Knowing how to use Learnfree.org, the evolution of GCF Global, can be an excellent tool for learning all sorts of computer skills.
In this post we’ll go over what it is, how to access it, some key changes from its predecessor, GCF Global, and how you can utilize all that is has to offer.
What is Learnfree and GCF Global?
Learnfree is a website created by the Goodwill Community Foundation, that focuses on self paced, online learning about a multitude of topics including as:
- Computer and Internet Basics Basics
- Microsoft Office, Google Docs
- Workplace skills
- Math
- Reading
- Job Skills and Learning
- AI and Tech Evolution
This was all available on their original site, GCFglobal.org, but recently it has received an overhaul with a lot of new updates.
Account Creation
The first recommended step when using this website is to create an account.
This allows you to personalize suggestions, set goals, and save your progress on certain assessments.
Goals Section
First lets start with the Goals section. Here you can select from a list of seven main categories that the website has to offer.
After selecting a goal, certain learning pages will be suggested within that goal. This gives us good structure and allows the curators to set the terms what progresses to what.
This is beneficial because it streamlines the self learning process, and allows you to get the basics down before moving onto other advanced sections.
Challenges sECTION
Lets use the “Learn Microsoft Word and Google Tools” as our example, as that is a common topic here at SDM.
You will see a challenges section, a trending section, and a read this now section.
The challenge section offers us three sections all focused on general computer knowledge. These are the same no matter which goal you select. This is foundational and the information within them is critical because if you do not understand them, you will have a lot of moving on.
These challenges are not intended for one sitting if you are a novice user. If the information within them is unnecessary for your learning goals, parts can be ignored or completed quickly if desired.
Trending SECTION
Once the challenges are complete, you will encounter the trending section. This offers you relevant information about the selected topic. There is also a view more option to get even more related information.
Within the explore section, you can find more specific information about select topics, with Office 2016 tutorials being one of them.
Read This Now SECTION
Lastly in the goal section you will find articles GCF has chosen on certain subjects pertaining to that goal.
This is often in the form of blog posts similar to ours, and articles you will find online.
Explore section and Tutorials
We at SDM have always used the Office 2016 tutorials Learnfree/GCF has to offer as they help us structure our teaching of this topic. These and all other topics can be easily found when searching in the Explore section.
Although the 2016 versions of these programs are around a decade old now, they are similar enough to the modern versions that these tutorials are still some of the best you can find for free.
When using these tutorials you will see they offer a video, and a text recap with the same content as the video. They then offer a quiz or challenge at the end.
There are also other related assessments that can be taken when selecting a certain topic in the explore section.
Personalized Home Page
The Home page transforms from a landing page to your own personalized home page when signed in.
This page offers us insights and analytics into your journey and progress on the website.
On the home page you can:
- Add new goals
- Filter goals and view their progress
- Use their habit tracker
- Track tasks
- Track learning streaks C
- Continue any challenges or assessments you have not finished.
It also links to recently viewed tutorials and pages you have visited, for quick access next time you come to the website.
If you have specific questions about how to use Learnfree.org, or if our terminology isn’t clear, please use our contact form to send us a message, or give us a call and make an appointment.
