Access Guide Teacher Resource Teacher Resource Connect Anywhere Lesson Suite
Access Guide
Instructional strategies for teaching public tech access to students in transition or with limited personal technology.
Lesson Objectives
Identify 3+ local free computer access points.
Successfully navigate library or guest login screens.
Connect to and authenticate on public WiFi networks.
Apply data persistence strategies (saving to cloud/email).
Facilitation Tips
Normalize the Need
Frame public access as a "power move" used by remote workers, travelers, and students alike. This reduces the stigma associated with not having home internet. Use terms like "Working in the Field" or "Mobile HQ".
Addressing Potential Shame
Some students may feel embarrassed about not having a "permanent address" for library forms. Pre-identify local libraries that have "Digital-Only" cards or "Access Passes" for individuals in transition.
Solving Barriers
Barrier Teacher Solution No Permanent Address Help students use the school's address or a local shelter's address with permission. Many libraries have policies specifically for unhoused patrons. Lost/Forgotten PINs Create a secure "Digital Wallet" note for students (physical or digital) where they can record login details in a cryptic but memorable way. Data Loss Heavily emphasize the "Send-to-Self" rule. Practice emailing a draft document to themselves before the end of the lesson.
Classroom Activities
1. The WiFi Scavenger Hunt
Take a short walk with a device. Identify icons, name the networks, and check if they lead to a "Splash Page." Discuss which networks feel "safest."
2. The "30-Minute Sprint"
Give students a task (e.g., find a job listing) and set a timer for 30 minutes to simulate a library time limit. Practice saving work at the 25-minute mark.
Quick-Ref: Digital Safety for Students
The "Always" List
The "Never" List
Never select "Remember Me" on a public computer login.
Never leave the computer unattended , even for a bathroom break.
Tech Navigator Worksheet Expanded Tech Navigator
Your toolkit for getting connected, anywhere.
Name:
Date:
Mission 1: Finding the Hub
Computers are everywhere if you know where to look. Identify three local spots where you can access technology for free.
Location #1 (Closest to Me)
Operating Hours
How will you get there? (Bus route, walking directions)
Location #2
Location #3
The Librarian Hack: If a library asks for a card and you don't have a permanent address, ask for a "Guest Pass" or a "Limited Use Account." Most libraries have options for people in transition.
Part 2: Accessing the Network
Mission 2: Login Hero
START
1. Is the screen black?
YES: Try this...
NO
2. "INVALID LOGIN" Troubleshooting
Check #1
Check #2
Check #3
SUCCESS!
Mission 3: WiFi Hunter
Available Networks
Public_Library_Guest
Secure_Staff_WiFi
Starbucks_WiFi
Which network is for the library? Why?
What does the icon mean?
The "Splash Page" Rule
If you connect but can't see websites, open a Web Browser (Chrome/Edge) to find the "Agree" button.
I AGREE
CONNECT
Part 3: Digital Survival
Mission 4: Navigation
File Explorer
Start Menu
Gateway for all apps and shutdown
Where you find saved homework
Mission 5: Survival Plan
Public computers WIPE EVERYTHING when you log off. Describe your plan for these three methods:
Email It
Cloud Drive
USB Drive
My Survival Promise:
"Before I click 'Log Out', I will check that I have..."
The Tech Navigator's Log
What is the #1 rule you will follow to make sure your work is safe?
Tech Navigator Worksheet Expanded Tech Navigator
Your guide to finding and using free computers.
Name:
Date:
Mission 1: Finding the Hub
Locate three free access points in your community.
Location #1 (Closest to Me)
Name of Library or School
Hours Open Today
Street Address
Bus Route or Walk Time
Location #2
Hours Open Today
Notes (e.g., "Good WiFi", "Quiet", "Needs Library Card")
Location #3 (The Backup Plan)
Operating Hours
The "No Address" Hack
If a library requires a permanent address for a card and you don't have one, ask for a "Limited Use Account" or a "Guest Pass." Most public libraries have rules to help everyone get connected. Don't be afraid to ask the person at the front desk!
Part 2: Accessing the Network
Mission 2: Login Hero
Complete the digital survival flowchart below.
START
1 Is the screen black?
If YES, I will try:
IF NO: MOVE ON
2. "INVALID LOGIN" TROUBLESHOOTING
List 3 specific things you'll check before calling for help.
Check #1
Check #2
Check #3
LOGGED IN!
