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Tutorial descriptions

Here, you'll find links and descriptions for all of our lessons mentioned in the learning plans.

Technology tutorial descriptions:

Below are links to the tutorials mentioned in this guide. For a complete list of our tutorials, visit our All Topics page.

• Android Basics: This tutorial covers the basics of using an Android device, including setting up email, downloading apps, and managing privacy settings.
• Beyond Email: This tutorial introduces students to various forms of online communication, including chat, instant messaging, video and voice chat, and blogging.
• Blog Basics: This tutorial is an introduction to blogs and blogging. Students will learn what a blog is and why blogs matter. They’ll learn how to subscribe to blogs they find interesting, as well as how to develop and start their own blog.
• Chrome: This tutorial is an introduction to Chrome, Google’s browser. Topics covered include navigation controls, privacy settings, security features, and web apps.
• Computer Basics: Computer Basics is an introductory tutorial for learners who have little to no experience using computers. Students will learn the basics of how computers and their operating systems work. They’ll also learn how to set up and take care of their own computers.
• Digital Media Literacy: This tutorial shows how to interpret and evaluate information online, whether you're browsing the web or using social media.
• Digital Photography: This tutorial covers the basics of digital photography. Topics include an introduction to digital cameras, lighting, composition, night and landscape photography, and capturing motion and close-ups.
• Email Basics: This tutorial is intended for learners who have never used email. Students will learn how email works and how to use it safely.
• Facebook: This tutorial teaches learners how to create a Facebook account and use its many features. Special emphasis is placed on explaining Facebook’s complex privacy policies and settings.
• Firefox: This tutorial is an introduction to the Firefox browser. Topics covered include navigation controls, privacy settings, security features, and add-ons.
• Gmail: This tutorial is an introduction to Gmail, Google’s email service. Students will learn the basics of how to set up an account and compose, send, and respond to emails. They’ll also explore more advanced features, like managing and organizing email and accessing it from mobile devices.
• Google Account: This tutorial introduces students to Google apps and shows them how to create a Google account so they can use them.
• Google Docs: This tutorial covers the basics of creating, formatting, sharing, and managing files in the cloud using the documents feature in Google Drive.
• Google Drive: This tutorial covers the basics of Google Drive, a cloud-storage service that lets users store documents, photos, videos, and other files online. The tutorial is also an introduction to Google Docs, a service that lets users create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Topics covered include creating documents, managing and sharing files, and syncing files to a computer or mobile device.
• Google Sheets: This tutorial covers the spreadsheets application in Google Drive. Topics include cell references, formulas, functions, and saving and sharing spreadsheets in the cloud.
• Google Slides: This tutorial covers the presentations application in Google Drive. Topics include creating slides, adding text, working with transitions, and using pictures and shapes.
• Instagram: This tutorial introduces students to Instagram, a popular photo-sharing app for smartphones. Students will learn how to edit photos and share them on various social networks.
• Internet Basics: This introductory tutorial guides learners through the basics of using the Internet, as well as online tools and technologies. Students will become familiar with the various ways people use the Internet and learn how to connect, search, and browse on their own.
• Internet Explorer: This tutorial introduces students to Internet Explorer. Topics covered include navigation controls, bookmarks, and security settings.
• Internet Safety: This tutorial offers strategies for staying safe and secure online. Students learn how to avoid the most common threats and protect their computers and privacy.
• Internet Safety for Kids: This tutorial offers strategies for helping kids stay safe online. Students learn about the most common threats kids face and how to avoid them.
• Image Editing 101: This tutorial introduces students to the basics of using an image editing program to enhance and change the look of their photos. Students will learn about the range of available programs, as well as how to make basic adjustments and fix common problems in photos using image editing software.
• iPad Basics: This tutorial covers the basics of using the iPad and iPad mini, including iCloud, iTunes, Siri, and the App Store.
• iPhone Basics: This tutorial introduces students to the functions and features of the Apple iPhone. Topics include using iCloud, iTunes, Siri, and the App Store. Many of the lessons in this tutorial also apply to the iPod Touch.
• Job Search and Networking: This tutorial covers effective strategies for planning and conducting a job search. It includes networking, searching online, and using social media sites.
• LinkedIn Basics: This tutorial covers the basics of LinkedIn, a popular professional networking site. Students will learn how to create a LinkedIn profile, search for jobs, and make professional connections.
• macOS: This tutorial covers Apple’s operating system. Students will learn how to use the features of each operating system.
• Microsoft Account: This tutorial introduces students to the features of a Microsoft account and guides them through the process of creating one. A Microsoft account gives users access to Windows, OneDrive, and Skype.
• Mouse Tutorial: This activity helps adult learners build proficiency with the mouse by playing a series of mini games.
• Pinterest: This tutorial introduces students to Pinterest, a social media platform that allows users to organize links, photos, and more into virtual pinboards.
• Photoshop Basics: This tutorial shows students how to use Photoshop for image editing. Topics include getting started with Photoshop, using layers, and sharpening and noise reduction.
• PowerPoint: This tutorial is a comprehensive guide to PowerPoint, the slideshow presentation program in the Microsoft Office suite. Students will learn how to create and present professional-looking slideshows. Upon completion of the tutorial, students will be proficient in PowerPoint and be able to use many of its advanced features. Our tutorials currently cover PowerPoint XP, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Office 365.
• Search Better: This tutorial shows students how to search online more effectively.
• Skype: This tutorial guides students through the process of setting up and using a Skype account to connect with family and friends. It includes tips on how to use instant messaging, as well as how to make phone and video calls.
• Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks: This tutorial offers students a collection of tips, shortcuts, and procedures that will help them use technology more efficiently.
• Twitter: This tutorial introduces learners to Twitter, a popular service that lets users publish their own short updates and subscribe to the updates of others. Students will learn how Twitter is used, as well as how to set up and maintain their own accounts.
• Typing Tutorial: This set of interactives guides students through the process of learning to type. It includes typing practice, exercises, and a voiceover coach. Note: If you are using Internet Explorer, this tutorial requires IE9 or higher to work.
• Use Information Correctly: This tutorial shows students how to use the information they find online while abiding by the rules of copyright and fair use.
• Windows OS: These tutorials teach students how to use Microsoft's Windows 10, 8, 8.1, 7, XP, and 98. Students will learn how to use its features, as well as how to customize Windows settings to best fit their needs.
• YouTube: This tutorial shows students everything they need to get started with YouTube. This includes finding and sharing videos, as well as ways to upload their own.

