Code Factory — Training Division

From Zero to
Professional Computer Skills

A structured, progressive curriculum for adults with no prior computer experience — through to confident, professional-level digital productivity.

5
Phases
22
Modules
80+
Hours
16
Weeks
Curriculum Overview

What this programme does

This curriculum takes a learner from zero — never having touched a computer — to confidently producing professional documents, managing files, communicating online, and operating as a productive digital worker. It is designed for adult learners in emerging markets (Jamaica, Africa) who need practical, employable skills, not theory.

🎯
Target Learner
Adults with zero or minimal computer experience seeking workplace readiness or personal empowerment.
🗓
Duration
16 weeks, 5–6 hours per week. Flex-paced for in-person, blended, or self-directed formats.
📋
Assessment
Practical tasks after every module. Phase capstone projects. Final certification portfolio.
🛠
Tools Covered
Windows & macOS basics, Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Workspace, browsers, email, and cloud storage.
🌐
Delivery
In-person or online. Each lesson includes warm-up, demo, guided practice, and independent task.
🏆
Outcome
Learners can apply for IC3, MOS Fundamentals, or Northstar Digital Literacy certification upon completion.
Learning Roadmap
1
Phase 1
Digital Foundations
Understanding what a computer is, how to turn it on, use a mouse and keyboard, manage the desktop, and perform basic file operations.
Weeks 1–3 · 3 modules · ~15 hours
2
Phase 2
Core Computer Essentials
Typing proficiency, file management, storage (local & cloud), software installation, and basic troubleshooting.
Weeks 4–6 · 4 modules · ~18 hours
3
Phase 3
Office Productivity Suite
Word processing (Word/Docs), spreadsheets (Excel/Sheets), presentations (PowerPoint/Slides), and email (Outlook/Gmail).
Weeks 7–11 · 8 modules · ~32 hours
4
Phase 4
Internet & Digital Safety
Browsing effectively, evaluating information online, email communication, video calls, and protecting yourself from scams and threats.
Weeks 12–14 · 4 modules · ~12 hours
5
Phase 5
Professional Edge
Professional digital communication, building a LinkedIn profile, using AI tools (Copilot, ChatGPT), and preparing for certification.
Weeks 15–16 · 3 modules · ~10 hours
Teaching Principles
🔁

Practice over lecture

Every session gives learners hands-on keyboard time. Digital skills only stick through repetition. Max 20% instruction, 80% doing.

🪜

Progressive scaffolding

No skill is introduced until its prerequisite is mastered. Learners build confidence before complexity.

🌍

Real-world context

Every exercise uses locally-relevant scenarios: job applications, budgets, church notices, business letters — not abstract drills.

🚫

Fear-free environment

No wrong questions. Mistakes are teaching moments. Instructors celebrate small wins loudly and publicly.

📱

Device agnostic

Core skills taught on Windows first (most common in workplaces), with Google Workspace as the free alternative throughout.

🏅

Milestone certificates

Learners receive a certificate at each phase completion. Public recognition motivates continued engagement.

1
Phase 1 · Weeks 1–3 · ~15 hours

Digital Foundations

Learners who have never used a computer before leave this phase able to power on a machine, navigate the desktop, use a mouse and keyboard comfortably, and understand what different hardware does.

Absolute beginner Hardware Mouse & keyboard Desktop OS File basics
M01
What is a Computer? Hardware & Setup
3–4 hrs

Topics covered

  • Types of computers (desktop, laptop, tablet)
  • Identifying hardware: monitor, CPU, keyboard, mouse, ports
  • Powering on and off safely
  • What an operating system is (Windows vs macOS)
  • Desktop, taskbar, and Start menu tour
  • Adjusting volume, brightness, and display settings
  • Connecting peripherals: USB, headphones, printer

Learning outcomes

  • Correctly identify all major hardware components
  • Power a computer on and off without assistance
  • Navigate the desktop and open/close basic apps
  • Adjust system settings (volume, display) confidently

