Essential Digital Language to Know
When it comes to understanding and teaching digital language, it’s good to start with language that is regularly used. Here some explanations of digital terms that you, or learners, may have heard before but may not fully understand.
Digital Language Dictionary
Digital language is always changing – visually, verbally and physically – to adapt to new technologies in the digital world. As you use the resources, be sure to check that they are still up to date, and also add to these!
If you would like to learn more about digital language, the button below links to an Icon Dictionary where you'll find a variety of icons along with their name (or names).
ICON – Practice: There are many digital terms used in today's society and sometimes it's hard to keep up! Here's a handout that you can use on your own or with learners to match definitions with terms to check for understanding.
Downloadable handout of Matching Words to Definition p.17 from Tech Talk Student Manual on CLN Template
What is a Computer?
A computer refers to a digital device that uses information or data to get tasks done. It can process data, store it and also get the data back again for the user.
ICON Watch: Here's a video that focusses on computer basics, answering: What is a computer?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu3R5it4cQs
ICON Resources: Here is a video that talks about the different types of computers:
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/what-is-a-computer/1/
What is Hardware?
Hardware refers to the physical objects connected to digital devices that you can touch. Some examples of hardware are the screen, buttons, and charging cord on a device.
ICON - Watch: Here's a video that explains more about the Basic Parts of a Computer (standard desktop model, a monitor, keyboard and mouse, models with built in parts like a laptop or tablet, and touchpad) along with what they are each used for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLgTnkw558w
ICON – Practice: When instructing on digital skills, we don't always need to use technology or digital devices. In fact, sometimes using offline, tangible resources and activities to teach about digital concepts can be very helpful. Here's one activity that you can use on your own or with learners to help explain Smartphones.
What is Software?
Software refers to the programs and applications that tell the hardware what to do, allowing your digital device to perform the tasks you want. While hardware is the things you can touch, software is like the “guts” the hardware is protecting…it’s the inside “stuff” that is crucial for getting things done.
Software is like the manager. If you had a staff member in your business who was in charge of all the workings going on, that person needs to stay updated with training. When you get information about needing to update your device, you might feel tempted to avoid it due to being worried about things changing. If updates are avoided, it’s like keeping your manager in a closet as they’re not getting the information they need to run your business effectively.
At some point, your device becomes too old to keep updating. If you compare this to a manager, imagine a manager who has stayed too long and is not willing to try and learn anything knew. They are ready and need to retire so that you can hire a new manager who has just stepped out of post- secondary training full of the newest information, passion for the job, and motivation to put their training into action! This is similar to old devices. They might be fine for a little while, but eventually it is time to retire them and get a newer version.
ICON - Watch: Here's a video that explains more about Software, specifically information about Understanding Operating Systems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkGCLIQx1MI
What is the Internet?
Going "online" or, in other words, onto the internet refers the "interconnected network" which is a system of web servers that connects computers worldwide. The "web" (which is also the "world-wide web", "www") is a collections of websites you can access through the Internet.
ICON - Watch: Here's a video that talks about Computer Basics: Connecting to the Internet including types of internet connections, ISPs, connecting to the modem, Wi-Fi networks, wireless security, and connecting non-wireless devices:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93-3zmVvCGU
ICON - Watch: Here is a short video answering the question: "What is the internet?" which is part of a bigger series of videos. Scroll down to the bottom of the page if you would like to learn more about related topics:
https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/computer-basics-for-beginners/what-is-the-internet
ICON – Resources: Want to read more information about the Internet? Here's a handout with further explanation on the Web, and how the internet works, .
Downloadable handout – pg. 26 of the Tech Talk Student Manual
What is "The Cloud"?
The "cloud" refers to a digital storage system (internet servers instead of your computer's hard drive) that can be accessed from anywhere there is an internet connection.
ICON – Resources: Want to read more information about "the Cloud"? Here are a couple of handouts.
Downloadable handout – This handout includes more explanation about why you might choose to use "the Cloud", and what a web app is (related to "the Cloud"). pg. 27 of the Tech Talk Student Manual
Downloadable handouts – This handout includes a list of websites and some language related to the themes of the Internet, Cloud and Facebook that may be helpful to use with a learner in order to identify language that they are or are not familiar with. pg. 18 of the Tech Talk Student Manual
What are Apps?
The word "App", refers to "application." It's a piece of software for your digital device that may or may not use a connection to the internet. They can come in desktop, web, or mobile (phones, tablets, etc.) forms.
ICON - Watch: This video is called Computer Basics: Understanding Applications which explains more about Apps - what kind of Apps there are and what they allow you to do or how you might use them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gMOYZoMtEs
ICON - Watch: Social Media Apps are very common for many people. Here are some How-To Videos that look at some popular Social Media Apps:
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/topics/socialmedia/
ICON – Read More: Here's some more information about Apps - types, examples, and where to get them as well as parts of an App so that you know how to navigate them to get them to do what you want them to.
Downloadable handout – pg. 19-20 of the Tech Talk Student Manual
What are Settings?
Settings refer to an app that lets you customize your device. Things like notifications, privacy and security controls, screen brightness and appearance are all accessed by going into settings.
ICON – Read More: Want to learn more about Settings - like wireless connections, notifications, sounds and appearances, privacy and security and system settings? This handout provides more information on these topics.
Downloadable handout – pg. 24-25 of the Tech Talk Student Manual
What are Passwords?
Passwords refer to characters, symbols, or numbers that are combined to create protection against others accessing your information. Creating strong passwords are important because they are your first line of defence in Internet safety.
ICON – Resources: Want to know why J@Jwuth2! might be part of a strong password? Find out how to create a strong password that you can remember with these great tips and tricks! Downloadable "Safe Passwords" handout – last bit of pg. 27 and pg. 28 of the Tech Talk Student Manual