Module 01 — Computer Fundamentals¶
Duration: 2–3 sessions · Audience: All
The universal prerequisite. Every Boot Up participant starts here unless they test out.
Learning objectives¶
By the end of Module 01, a participant can:
- Identify the main hardware components of a laptop (screen, keyboard, trackpad, ports, charger)
- Power on, log in, lock, and shut down the device
- Navigate the Ubuntu desktop, taskbar, and application menu
- Create, rename, move, and delete files and folders
- Use keyboard shortcuts for copy, paste, undo, save
- Check for and install software updates
- Recognize when something is wrong and ask for help
Session breakdown¶
Session 1 — The device in front of you. What a computer is; physical tour. Power on, log in (password set with the participant). Desktop tour: where things live, what icons mean. Mouse / trackpad basics: click, double-click, right-click. Open and close an application. Lock and unlock the screen.
Session 2 — Files and typing. Files vs. folders (paper / folder / filing cabinet). Create a document in LibreOffice Writer. Saving — where it goes, naming, finding it later. Typing practice (comfortable, not fast). Shortcuts: Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+Z, Ctrl+S. Rename, move, delete files.
Session 3 — Maintenance and self-rescue (optional, audience-dependent). Software updates: what and why. The Software Center. Basic troubleshooting before calling for help. Restarting cleanly vs. holding the power button. Where the help desk lives.
Hands-on assignment¶
By the end of Session 2 the participant should have: created a personal folder, created and saved a LibreOffice document inside it, closed and reopened it, renamed it, and found it again the next session without help.
Common adaptations¶
| Audience | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Seniors | Slow pace; pair with Module 08; skip Session 3 |
| Youth | Compress Sessions 1–2; let typing be competitive; lean into customization |
| Recovery / reentry | Same content, extra time on password creation and account ownership — often the first account that's really theirs |
| Tested-out | Brief skills check; jump directly to Module 02 |
Assessment for award eligibility¶
A facilitator confirms (no written test): Can the participant log in independently? Open an app, do something, save, and close? Find the file they made last session? If yes to all three, Module 01 is complete.