Hands-on activities

  • Label all ports on a physical machine (instructor-led)
  • Boot the computer, open calculator, close it, shut down
  • Change volume and brightness without asking for help

Assessment

Practical task: Without assistance, power on the computer, open three different apps, resize each window, and shut the computer down correctly.
M02
Mouse Mastery & Keyboard Confidence
4–5 hrs

Topics covered

  • Left click, right click, double click, scroll
  • Click and drag — selecting and moving objects
  • Keyboard layout: letters, numbers, function keys
  • Special keys: Shift, Caps Lock, Backspace, Delete, Enter
  • Essential shortcuts: Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+Z, Ctrl+A, Alt+F4
  • Introduction to touch typing (home row position)
  • Using Windows accessibility features (zoom, on-screen keyboard)

Learning outcomes

  • Use the mouse to click, drag, right-click, and scroll
  • Type comfortably using all keys on the keyboard
  • Use at least 8 keyboard shortcuts from memory
  • Maintain correct posture and hand position

Hands-on activities

  • Mouse dexterity exercises: drag-and-drop sorting game
  • TypingClub or KeyBr sessions — reach 20 WPM minimum
  • Copy, paste, and undo text in Notepad using only shortcuts

Assessment

Typing test: Minimum 15 WPM with <10% errors. Shortcut test: Demonstrate 6 shortcuts on command.
M03
Files, Folders & the File System
4 hrs

Topics covered

  • What files and folders are (the library metaphor)
  • Creating, renaming, and deleting files and folders
  • Moving and copying files: drag vs cut/paste
  • File naming conventions (no special characters, descriptive names)
  • File types: .docx, .xlsx, .pdf, .jpg, .mp4 explained
  • Searching for files using Windows Explorer / macOS Finder
  • The Recycle Bin / Trash and restoring deleted files

Learning outcomes

  • Create a logical folder structure for personal and work documents
  • Find any file on the computer within 30 seconds
  • Identify file types from their extensions
  • Recover files from the Recycle Bin

Hands-on activities

  • Build a personal folder structure: Work → Reports → 2025
  • Instructor hides 5 files; learners must locate all 5 in 5 minutes
  • Rename 10 poorly-named files using proper conventions

Phase 1 capstone

Capstone: Given a "messy desktop" with 30 unsorted files, organise them into a logical folder structure, identify all file types, and demonstrate 10 keyboard shortcuts. Time limit: 20 minutes.
2
Phase 2 · Weeks 4–6 · ~18 hours

Core Computer Essentials

Building on the foundations, learners develop real typing speed, master storage and cloud sync, learn to install and update software, and solve common computer problems independently.

Pre-intermediate Typing speed Cloud storage Software management Troubleshooting
M04
Typing Proficiency & Text Entry
4 hrs

Topics covered

  • Touch typing technique: all finger zones
  • Reaching 30+ WPM with accuracy focus
  • Numbers row and punctuation keys
  • Capital letters, apostrophes, quotation marks
  • Proofreading typed text
  • Auto-correct and spell-check features
  • Speech-to-text as an accessibility tool

Learning outcomes

  • Type at 30 WPM with ≤5% error rate
  • Use all keys including punctuation and numbers without looking
  • Proofread and correct typed documents

Hands-on activities

  • Daily 15-minute TypingClub sessions with progress tracking
  • Type a 200-word paragraph about their career goals
  • Class typing race — celebrate every personal best

Assessment

Timed test: 3-minute typing test. Pass = 25 WPM, 95% accuracy. Learners who fall short get one extra session and retest.
M05
Storage, Cloud & Backups
4 hrs

Topics covered

  • Hard drive vs RAM — what they each do
  • Storage units: KB, MB, GB, TB explained with examples
  • USB drives: copy to, eject safely
  • OneDrive / Google Drive — setup and sync
  • Sharing files and folders from the cloud
  • What a backup is and the 3-2-1 rule
  • Compressing files into ZIP archives

Learning outcomes

  • Set up and use Google Drive or OneDrive independently
  • Copy files to a USB drive and eject it safely
  • Share a file with someone else via a cloud link
  • Create a ZIP file from a folder

