Essential 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).
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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.
Click here to for a practice activity.
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.
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Watch
Here's a video that focusses on computer basics, answering: What is a computer?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu3R5it4cQs
Learn More
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.
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Watch
Here’s a video that explains the basic parts of a computer—standard desktop components like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse; devices with built-in parts like laptops or tablets; and touchpads—along with what each is used for.
Practice
When teaching digital skills, you don’t always need technology or devices. Offline, tangible resources can make concepts easier to grasp. Here’s an activity 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, which signals it is time to get a newer version.
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Here's a video that explains more about Software, specifically information about Understanding Operating Systems:
What is the Internet?
Going "online" or, in other words, onto the internet refers to 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 collection of websites you can access through the Internet.
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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
Here is a short video answering the question: “What is the Internet?” — part of a larger series of videos. Scroll to the bottom of the page to explore more related topics:
https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/computer-basics-for-beginners/what-is-the-internet
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Want to read more about the Internet? Would you like further explanation on the Web and how the Internet works?
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.
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Learn More
Want to read more information about “the Cloud”? Here are a couple of handouts.
Would you like an explanation about why you might choose to use “the Cloud,” and what a web app is (related to “the Cloud”)?
Click here to find out more information.
Are you interested in 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?
Click here to find out more information.
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.
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Watch
This video is called Computer Basics: Understanding Applications. It explains what apps are, the different kinds available, and how you might use them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gMOYZoMtEs
Social Media Apps are very common for many people. Here are some How-To videos that look at popular Social Media Apps:
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Want to learn more about apps—their types, examples, where to get them, and the parts of an app so you know how to navigate them?
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.
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Want to learn more about Settings—like wireless connections, notifications, sounds and appearances, privacy and security, and system settings?
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.
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Want to know why J@Jwuth2! might be part of a strong password? Want to know how to create a strong password that you can remember with great tips and tricks?