Online Class: Digital Literacy and Security

Embark on a transformative journey that not only informs but inspires, equipping you with the skills to critically and securely explore the digital landscape. This course ensures you master cybersecurity, manage your digital identity with strategy, and understand digital threats, making your online presence robust and sophisticated.

Self-Paced, Online Class
Rodman Public Library
 
  • 15
    Lessons
  • 22
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 6
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.6
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Course Title: Digital Literacy and Security

Course Description:

In the era where our lives are woven intricately with the digital world, the ability to navigate and thrive with confidence in this digital landscape is not merely a skill--it's an essential life tool. Welcome to the transformative journey of Digital Literacy and Security, a course crafted not just to inform but to empower and inspire you.

Imagine a future where every click you make on your digital devices isn't met with a question mark of insecurity or uncertainty but with informed assurance. The path to this future starts here. In this course, you're not just a passive consumer of information; most importantly, you become a fortified digital citizen. You will be equipped with the knowledge that transforms challenges into opportunities, enhancing your effectiveness in both your personal and professional life.

Dive into the fascinating progression of the internet, tracing its roots from the innovative ARPANET to the dynamic global network it is today. This journey isn't just about history; it's about understanding modern digital dynamics critically and securely. As we decode the complex architecture of the internet, you will unlock a treasure trove of potential--an intricate web that, once understood, becomes a realm of infinite possibilities and innovation at your fingertips.

Through immersive narratives, welcome the art of search engines into your realm of expertise. Learn to navigate through the noise, scrutinizing sources with a critical eye to escape the confines of echo chambers and misinformation. Arm yourself with tools of discernment that allow you to not just surf the net but ride the waves of data with precision and clarity.

This isn't just a course; it's a gateway to mastering the cybersecurity ecosystem, a domain no modern professional can afford to ignore. Imagine being able to identify and sidestep the traps set by digital threats. Here, your vigilance evolves from mere concern into an active shield against phishing and malware. This metamorphosis is an outcome of continuous learning embedded in every lesson, ensuring that your digital presence is not just safe but sophisticatedly secure.

Explore the intricacies of your digital footprint and learn to transform it into an asset rather than a liability. Your online digital presence is more than just data--it's a reflection of you. This course guides you in managing your digital identity with the same care and strategy you apply to personal relationships and professional networks, thus enhancing your life's narrative digitally.

Delve into the psychological underpinnings of digital threats to understand the tactics of manipulation and learn to anticipate and counter them effectively. These insights transform threats into an opportunity to bolster your defenses with shrewdness and preparedness.

Encryption will no longer feel like a concept meant for only computer scientists. It becomes your everyday ally in securing data, a simple yet powerful tool you'll wield with the confidence of a seasoned digital emissary.

Consider password security as your frontline defense--a trust you will be trained to maintain and fortify robustly. With practice and tools like password managers and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), you'll navigate this realm with enhanced confidence.

Beyond the nuts and bolts of technology, embrace the ethical dimensions of digital privacy laws, finding resonance with the principles of integrity and responsibility. In this course, you are not just a learner; you emerge as a conscientious digital architect, mindful of the impact you have and the legacy you leave in the digital world.

Join us on this incredible journey to discover not just the mechanics of digital safety and literacy but to unlock a future where the digital arena becomes your realm of opportunity. Let this course be the catalyst that propels your digital confidence, turning uncertainty into mastery, and aspirations into achievements. The gateway to mastering digital wisdom and security awaits you--step through it with us. Your transformative digital journey begins now.

 
 

Course Lessons

Lesson 1. Digital Fundamentals and Their Secure Path in the Modern World

The internet’s transformation from ARPANET to a global communication network revolutionized information accessibility and interaction. Its evolution brought opportunities and challenges in digital security, emphasizing the need for critical digital literacy skills. 20 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-WorkSheet-25485.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Unlocking the Internet: A Detailed Journey Through Its Architecture and Security

Mastering the architecture of the internet, including its layered model and protocols, empowers us with the knowledge to navigate digital realms securely while fostering informed digital citizenship. This understanding transforms our perception of the internet from a mysterious entity into a tool of immense potential, unlocking capabilities for problem-solving and innovation. 19 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-Downloadable-25486.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Decoding Digital Librarians: How Search Engines Organize the Web

To evaluate the credibility of online sources, it's vital to examine URLs, authorship, and citations critically, seeking diverse perspectives to avoid filter bubbles. Employing privacy-focused browsers and understanding filter bubbles, algorithms, and metadata enhances security in an era of misinformation. 20 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-HomeWork-25487.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Digital Literacy: A Gateway to Cybersecurity Mastery

Phishing and malware remain prevalent cyber threats, highlighting the necessity of awareness and proactive security measures. Integrating continuous learning and engagement in cybersecurity practices significantly reduces vulnerability to cyber attacks. 21 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-Downloadable-25488.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Securing Your Digital Footprint

