Skill Building
From videos and tutorials to online courses, the free tools listed here can help you write a resume, learn another language, apply to college, and much more.
CareerOneStop
Explore new careers, find training, and do a job search with this huge website. You can search by job title and location to get info on salary, required skills, and local job opportunities. You can also get tips for resume writing, applying, interviewing, and negotiating.
Duolingo
This free tool for learning languages is available online or as an app on Apple or Android phones. You can choose from nearly 40 languages including English, Spanish, French, and more. The fun lessons include reading, listening, and speaking exercises. You'll need an email address to sign up and track your progress.
Google Applied Digital Skills
Get ahead on the job search by building some key skills. These video lessons walk you through ways to use Google apps during your job search and to make a good impression on hiring managers.
- Writing a Resume
- Using Google Tools for a Job Search
- Start or Join a Video Conference Using Google Meet
Khan Academy
Learners of all ages can find hundreds of free video-based lessons on dozens of subjects. Most courses cover academic topics like algebra, biology, or English grammar. You can also find courses for career growth in these collections:
- Careers
- College Admissions
- Personal Finance
- Praxis Core Prep (test for teacher credentials)
Schoolhouse
Teens and adult learners can get live peer tutoring in high school math subjects and SAT prep. From the founder of Khan Academy, this free online tutoring community brings learners and volunteer tutors together from around the world.
Health and Well-Being
With these free resources, you can find health care providers for you and your family, get important health information, and communicate directly with doctors and specialists.
HealthyChildren.org
Created by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this site provides trustworthy information about raising children. Search topics like Ages and Stages, Nutrition, and Health Issues. Their "Ask the Pediatrician" section provides answers to common health questions. And the "Find a Pediatrician" tool helps you locate a health care provider near you.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The NAMI website offers a wealth of information for anyone who wants to learn more about mental health issues, look up specific concerns, or even help a friend in need. You can also find resources based on gender, race, ethnicity, and identity.
TeensHealth.org
This website has health resources for parents and caregivers with kids of all ages (not just teens). You can find information about medical checkups, vaccinations, healthy development, mental health, and more.
Telehealth.hhs.gov
This government website provides important information about connecting with your family's health care providers online. The articles and videos below explain the kinds of care you can get through telehealth as well as what you need to get started.
- What Is Telehealth?
- The Basics of Telehealth (PDF)
- Types of Telehealth Services (video)
- What Do You Need to Use Telehealth? (video)
- Making Telehealth Work for You (video)
Interested in parenting tips for the online world? Watch videos and read FAQs on how to keep your kids safe, healthy, and learning online.
Once your family has access to a computer and a reliable internet connection, you'll have a powerful tool to support your children's healthy development. When you're connected online, you can talk with your child's school, communicate with health care providers, learn job skills, and more.
Everyone has a different level of experience with technology. It can take time to learn how to use a computer and navigate the internet. Fortunately, lots of websites offer lessons and videos to help you learn these skills on your own. The free resources here can help you learn computer skills, search for jobs, build new skills, and keep your family healthy.
Computer Skills
Learn essential skills like how a computer works, setting up the internet, using email, and more with these websites.
DigitalLearn.org
Choose from 28 video-based courses on topics like Navigating a Website or Intro to Email. Courses are available in both English and Spanish and take from 7 to a little over 30 minutes to complete.
GCF Learn Free
Find hundreds of videos tutorials on over 300 topics, from basic computer skills to operating systems like Mac or Windows. Check out these important topics to get started: Computer Basics, Internet Basics, and Internet Safety
Google Applied Digital Skills
Watch video-based lessons on basic computer tools as well as free Google software. Each series of videos takes about 30 minutes to complete. Here are some great ones to start with:
- Communicate Using Email
- Organize Your Google Calendar
- Using Digital Tools for Everyday Tasks
- Use Google Drive to Organize Files
- Track Your Monthly Expenses
Typing.com.
Practice typing skills with these fun, free exercises. Choose from lessons for beginner, intermediate, or advanced learners. You can create a free account if you want to track your learning progress.
Xfinity Internet Essentials (from Comcast)
These collections include videos from Xfinity along with lessons and tutorials from other providers like GCF Learn Free, Common Craft, CNBC, and more. Check out Internet Basics and Getting Things Done.
Job Search and Skill Building
From videos and tutorials to online courses, the free tools listed here can help you write a resume, learn another language, apply to college, and much more.
CareerOneStop
Explore new careers, find training, and do a job search with this huge website. You can search by job title and location to get info on salary, required skills, and local job opportunities. You can also get tips for resume writing, applying, interviewing, and negotiating.
Duolingo
This free tool for learning languages is available online or as an app on Apple or Android phones. You can choose from nearly 40 languages including English, Spanish, French, and more. The fun lessons include reading, listening, and speaking exercises. You'll need an email address to sign up and track your progress.
Google Applied Digital Skills
Get ahead on the job search by building some key skills. These video lessons walk you through ways to use Google apps during your job search and to make a good impression on hiring managers.
- Writing a Resume
- Using Google Tools for a Job Search
- Start or Join a Video Conference Using Google Meet
Khan Academy
Learners of all ages can find hundreds of free video-based lessons on dozens of subjects. Most courses cover academic topics like algebra, biology, or English grammar. You can also find courses for career growth in these collections:
- Careers
- College Admissions
- Personal Finance
- Praxis Core Prep (test for teacher credentials)
Schoolhouse
Teens and adult learners can get live peer tutoring in high school math subjects and SAT prep. From the founder of Khan Academy, this free online tutoring community brings learners and volunteer tutors together from around the world.
Health and Well-Being
With these free resources, you can find health care providers for you and your family, get important health information, and communicate directly with doctors and specialists.
HealthyChildren.org
Created by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this site provides trustworthy information about raising children. Search topics like Ages and Stages, Nutrition, and Health Issues. Their "Ask the Pediatrician" section provides answers to common health questions. And the "Find a Pediatrician" tool helps you locate a health care provider near you.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The NAMI website offers a wealth of information for anyone who wants to learn more about mental health issues, look up specific concerns, or even help a friend in need. You can also find resources based on gender, race, ethnicity, and identity.
TeensHealth.org
This website has health resources for parents and caregivers with kids of all ages (not just teens). You can find information about medical checkups, vaccinations, healthy development, mental health, and more.
Telehealth.hhs.gov
This government website provides important information about connecting with your family's health care providers online. The articles and videos below explain the kinds of care you can get through telehealth as well as what you need to get started.
- What Is Telehealth?
- The Basics of Telehealth (PDF)
- Types of Telehealth Services (video)
- What Do You Need to Use Telehealth? (video)
- Making Telehealth Work for You (video)
Interested in parenting tips for the online world? Watch videos and read FAQs on how to keep your kids safe, healthy, and learning online.
Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.
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