Computer Literacy Fundamentals

Nanodegree Program

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of software, hardware, programming, multimedia, and networks. You will delve into various software applications, hardware components, programming basics, multimedia creation, and network fundamentals. By the end of the program, you will have a broad understanding of these key IT areas, empowering you with foundational knowledge for further exploration and skill development.

Beginner

4 weeks

Real-world Projects

Completion Certificate

Last Updated April 29, 2024

Skills you'll learn:

Basic computer literacy • Data Analysis Awareness • Computer Programming Awareness

Prerequisites:

No experience required

Courses In This Program

Course 1 • 45 minutes

Welcome to the Nanodegree Program!

Welcome to Udacity! We're excited to share more about your Nanodegree program and start this journey with you!

Lesson 1

Welcome!

Welcome to Udacity. Takes 5 minutes to get familiar with Udacity courses and gain some tips to succeed in courses.

Lesson 2

Getting Help

You are starting a challenging but rewarding journey! Take 5 minutes to read how to get help with projects and content.

Lesson 1

Welcome!

Welcome to Udacity. Takes 5 minutes to get familiar with Udacity courses and gain some tips to succeed in courses.

Lesson 2

Getting Help

You are starting a challenging but rewarding journey! Take 5 minutes to read how to get help with projects and content.

Course 2 • 8 hours

Discover Software

In this course, you will gain practical skills in software applications, explore word processing with Google Docs, delve into artificial intelligence using Google Translate, master logic and programming with Blockly, and learn digital media encoding with Python. You will also enhance your proficiency in these tools and unlock new possibilities for success in the world of software

Lesson 1

Exploring Software-Word Processing with Google Docs

This lesson covers the basic components of computer software and files while introducing you to Google Docs.

Lesson 2

Exploring Software-Artificial Intelligence with Google Translate

This lesson discusses the uses of artificial intelligence and how it works. You are introduced to the concepts of probability and prediction while learning how to use Google Translate.

Lesson 3

Exploring Logic and Programming-Programming with Blockly

In this lesson, you will explore block-based programming using Blockly. You will be introduced to the concepts of sequencing, selection, and loops, and you will end by creating a Blockly program.

Lesson 4

Exploring Digital Media-Encoding with Python and Web Pages

This lesson will cover the basics of data encoding and how computers understand data. You will be introduced to the binary number system and get a chance to explore ASCII and Unicode.

Lesson 1

Exploring Software-Word Processing with Google Docs

This lesson covers the basic components of computer software and files while introducing you to Google Docs.

Lesson 2

Exploring Software-Artificial Intelligence with Google Translate

This lesson discusses the uses of artificial intelligence and how it works. You are introduced to the concepts of probability and prediction while learning how to use Google Translate.

Lesson 3

Exploring Logic and Programming-Programming with Blockly

In this lesson, you will explore block-based programming using Blockly. You will be introduced to the concepts of sequencing, selection, and loops, and you will end by creating a Blockly program.

Lesson 4

Exploring Digital Media-Encoding with Python and Web Pages

This lesson will cover the basics of data encoding and how computers understand data. You will be introduced to the binary number system and get a chance to explore ASCII and Unicode.

Course 3 • 8 hours

Discover Hardware

In this course, you will explore the fundamentals of computer hardware, gain insights into the physical components of computer hardware, understand the role of memory and operating systems, learn about file systems and the command line, and dive into the world of physical networks and their functionality. You will also expand your knowledge and develop a solid foundation in computer hardware through this engaging and informative course.

Lesson 1

Exploring Hardware-Physical Components of Computer Hardware

This lesson goes over the basic hardware components that make up a computer. We'll discuss how we measure these different components and how to compare the same type of component.

Lesson 2

Exploring Hardware-Memory and Operating Systems

In this lesson, we will take a closer look at the different types of memory used in computer hardware, along with the role of firmware, operating systems, and mobile operating systems.

Lesson 3

Exploring Hardware-File Systems and the Command Line

This lesson will explore the command line and basic commands used to navigate filesystems. In addition, we will take a closer look at file systems and file formats.

