Build the essential digital skills you need to navigate the online world with confidence — from internet basics and password security to protecting your personal data and staying safe from online threats.
Digital Awareness is the first course in the Digital Literacy Learning Collection, developed in collaboration with OpenEDG. Designed with the complete beginner in mind, this course equips learners with fundamental knowledge and practical digital skills applicable at home, school, or work. You will learn tips and tricks for searching the internet, creating strong passwords, and tackling common technical problems such as slow performance and Wi-Fi connectivity issues. The course also covers how to manage your personal data and protect yourself from online threats such as phishing scams and malware. Content is delivered in an easy, accessible format including drag-and-drop quizzes, exercises, real-world examples, interactive activities, and 20 short videos with step-by-step guides. Completing all four courses in the Digital Literacy Learning Collection prepares learners for the OpenEDG Digital Literacy Certification.
Curriculum Chapters
- 1. There’s a Whole New World Out There!
- Merging the Analogue and Digital Worlds
- Exploring the Digital World
- 2. You’ll Need Some Basic Tools
- Performing Everyday Tasks
- Make it Strong and Secure
- 3. This is How You Get Around and Find What You’re Looking For
- Navigating the Internet
- Searching for Information
- Who Owns What on the Internet
- 4. It Just Keeps Getting Better
- The Evolution of Digital Technologies
- Why Netiquette is Important
- Being Responsible
- 5. Even Though It’s Digital, It Is Real, With Real Consequences; Be Careful Out There!
- Managing Your Digital Life
- When Things Go Wrong
- Don’t Be a Victim
- 6. Learn About Anything and Everything
- What Do You Do When Something Goes Wrong?
- Identify Your Skills Gaps
- Close the Skills Gap
Skills You Will Learn
Understand how the analogue and digital worlds are merging and explore the scope of the digital world. Perform everyday digital tasks using common devices and tools. Create strong, secure passwords and apply basic security practices. Navigate the internet effectively and search for reliable information. Understand copyright and ownership of online content. Explain the evolution of digital technologies and apply netiquette principles for responsible online behaviour. Manage your personal digital life and protect your data from online threats including phishing scams and malware. Troubleshoot common technical problems such as slow performance and connectivity issues. Identify your own digital skills gaps and find resources to close them.
Technologies Used
Any internet-connected device
20 short videos with step-by-step guides
Drag-and-drop quizzes, interactive activities & real-world exercises
Course Details
Course Type: Free self-paced
Time: 6 Hours
Modules: 6
Level: Beginner
Prerequisites
None. This course is suitable for teens, seniors, parents, educators, and anyone new to technology.
Certification & Career
Career and Certification alignment: This course is the first of four in the Digital Literacy Learning Collection, developed in collaboration with OpenEDG. Completing all four courses prepares learners for the OpenEDG Digital Literacy Certification, validating skills and readiness to thrive in the digital economy.
Achievements & Badges
Upon completion, earn a Cisco Networking Academy digital badge. Share your verified achievement on LinkedIn, your CV, or professional profile.
What Cisco verifies: Cisco verifies the earner of this badge successfully completed the Digital Awareness course. The holder of this credential has foundational digital literacy skills including navigating the internet, managing personal data, applying basic cybersecurity practices such as strong passwords and phishing awareness, troubleshooting common technical issues, and understanding responsible online behaviour and digital netiquette.
Ready to Start This Course?
This course is delivered through Cisco Networking Academy — the official global learning platform. To enroll, click the button and you will be taken to the official course page on netacad.com. If you already have a Cisco Networking Academy account, simply log in and click Get Started. If you are new to the platform, creating a free account takes less than a minute. Enrollment is completely free.
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