Hands-on activities

  • Set up Google Drive and upload their Phase 1 capstone folder
  • Share a document with the instructor using a view-only link
  • Compress a folder into ZIP, email it to themselves

Assessment

Practical: Upload a folder to Google Drive, create a shareable link, share it with the instructor, download it on a different browser — all without assistance.
M06
Installing & Managing Software
3 hrs

Topics covered

  • What is software? App vs program vs service
  • Installing software safely from official sources
  • Uninstalling programs properly
  • Windows Update and why it matters
  • Task Manager: seeing what's running, ending frozen apps
  • Default apps: setting a default browser or email client
  • Free vs paid software and open-source alternatives

Learning outcomes

  • Download and install a program from the official website
  • Uninstall software cleanly
  • Use Task Manager to end a frozen application
  • Run Windows Update manually

Assessment

Practical: Install LibreOffice Writer, open a document, then uninstall it correctly. Demonstrate Task Manager on a running application.
M07
Basic Troubleshooting & Self-Help
4 hrs

Topics covered

  • The golden rule: restart first, always
  • Reading error messages (don't panic — understand them)
  • Checking internet connectivity
  • What to do when a program freezes
  • Low disk space — how to free up storage
  • Searching for help online (YouTube tutorials, How-To Geek)
  • When to call for help vs when to solve it yourself

Learning outcomes

  • Diagnose and fix 5 common computer problems independently
  • Read and interpret an error message calmly
  • Search YouTube or Google effectively for tech help

Hands-on activities

  • Instructor introduces 5 common problems; learners diagnose and fix
  • Find a solution to a real error message using only Google
  • Free up disk space using Windows built-in tools

Phase 2 capstone

Capstone: Learners receive a PC with 4 planted problems (frozen app, low disk space, no internet, missing default app). They must diagnose and fix all 4, document what they did, and upload the report to Google Drive.
3
Phase 3 · Weeks 7–11 · ~32 hours

Office Productivity Suite

The heart of professional computer use. Learners master word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and professional email — the four skills that unlock employment in virtually any modern office.

Intermediate Microsoft Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook / Gmail Google Workspace
M08
Word Processing I — Microsoft Word Basics
4 hrs

Topics covered

  • Word interface: ribbon, toolbar, document area
  • Creating, saving, and opening documents (.docx vs PDF)
  • Font: typeface, size, bold, italic, underline, colour
  • Paragraph alignment: left, right, centre, justify
  • Line spacing and paragraph spacing
  • Bullet points and numbered lists
  • Undo/redo, spell check, and grammar check

Learning outcomes

  • Create a well-formatted document from scratch
  • Apply font and paragraph formatting consistently
  • Save documents in different formats including PDF

Hands-on activities

  • Type and format a simple personal bio (1 page)
  • Reproduce a printed document from sight — matching all formatting

Assessment

Practical: Format a provided unformatted text to match a given sample. Export as PDF and save to OneDrive.
M09
Word Processing II — Professional Documents
4 hrs

Topics covered

  • Page margins, headers, and footers
  • Page numbers and date fields
  • Inserting and formatting tables
  • Inserting images, shapes, and logos
  • Styles and Heading formatting (H1, H2, H3)
  • Using Word templates for letters and CVs
  • Find and Replace, word count, Track Changes intro

Learning outcomes

  • Write and format a professional business letter
  • Create a structured CV/résumé using styles
  • Insert and format a table in a document

Hands-on activities

  • Create a real CV for yourself using a Word template
  • Write a job application cover letter with proper formatting
  • Build a monthly expense summary table in Word

Assessment

Major task: Produce a 2-page professional CV and a matching cover letter. Both must use proper styles, margins, fonts, and be export-ready as PDF.
M10
Spreadsheets I — Excel Fundamentals
4 hrs

Topics covered

  • Excel interface: workbook, worksheet, cells, rows, columns
  • Entering and editing data in cells
  • Cell formatting: number, currency, date, text
  • Column width and row height adjustment
  • Basic formulas: SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, COUNT
  • Cell references: A1 notation, relative vs absolute
  • AutoFill for series and formulas