Lesson 4

Exploring Networks-Physical Networks and Their Functionality

In this lesson, we'll cover the different physical network connections and the differences in speed between them. We'll also investigate basic network protocols and network security.

Lesson 1

Exploring Hardware-Physical Components of Computer Hardware

This lesson goes over the basic hardware components that make up a computer. We'll discuss how we measure these different components and how to compare the same type of component.

Lesson 2

Exploring Hardware-Memory and Operating Systems

In this lesson, we will take a closer look at the different types of memory used in computer hardware, along with the role of firmware, operating systems, and mobile operating systems.

Lesson 3

Exploring Hardware-File Systems and the Command Line

This lesson will explore the command line and basic commands used to navigate filesystems. In addition, we will take a closer look at file systems and file formats.

Lesson 4

Exploring Networks-Physical Networks and Their Functionality

In this lesson, we'll cover the different physical network connections and the differences in speed between them. We'll also investigate basic network protocols and network security.

Course 4 • 8 hours

Discover Programming

In this course, you will delve into the world of programming, explore the power of strings in programming through Blockly, discover the art of programming mobile apps with a focus on strings, master control structures for mobile app development, and gain proficiency in the versatile programming language Python. You will also unlock the secrets of programming and unleash your creativity in this course.

Lesson 1

Exploring Programming-Programming with Strings in Blockly

Discover programming with strings in Blockly, covering user input, string manipulation, list handling, and building projects like a superhero name generator.

Lesson 2

Exploring Programming-Programming Mobile Apps with Strings

Learn to create a mobile app with Thunkable, focusing on app planning, UI elements, events, and string input/output to build a story generator app.

Lesson 3

Exploring Programming-Programming Mobile Apps with Control Structures

Dive into mobile app development with control structures, learn to use if/else blocks, loops, manage app data, and explore databases.

Lesson 4

Exploring Programming-Programming in Python

Discover Python programming: Learn syntax, key functions, string handling, conditional statements.

Lesson 1

Exploring Programming-Programming with Strings in Blockly

Discover programming with strings in Blockly, covering user input, string manipulation, list handling, and building projects like a superhero name generator.

Lesson 2

Exploring Programming-Programming Mobile Apps with Strings

Learn to create a mobile app with Thunkable, focusing on app planning, UI elements, events, and string input/output to build a story generator app.

Lesson 3

Exploring Programming-Programming Mobile Apps with Control Structures

Dive into mobile app development with control structures, learn to use if/else blocks, loops, manage app data, and explore databases.

Lesson 4

Exploring Programming-Programming in Python

Discover Python programming: Learn syntax, key functions, string handling, conditional statements.

Taught By The Best

Rebecca Coutts

Senior Technical Content Developer at Udacity

Rebecca has been with Udacity for 3 years and works as a senior technical content developer helping to create curriculum across a wide array of subjects. Prior to her time at Udacity she worked as a college instructor teaching and creating curriculum for programming, data structures, and algorithms. She has also developed K-12 robotics curriculum and developed assessments for the Advanced Placement Computer Science program.

Valerie Scarlata

Senior Technical Content Developer at Udacity

Valerie is a Sr. Technical Content Developer at Udacity who has developed and taught a broad range of computing curricula for multiple colleges and universities. She is a former professor and software engineer for over 10 years specializing in web, mobile, voice assistant, and full-stack application development.

The Udacity Difference

Combine technology training for employees with industry experts, mentors, and projects, for critical thinking that pushes innovation. Our proven upskilling system goes after success—relentlessly.

Demonstrate proficiency with practical projects

Projects are based on real-world scenarios and challenges, allowing you to apply the skills you learn to practical situations, while giving you real hands-on experience.

Gain proven experience
Retain knowledge longer
Apply new skills immediately

Top-tier services to ensure learner success

Reviewers provide timely and constructive feedback on your project submissions, highlighting areas of improvement and offering practical tips to enhance your work.