Timberdoodle Review: CompuScholar Tech Essentials

As a homeschooling mom of multiple ages (with toddlers running through the living room at any given moment), finding a solid, independent, REAL LIFE tech curriculum has always been a struggle.

I can handle history.
I can handle grammar.
Math? We survive.

But teaching technology?
Especially in a world where everything is changing so fast?
I needed help.

So when our Timberdoodle 7th-grade kit arrived and included CompuScholar’s Tech Essentials, I was relieved. Curious. And honestly… a little excited for my son, who is extremely tech-minded and dreams of working for NASA one day.

After digging into the lessons, completing activities, reading through the teacher guides, and watching my son actually enjoy learning tech, I can confidently say — this course is a keeper.

Below is my full, mom-to-mom Timberdoodle review of CompuScholar’s Tech Essentials.

What Is CompuScholar Tech Essentials?

Tech Essentials is a fully online, self-paced digital literacy and computer science course that teaches your child the skills they absolutely need in 2025 and beyond:

• Typing & keyboarding
• File management
• Operating systems
• Internet safety
• Online research skills
• Presentations
• Multimedia creation
• Intro to coding (Blockly + Python!)
• CAD design tools
• App navigation
• Digital communication etiquette
• Cybersecurity basics
• And much more

Everything is taught through:

• Clear written lessons
• Optional instructional videos
• Practice exercises (“Work with Me”)
• Auto-graded quizzes
• Hands-on chapter activities
• End-of-chapter tests

And as a busy mom, THIS part sealed the deal for me:

Students work independently.
Everything is laid out step-by-step, and the course is designed for them to learn on their own — which is exactly what CompuScholar emphasizes. You can check it out here.

Logging In + Teacher Tools (What Moms Need to Know)

When you sign up, you receive:

• A student code
• A teacher code

Your child gets a student dashboard with their lessons, activities, progress bar, and grades.
You get a teacher dashboard with:

• Full lesson guides
• Answer keys
• Rubrics
• Activity solutions
• Gradebook controls
• Easy oversight without hovering

If your student ever gets stuck, the teacher account lets you peek at hints or reset assignments. Including this was a no-brainer for me! I highly recommend signing up.

A Look Inside the Course

Chapter One: File Management

Chapter One gives kids the foundations they must understand before they can work confidently on a computer. It starts with the basics—what filenames are, how extensions work (.jpg, .pdf, .mp4, etc.), and why the “name • dot • extension” structure matters.

Kids learn:

• What files and folders actually are
• How to name files correctly
• Why capitalization matters (SPIDERS.pdf vs spiders.pdf)
• Common extensions and what each one tells the computer
• How to build organized folder structures

The chapter also introduces cloud storage, explaining the difference between local files and cloud-based files using simple diagrams. My son especially loved the OneDrive lesson because it helped him understand how syncing works across devices.

Finally, students get hands-on practice with simple spreadsheets and charts, learning how to select data, create graphs, and visualize information. It’s quick, confidence-building, and the perfect bridge into the rest of the course.

Chapter Three: Word Processing

Chapter Three walks students through the essentials of creating and editing documents — something every middle schooler will use constantly. The lessons use examples from Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and other word processors, so no matter what program your child uses, the steps apply.

Kids learn how to:

• Open and create new documents
• Type, edit, and format text
• Use basic tools (bold, italics, underline, alignment, etc.)
• Cut, copy, and paste correctly
• Save and name documents the right way

The chapter also includes a Typing Skills lesson, which reviews posture, hand placement, home row, and accuracy. The graphics comparing correct vs. incorrect posture were especially helpful, and the color-coded keyboard chart makes finger placement much easier to understand.

The typing section covers:

• Touch typing basics
• Proper posture
• Home row placement
• Reaching keys without looking
• Words Per Minute (WPM)
• Accuracy and improvement over time

Overall, Chapter Three gives kids the practical writing and typing skills they’ll use in every subject — not just tech.

Chapter Four: Multimedia

In this chapter, your student gets a simple, hands-on introduction to creating digital videos — a skill they’ll use again and again in school and in everyday life. They’ll learn how to use basic recording tools, how to plan and film a short video, and how to safely share their creativity without revealing personal information.

By the end of the chapter, they’ll understand:

• How to use a camera or webcam to record video
• How to capture short clips or screen recordings
• How to plan a simple script or idea
• How to identify important multimedia tools like microphones, scenes, and USB connections

Overall, this lesson helps students build confidence using technology while practicing creativity, storytelling, and responsible online behavior. Now this is something I didn’t really expect a course to teach, but I’m so glad it’s included.

Chapter Five: Online Research

This chapter teaches your student how to confidently navigate the internet and find reliable information — a skill they’ll use in every subject, not just technology. They’ll learn how search engines work, how to choose strong keywords, and how to sort through results to find what’s actually useful.