Learning outcomes

  • Enter and format data across a spreadsheet
  • Write basic formulas (SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT) correctly
  • Use AutoFill to complete a series or copy a formula

Hands-on activities

  • Build a personal monthly budget spreadsheet from scratch
  • Enter class attendance data and calculate averages

Assessment

Practical: Given raw data of 20 items with prices and quantities, calculate total cost per item, grand total, average, minimum, and maximum.
M11
Spreadsheets II — Data, Charts & Practical Excel
4 hrs

Topics covered

  • Sorting and filtering data
  • Freeze panes for large datasets
  • IF function: basic conditional logic
  • VLOOKUP intro (practical use case only)
  • Creating bar, pie, and line charts
  • Chart titles, labels, and colours
  • Printing: print area, page layout, headers

Learning outcomes

  • Sort and filter a dataset to find specific information
  • Use IF() to apply a rule to a column of data
  • Create a chart from a dataset with proper labels
  • Print a spreadsheet formatted to one page

Hands-on activities

  • Create a sales report with bar chart from provided data
  • Use IF() to flag students who passed or failed
  • Print a neatly formatted report to PDF

Assessment

Practical: Given a 50-row employee dataset, filter by department, calculate average salary per department, and produce a bar chart showing results.
M12
Presentations I — PowerPoint Basics
3 hrs

Topics covered

  • PowerPoint interface: slide panel, editing area, notes pane
  • Slide layouts and themes
  • Adding, duplicating, and reordering slides
  • Text boxes: fonts, size, and contrast for readability
  • Inserting images, icons, and shapes
  • The 5×5 rule for slides (max 5 bullets, 5 words each)
  • Slideshow mode: presenting, advancing, using presenter view

Learning outcomes

  • Create a 5-slide presentation from scratch using a theme
  • Apply the 5×5 rule for clean, readable slides
  • Deliver a short presentation in slideshow mode

Assessment

Practical: Create a 5-slide presentation introducing yourself or a business idea. Must include at least one image, one chart or table, and consistent theme.
M13
Presentations II — Polished & Professional Slides
3 hrs

Topics covered

  • Slide Master: consistent branding across all slides
  • Transitions: subtle vs distracting (what NOT to do)
  • Animations: entrance effects for bullet points
  • Embedding video clips in slides
  • Hyperlinks to other slides or websites
  • Exporting as PDF and as video (.mp4)
  • Sharing via OneDrive and Google Slides

Learning outcomes

  • Apply consistent branding using Slide Master
  • Use animations purposefully without overdoing them
  • Export a presentation as PDF and as video

Assessment

Major task: Redesign a "terrible" slide deck (provided by instructor) into a professional 8-slide presentation with consistent branding, proper animations, and embedded media. Export as PDF.
M14
Email & Calendar — Outlook & Gmail
4 hrs

Topics covered

  • Setting up a professional email address
  • Email anatomy: To, CC, BCC, subject, body, signature
  • Writing professional emails: tone, structure, sign-off
  • Attaching files: right size, right format
  • Organising your inbox: folders, labels, stars
  • Spam: identifying and not clicking
  • Google Calendar / Outlook Calendar: creating and sharing events

Learning outcomes

  • Write a professional email with proper subject, body, and signature
  • Attach a file and send to multiple recipients (CC/BCC correctly)
  • Organise inbox with folders and filters
  • Create a calendar event and invite attendees

Hands-on activities

  • Write and send a job inquiry email to the instructor
  • Reply to an email, adding an attachment and CC'ing a colleague
  • Schedule a team meeting with 3 other learners via Google Calendar

Phase 3 capstone

Capstone: Produce a complete "New Employee Starter Pack" — a formatted onboarding document in Word, a budget tracker in Excel, a 6-slide welcome presentation in PowerPoint, and send the package to the instructor by professional email with all attachments correctly named.
M15
Google Workspace — Docs, Sheets & Slides
3 hrs