Mission 3: Signal Hunter
WiFi Network Selection
Public_Library_Guest
Secure_Internal_Net
Community_WiFi_Free
Analysis: Which one and why?
Which network would you try first? Why is the middle one a bad choice for you right now?
The "Splash Page" Check
If the WiFi says "Connected" but you can't see the internet, what specific program should you open to find the "Agree" button?
Part 3: Interface Mastery
Mission 4: Navigation
Matching: Draw a line from the icon to its correct digital job.
File Explorer
Start Menu
Minimize
Gateway for all apps, shutdown, and settings
Where you find your saved schoolwork and downloads
Hides the window in the taskbar but keeps it open
Part 4.5: The Web Browser
Identify these browser tools. Label them on the lines below.
https://www.google.com
Where do you type a website address?
Which button "reloads" a broken page?
Tech Navigator Worksheet Expanded Tech Navigator
Your guide to finding and using free computers.
Name:
Date:
Mission 1: Finding the Hub
Locate three reliable free computer spots in your area.
Location #1 (Main Choice)
Operating Hours
How to get there / Bus Route #
Location #2
Operating Hours
Notes (e.g., "Always quiet", "Has printing")
Location #3 (Backup)
Operating Hours
Librarian Tip: If a location asks for a card and you don't have a permanent address, ask for a "Guest Pass" or a "Digital Access Card." Most places are ready to help you get online!
Mission 2: Login Hero
Troubleshoot your way from a dark screen to a working desktop.
1. SIT DOWN
Is the screen black?
IF YES:
Write what you'll try (e.g., check monitor button, wiggle mouse)
IF NO:
Go to Step 2
"Please Enter Login"
List the 2 most likely IDs you'll need at a library or school:
ID #1
ID #2
Error!
"Invalid ID or Password"
What are two things you should double-check before asking for help?
1
2
DESKTOP ACCESS
Mission 3: Signal Hunter
Master the "Splash Page" and open WiFi networks.
Available WiFi
Public_Library_WiFi
Staff_Secure_5G
CoffeeShop_Free
The "Splash Page" Secret
If you connect to WiFi but the internet doesn't work, what program should you open immediately to find the "Agree" button?
Security Question
Can you connect to a network with the icon without a password? Why not?
Mission 4: Interface Mastery
Match the icon to its digital job. Draw a line between them.
File Explorer
Start Menu
Minimize
Gateway for all apps and settings
Hides a window but keeps it open
Where you find saved homework and files
Mission 5: Survival Plan
Public computers WIPE EVERYTHING when you log off. Describe your personal plan for these three backup methods.
Email It To Myself
Which email address will you use?
Cloud Drive (Google/iCloud)
Tech Navigator Worksheet Expanded Tech Navigator
Your guide to finding and using free computers.
Name:
Date:
Mission 1: Finding the Hub
Locate three reliable free computer spots in your area.
Location #1 (Main Choice)
Operating Hours
How to get there / Bus Route #
Location #2
Operating Hours
Notes (e.g., "Always quiet", "Has printing")
Location #3 (Backup)
Operating Hours
Librarian Tip: If a location asks for a card and you don't have a permanent address, ask for a "Guest Pass" or a "Digital Access Card." Most places are ready to help you get online!
Mission 2: Login Hero
Troubleshoot your way from a dark screen to a working desktop.
1. SIT DOWN
Is the screen black?
IF YES:
Write what you'll try (e.g., check monitor button, wiggle mouse)
IF NO:
Go to Step 2
"Please Enter Login"
List the 2 most likely IDs you'll need at a library or school:
ID #1
ID #2
Error!
"Invalid ID or Password"
What are two things you should double-check before asking for help?
1
2
DESKTOP ACCESS
Mission 3: Signal Hunter
Master the "Splash Page" and open WiFi networks.
Available WiFi
Public_Library_WiFi
Staff_Secure_5G
CoffeeShop_Free
The "Splash Page" Secret
If you connect to WiFi but the internet doesn't work, what program should you open immediately to find the "Agree" button?
Security Question
Can you connect to a network with the icon without a password? Why not?
Mission 4: Interface Mastery
Match the icon to its digital job. Draw a line between them.
File Explorer
Start Menu
Minimize
Gateway for all apps and settings
Hides a window but keeps it open
Where you find saved homework and files
Mission 5: Survival Plan
Public computers WIPE EVERYTHING when you log off. Describe your personal plan for these three backup methods.
Email It To Myself
Which email address will you use?
Cloud Drive (Google/iCloud)