By the end of the chapter, students will understand:

• How to perform basic and advanced online searches
• How to evaluate sources for accuracy, bias, and reliability
• How to identify misinformation or exaggerated claims
• How to gather information for a simple research project

Overall, this chapter helps kids become smart, cautious, and capable online researchers — especially important in a world where information isn’t always trustworthy.

What Moms Can Expect Students to Learn in Chapter Six: Presentations

Chapter Six introduces students to the world of digital presentations—a skill they’ll use throughout middle school, high school, and beyond. In this chapter, students will learn:

• How to open and navigate a presentation program (like PowerPoint or Google Slides)
• How to create new slides, choose layouts, and add content
• How to insert text, images, and simple design elements
• Where the main tools and menus are located and what each one does
• How to save, edit, and organize a complete presentation

Overall, this chapter builds confidence with real-world presentation tools so students can communicate their ideas clearly and creatively—whether for school projects, group assignments, or early digital skills development.

Chapter Eight: Coding Concepts

Chapter Eight takes students deeper into the world of technology by introducing them to foundational coding and design skills. This chapter is designed to make coding feel approachable and creative—even for total beginners—while also giving more advanced learners room to explore.

Here’s what students will learn:

Understanding Different Coding Languages

Students discover that computers “speak” many languages, just like people do. They’ll be introduced to:

• Block-based coding (easy drag-and-drop instructions)
• Text-based coding (typing real code like Python)

How different languages are used for different tasks
This gives them a strong foundation before choosing which direction they want to grow.

Block-Based Coding for Hands-On Practice

Using programs like Blockly or Scratch, students will:

• Move characters and create motion
• Change colors, angles, and directions
• Build simple scenes, patterns, or animations
  Block coding helps them understand logic, sequencing, and problem-solving without worrying about typing mistakes.

Introduction to Python Coding

Students also get their first experience writing real code. They will learn:

• How to type and run basic Python commands
• What a “print” statement is and how programs run in order
• How to read simple error messages
  This sparks confidence and shows them they can write actual code.

Exploring CAD Design Tools

Students are introduced to Computer-Aided Design, where they can:

• Explore 2D and 3D modeling
• See how engineers and designers plan cars, robots, and other products
• Understand how virtual designs are created before anything is built
  This is perfect for kids who love building, designing, or imagining inventions.

Chapter Thirteen: Digital Safety

Chapter 13 gives students a solid foundation in staying safe online, something every mom appreciates in today’s digital world. In this chapter, kids learn:

Understanding Online Threats

Students are introduced to the most common digital dangers:

• Viruses & malware
• Spyware & adware
• Ransomware
• Hackers

They learn what these threats are, how they spread, and why safe browsing habits matter.

Recognizing Phishing Scams

Your student will practice spotting fake links, suspicious emails, and misleading messages.
They’ll learn:

• How scammers trick people
• How to hover over a link to check where it really goes
• What “urgent” or “too good to be true” messages look like

This gives them real-world skills to avoid online scams. Check it out for yourself, here.

Identifying Online Predators & Protecting Personal Info

Students learn why sharing personal details online is risky and how predators disguise themselves.
They’ll be taught:

• To never share real names, addresses, or school info
• To be cautious with strangers asking for photos or private chats
• To talk to a parent or trusted adult if anything feels off

This section strengthens their online awareness and boundaries.

Healthy Tech Habits & Avoiding Overuse

The chapter also discusses digital balance — an important reminder for kids growing up on screens.
Students explore:

• Why too much screen time can affect mood, relationships, and social skills
• How online communication lacks body language, tone, and nuance
• Why intentional breaks matter

It’s a simple but powerful introduction to mindful tech use.

Final Thoughts

What I love most about CompuScholar’s Tech Essentials is how it takes something that can feel overwhelming—even for us as adults—and turns it into simple, doable steps our kids can actually enjoy. This program doesn’t just teach “computer skills.” It builds confidence. It gives our kids the language, the awareness, and the hands-on practice they need to navigate a digital world that’s always changing.

Watching my son work through these chapters reminded me that tech doesn’t have to be intimidating. When it’s broken down clearly and taught with real-life examples, it becomes exciting. Empowering. Accessible. And CompuScholar does exactly that. It makes the basics of technology feel approachable, meaningful, and even fun.

As homeschool moms, we want our kids to be prepared—not just for high school, but for the world they’re stepping into. This course truly bridges that gap. It gives them essential skills, keeps them safe, sparks creativity, and respects their curiosity. And for me, that’s everything I could ask for in a tech curriculum.

If you’ve been looking for a gentle, engaging, and genuinely helpful way to introduce your child to the world of technology, this is it.