Topics covered

  • Google Docs vs Microsoft Word — similarities and differences
  • Real-time collaboration: sharing and editing simultaneously
  • Comment and suggestion mode
  • Version history — restoring earlier drafts
  • Google Forms for simple data collection
  • Converting between Google and Microsoft formats

Learning outcomes

  • Work collaboratively on a shared Google Doc in real time
  • Use comments and suggestions to give feedback
  • Restore a previous version of a document

Assessment

Collaborative task: Pairs of learners co-write a 1-page project proposal in Google Docs, leaving comments for each other, then convert it to .docx and submit.
4
Phase 4 · Weeks 12–14 · ~12 hours

Internet, Research & Digital Safety

Learners become effective, safe, and critical users of the internet — able to find reliable information, communicate via video call, manage their digital identity, and protect themselves from online threats.

Intermediate Browsing Research skills Video calls Cybersecurity Digital footprint
M16
Browsing, Searching & Research
3 hrs

Topics covered

  • What is the internet vs the web?
  • Browser basics: address bar, tabs, bookmarks, history
  • Effective Google searching: quotes, operators (site:, filetype:)
  • Evaluating sources: .gov vs random blog
  • Spotting fake news and misinformation
  • Downloading files safely
  • Browser extensions: ad blockers, password managers

Learning outcomes

  • Use advanced search operators to find specific information
  • Evaluate a website's credibility in under 2 minutes
  • Identify at least 3 signs of a fake news article

Hands-on activities

  • Research task: find 3 credible sources on a local topic (Jamaica economy)
  • Fact-check exercise: identify which of 5 given articles is misleading

Assessment

Practical: Use Google to research a provided question, identify 2 credible sources, and write a 150-word summary with citations.
M17
Video Calls & Digital Communication
3 hrs

Topics covered

  • Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams — setup and join
  • Camera, microphone, and speaker settings
  • Meeting etiquette: mute when not speaking, professional background
  • Screen sharing and annotating
  • WhatsApp / Telegram for professional groups
  • Netiquette: professional tone in digital messages
  • Setting up a professional profile picture and display name

Learning outcomes

  • Join and host a Zoom or Google Meet call independently
  • Share screen and manage participants
  • Apply professional communication standards in digital channels

Hands-on activities

  • Host a 5-minute class video call in Zoom (each learner takes a turn)
  • Screen share their Phase 3 PowerPoint in a live call

Assessment

Practical: Host a 5-minute Zoom meeting, share a document, use chat to send a message, and record the session. Submit the recording link.
M18
Cybersecurity & Staying Safe Online
3 hrs

Topics covered

  • Strong passwords: what makes them strong, using a passphrase
  • Password managers (Bitwarden — free and open source)
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — what it is and how to set it up
  • Phishing emails — how to spot them (6 red flags)
  • What malware and viruses are; how they spread
  • Windows Defender and when to use it
  • Public Wi-Fi risks and using VPNs
  • Your digital footprint — what you leave behind

Learning outcomes

  • Create and store strong passwords using a password manager
  • Enable 2FA on at least two accounts
  • Identify a phishing email from 6 visual cues
  • Run a full Windows Defender scan

Hands-on activities

  • Set up Bitwarden, migrate 5 existing passwords
  • Phishing identification quiz — real vs fake emails side by side
  • Enable 2FA on their Google account

Assessment

Quiz + practical: 10-question cybersecurity quiz (pass = 8/10) + demonstrate 2FA setup + identify all phishing emails in a set of 6 provided messages.
M19
Online Services & Everyday Digital Life
3 hrs

Topics covered

  • Online banking basics — what to do and what NOT to do
  • Government services online (tax filings, applications)
  • Filling out online forms safely
  • Online shopping: safe platforms, recognising scams
  • YouTube, Khan Academy, Coursera for self-learning
  • Social media: professional use of Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

Learning outcomes

  • Safely complete an online government or banking form
  • Identify a fraudulent online shopping site
  • Find and enrol in a free online course on Coursera or YouTube

Phase 4 capstone

Capstone: Security audit of their own digital life — change 3 weak passwords in Bitwarden, enable 2FA on 2 accounts, find and delete one unused online account, and write a 1-page "My Digital Safety Plan".
5
Phase 5 · Weeks 15–16 · ~10 hours

Professional Edge

The final phase prepares learners to enter the workforce digitally equipped. They build a professional online presence, learn to use AI tools productively, and sit a mock certification exam.