From personal habits to stringent security protocols like strong passwords and two-factor authentication, personal digital vigilance is key to thwarting cyber threats and enhancing privacy. This knowledge transforms individual data oversight from a liability into an opportunity for empowerment in the digital age. 15 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-Activity-25489.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Managing Digital Shadows: How To Safeguard Your Online Identity

Digital footprints are divided into active and passive traces left by online actions, forming an imprint affecting your digital reputation and privacy. This lesson calls for strategic management of your digital presence to turn these data trails into assets rather than liabilities. 21 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-StudyGuide-25490.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Digital Security Essentials

The digital age amplifies the need for understanding privacy settings and data protection, combating cyber threats and unauthorized data access. Responsible digital citizenship requires knowledge of platform controls and proactive security measures to protect personal information and digital footprints. 21 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-WorkSheet-25491.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. Psychological Tactics in Phishing: Understanding and Countering Threats

Phishing scams exploit human psychology by manipulating authority, urgency, scarcity, and social proof, tricking people into revealing sensitive information. By learning to recognize these psychological tactics, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to these deceitful schemes. 20 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-HomeWork-25492.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. Encryption Basics: Ensuring Safety in the Digital Age

Encryption transforms data into a secure code to prevent unauthorized access, serving as an essential digital shield for privacy and communication. Utilizing complex algorithms, it ensures secure interaction, relying on keys for decryption—akin to a locked diary only accessible to those with the key. 20 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-WorkSheet-25493.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Fortifying Digital Frontiers: Password Security Unpacked

As cybercrime advances, learning effective password management and recognizing phishing threats are crucial for digital safety, using sophisticated passwords and enduring vigilance in account monitoring. Employing tools like password managers and MFA addresses vulnerabilities, ensuring the complexity and security of your credentials without the hassle of memorization. 19 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-StudyGuide-25494.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. Mastering Online Privacy: Strategies for the Digital Age

Maintaining a positive digital footprint is essential, as employers frequently scrutinize online behavior, impacting professional opportunities. Understanding privacy policies and strategically curating online presence can significantly influence reputational standing and career prospects. 20 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-StudyGuide-25495.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam

Lesson 12. Secure, Interactive, and Collaborative: Building Your Digital Confidence

Digital accessibility breaks traditional barriers, democratizing information across geographical and socio-economic divides. With features supporting individuals with disabilities and open access to educational content, digital platforms ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. 19 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-StudyGuide-25496.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Review Exam

Lesson 13. Empowering Students with Knowledge of Modern Data Privacy Laws

Data privacy education, anchored by laws like GDPR, fosters ethical digital engagement and protects against unauthorized data exploitation. As digital environments evolve, staying informed about these protections is essential for responsible online participation. 16 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-13-Downloadable-25497.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Review Exam

Lesson 14. Online Banking: Securing Your Digital Financial World

Robust encryption and secure payment processes safeguard user information in online transactions, ensuring confidentiality. Awareness of e-commerce threats and technological protection measures equips users to effectively secure their financial data. 20 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-14-HomeWork-25498.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Review Exam

Lesson 15. The Pulse of Cybersecurity: Trends, Challenges, and Strategies

In a world where digital threats evolve rapidly, understanding current trends is crucial for safeguarding individuals and organizations. Cybercriminals exploit technological advancements, with modern threats like ransomware and IoT vulnerabilities underscoring the need for robust security measures and digital literacy. 18 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-15-WorkSheet-25499.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Review Exam
289
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of digital security threats by identifying examples of phishing and ransomware within a simulated environment.
  • Explain the evolution of digital technology by comparing early computer designs to modern smartphones, focusing on processing power and accessibility.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the layered architecture of the internet by describing each layer's function in data transfer
  • Identify potential digital vulnerabilities and employ security strategies to protect digital information across different internet layers
  • Define the key components of search engine algorithms by categorizing factors such as keywords, link structure, and content freshness.
  • Demonstrate advanced search techniques, including Boolean operators, to refine search results and enhance information discovery.
  • Identify and describe common cyber threats like phishing and malware, along with strategies to mitigate these risks.
  • Recognize and define core cybersecurity principles, such as confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with real-world examples.
  • Define personal information and demonstrate its various types, including both overt and subtle identifiers, within digital interactions.
  • Identify common cybersecurity threats—phishing, malware, identity theft—and formulate actionable strategies to mitigate these risks effectively.
  • Define the difference between active and passive digital footprints by providing two examples of each type.
  • Demonstrate effective strategies for managing a digital footprint to enhance online privacy and reputation by outlining three specific actions.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Digital Literacy and Security
Course Number: 57701411
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.
Last Updated: February 2025
CEU Value: 0.6 CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher for successful completion.
Course Type: Curriculum-Based, Online Class
Instructional Method: Self-Paced, Asynchronous
Assessment Method: End of lesson review exams and course final exam

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