In the rapidly evolving world of technology, being tech literate is not just a skill—it's a necessity. For learners in any of LaunchCode’s programs, it’s crucial to have a strong foundation in various tech-related skills. To help you prepare for our fast-paced, job-focused courses, we've compiled a list of resources that will empower you with the essential tech literacy required for success.

LaunchCode Specific

Canvas Overview for Students (7 minutes)

Slack 101 YouTube Video (2 minutes - more videos here)

Getting Started with Replit YouTube Video (5 minutes)

Getting Started with GitHub (3 minutes)

Using Google Drive Effectively (5 minutes) 

Digital Literacy

• Keybr.com: Keybr.com is a web application that will help you to learn touch typing- which means typing through muscle memory without using your eyesight to find the keys.

1. DigitalLearn.org: DigitalLearn.org is a free online resource that offers basic computer skills training. It covers topics such as using a mouse, keyboard, and touchscreens, as well as internet basics and online safety.
2. GCF LearnFree.org: GCF LearnFree.org is another free resource that offers a wide range of computer skills tutorials. It covers topics such as Microsoft Office, email, social media, and more.
3. Tech Life Unity  Tech Life Unity  is a free resource that offers tutorials on popular websites and apps such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. It also covers topics such as online shopping and digital banking.

How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts (hotkeys)

1. Microsoft Support: Microsoft Support offers a list of keyboard shortcuts for Windows 10. The list includes general shortcuts, as well as shortcuts for specific apps and tools such as File Explorer, Task View, and Magnifier.
2. Apple Support: Apple Support offers a list of keyboard shortcuts for macOS. The list includes shortcuts for general tasks such as copying and pasting, as well as shortcuts for specific apps such as Finder, Safari, and Keynote.
3. AutoHotkey: AutoHotkey is a free, open-source program that allows you to create your own keyboard shortcuts and macros. It's available for Windows and can be used to automate repetitive tasks, launch programs, and more.
4. Keyboard Maestro: Keyboard Maestro is a paid program for macOS that allows you to create keyboard shortcuts and macros. It's similar to AutoHotkey, but it's specifically designed for macOS and includes a variety of advanced features.
5. Shortcutfoo: Shortcutfoo is a web-based tool that helps you learn keyboard shortcuts for popular apps and tools such as Gmail, Excel, and Photoshop. It's a great way to practice and reinforce your hotkey skills.

Resources for Those New to Coding

1. LearnProgramming: Learn Programming is a great resource for absolute beginners to learn the basics of programming in an interactive environment.
2. Codecademy: Codecademy is a great resource for beginners. It offers interactive lessons on popular programming languages such as Python, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and more.
3. Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers free courses in computer programming, which include video tutorials and interactive challenges.
4. FreeCodeCamp: FreeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive curriculum for learning web development. They offer courses in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and many more.
5. Scratch: Scratch is a visual programming language designed for kids, but it's also great for adults who are just starting to learn how to code. It allows users to create games, animations, and stories by dragging and dropping code blocks.
6. Coursera: Coursera is another online learning platform that provides free and paid courses in programming languages, computer science, and data science.
7. MIT OpenCourseWare: MIT OpenCourseWare is an initiative by MIT to provide free access to course materials for their undergraduate and graduate-level courses. They offer courses in computer science and programming.
8. Udemy: Udemy offers free and paid online courses in programming, web development, and other tech-related subjects.
9. edX: edX is an online learning platform that offers free online courses from top universities and institutions. They offer courses in computer science, data science, and programming languages.
10. W3Schools: W3Schools is a popular online learning platform for web development. It offers tutorials on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more.
11. GitHub: GitHub is a code hosting platform that allows users to collaborate on projects and share their code with others. It's a great resource for learning how to code by examining other people's projects and contributions.
12. Stack Overflow: Stack Overflow is a question-and-answer community for programmers. It's a great resource for beginners who are struggling with coding concepts and need help from more experienced programmers.
13. YouTube: YouTube has a lot of coding tutorials and video courses, which can be very helpful for visual learners.

Here are some free and beginner-friendly resources to help you get started with Git:

1. “Oh My Git!’: An open source game about learning Git!
2. GitHub Learning Lab: Interactive tutorials designed for beginners to learn Git and GitHub hands-on.
3. Pro Git Book: A comprehensive guide that covers Git fundamentals in-depth.
4. Visualizing Git Concepts: An interactive website that helps you understand Git visually.
5. YouTube Tutorials: Search for beginner-friendly Git tutorials on YouTube, like "The Net Ninja" or "Traversy Media."
6. GitKraken's Git GUI: A user-friendly graphical interface for Git, along with tutorials.