Advanced beginner LinkedIn AI tools Certification prep Digital portfolio
M20
Building a Professional Online Presence
3 hrs

Topics covered

  • What is LinkedIn and why every professional needs it
  • Profile setup: photo, headline, summary, experience
  • Connecting with colleagues and industry contacts
  • Writing a good LinkedIn post — thought leadership basics
  • Job searching on LinkedIn
  • Google yourself — managing your digital reputation
  • Professional email signature with correct contact details

Learning outcomes

  • Have a complete, professional LinkedIn profile with photo
  • Connect with at least 10 people from the course
  • Search for and save 3 job opportunities on LinkedIn

Hands-on activities

  • Complete 100% of LinkedIn profile in class
  • Write and publish a short LinkedIn post about a skill learned
  • Connect with every other learner in the cohort

Assessment

Practical: Share LinkedIn profile URL with instructor. Profile must have photo, headline, 3+ skills listed, and one post published.
M21
Working Smarter with AI Tools
3 hrs

Topics covered

  • What AI is (in simple terms) — and what it is not
  • ChatGPT / Claude for drafting, summarising, brainstorming
  • Microsoft Copilot in Word and Excel
  • Prompting well: giving AI clear instructions
  • Fact-checking AI output — never trust blindly
  • AI for learning: Khan Academy Khanmigo, Duolingo
  • Ethics: what not to use AI for (cheating, misinformation)

Learning outcomes

  • Use ChatGPT or Claude to draft a professional email
  • Use Copilot in Word to improve a document
  • Write a clear, effective AI prompt for a real task
  • Fact-check AI-generated content using credible sources

Hands-on activities

  • Use Claude to draft a job application letter, then edit it personally
  • Use Copilot in Excel to generate a formula for a dataset
  • AI fact-check challenge: 3 AI responses, spot the one error in each

Assessment

Practical: Complete a real-world task using AI assistance: write a formal complaint letter, then improve it with 3 specific prompt refinements. Submit both the first and final versions.
M22
Final Portfolio, Review & Certification Prep
4 hrs

Topics covered

  • Reviewing weakest areas per learner (personalised)
  • Northstar Digital Literacy assessment walkthrough
  • IC3 / MOS Fundamentals exam format and tips
  • Building a Google Drive portfolio of all capstone work
  • Writing a short "What I can do now" personal reflection
  • Next steps: where to go from here

Learning outcomes

  • Have a complete Google Drive portfolio of all 4 capstone projects
  • Pass a mock Northstar Digital Literacy assessment
  • Have a clear action plan for continued learning

Hands-on activities

  • Organise all capstone work into a shared Google Drive portfolio folder
  • Sit a 45-minute mock certification test (Northstar-style)
  • Graduation: present one portfolio piece to the class (2 minutes each)

Final capstone

Final portfolio assessment: A Google Drive folder containing: (1) A formatted 2-page CV in Word, (2) A budget tracker in Excel with chart, (3) A 6-slide professional presentation, (4) A cybersecurity action plan document, (5) A screenshot of their LinkedIn profile, (6) A 300-word reflection on what they learned. Reviewed by instructor against a rubric. Graduates receive a Code Factory Digital Skills Certificate.
Next Steps After Graduation

Graduates who pass this programme are ready to pursue industry-recognised certifications and career pathways.

Northstar Digital Literacy
Free assessment, widely accepted
IC3 Digital Literacy
Certiport global standard
Microsoft Office Specialist
Word, Excel, or PowerPoint
Google IT Support
Coursera / Google career cert