Office tutorial descriptions:

Below are descriptions of the tutorials mentioned in this guide. For a complete list of our tutorials, go to www.gcflearnfree.org/topics.

• Access: This tutorial is a thorough introduction to Access, the database management software in the Microsoft Office suite. Upon completion of this tutorial, students will be proficient in the most commonly used features of Access. Our tutorials currently cover Access XP, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Office 365.
• Excel: This tutorial is a comprehensive guide to Excel, the spreadsheet software in the Microsoft Office suite. Students will learn how to use worksheets to enter, store, and analyze data. Upon completion of this tutorial, students will be proficient in Excel’s most commonly used features. Our tutorials currently cover Excel XP, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Office 365.
• Excel Formulas: This tutorial shows students the basics of creating formulas in Excel, Google Sheets, or any other spreadsheet program. It also offers opportunities to practice using real-world scenarios.
• Google Account: This tutorial introduces students to Google web apps and shows them how to create a Google account.
• Google Docs: This tutorial covers the basics of creating, formatting, sharing, and managing files in the cloud using the documents featured in Google Drive.
• Google Sheets: This tutorial covers the spreadsheets application in Google Drive. Topics include cell references, formulas, functions, and saving and sharing spreadsheets in the cloud.
• Google Slides: This tutorial covers the presentations application in Google Drive. Topics include creating slides, adding text, working with transitions, and using pictures and shapes.
• Microsoft Account: A Microsoft account is a free, cloud-based account that gives users access to Microsoft services like OneDrive and Skype. This tutorial shows students how to set up a Microsoft account and manage their contacts and privacy settings.
• OneDrive and Office Online: Office Online contains free, pared-down versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that users can access online. OneDrive is a related cloud-storage service where students can save their Office Online documents and other files. This tutorial teaches students how to get started with OneDrive and Office Online, as well as how to create, upload, manage, and share files.
• Outlook: This tutorial teaches students how to use Microsoft Outlook, the desktop email client in the Microsoft Office suite. We only offer tutorials on Outlook 2003 and 2010, and have no current plans to support more recent versions.
• PowerPoint: This tutorial is a comprehensive guide to PowerPoint, the slideshow presentation program in the Microsoft Office suite. Students will learn how to create and present professional-looking slideshows. Upon completion of the tutorial, students will be proficient in PowerPoint and able to use many of its advanced features. Our tutorials currently cover PowerPoint XP, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Office 365.
• Publisher: This tutorial teaches students how to use Publisher, the desktop-publishing software in the Microsoft Office suite. Students will learn how to create a variety of publications, including newsletters, brochures, and greeting cards. Our tutorials currently cover Publisher 2003 and 2010. We do not plan to offer Publisher courses for Office 2007, as the Office 2007 Publisher was not substantially different from the Office 2003 version. Note that Publisher 2010 offers fewer features than the other programs in the Office 2010 suite. For this reason, we recommend that learners consider using Word for desktop publishing instead.
• Word: This tutorial is a comprehensive guide to Word, the word processing program in the Microsoft Office suite. Students will learn how to create professional-looking documents. Upon completion of the tutorial, students will be proficient in Word’s most common features, as well as some advanced features like Mail Merge. Our tutorials currently cover Word XP, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Office 365.

Career tutorial descriptions:

Below are descriptions of and links to the Career tutorials mentioned in this guide. For a complete list of our tutorials, go to www.gcflearnfree.org/topics.

• Career Planning and Salary: This tutorial guides learners through the process of planning their careers. Students will learn effective strategies for choosing a suitable career and progressing in it.
• Cover Letters: This tutorial offers in-depth advice on writing effective cover letters. Students learn why a cover letter is important, as well as how to craft their own. The tutorial includes a professional cover letter template.
• Interviewing Skills: This tutorial helps students prepare for job interviews. They will learn strategies for preparing ahead of time, answering interview questions, and behaving and dressing appropriately.
• Job Applications: This tutorial covers the basics of filling out a job application. Students will learn how to gather the necessary information, as well as how to best answer various job application questions.
• Job Search and Networking: This tutorial covers effective strategies for planning and conducting a job search. It includes networking, searching online, and using social media sites.
• Job Success: This tutorial covers a variety of soft skills needed to improve job performance. Topics covered include time management, business etiquette, effective communication, and conflict resolution.
• LinkedIn Basics: This tutorial covers the basics of LinkedIn, a popular professional networking site. Students will learn how to create a LinkedIn profile, search for jobs, and make professional connections.
• Resume Writing: This tutorial teaches students how to write an effective resume. Students will learn what information to include, as well as how to best format and present it. The tutorial includes sample resumes and a template they can use to create their own resumes.
• Workplace Basics: This tutorial covers the basic skills needed to start a new job successfully. Topics covered include leave and benefits, organization, W-4 forms, and workplace safety.

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