Course Catalog / BMU 010 / Lesson 5 of 5

BMU 010

Quick review

1. Name the three main video call buttons.

See the answer

Mute, camera, and leave.

2. When should you join a call?

See the answer

About 5 minutes early.

Why this matters

When you search the web, the first links are not always the best ones. Some are ads. Companies pay to put them there.

In this lesson you will learn to tell an ad from a regular result. Then you will do the capstone: scan, name, and send a practice form.

Start with what you already do

You already know a TV ad from a TV show.

Common belief: The top result is always the best one.

What is actually true: Google says ads appear under an Ads or Sponsored label, often at the top. Regular search results do not have that label.

Key words

search result

A link the search engine shows because it matches your words, not because someone paid.

ad

A link a company paid to show. It has an Ads or Sponsored label.

official site

The real site of a government office or company, like irs.gov.

Ads vs. search results

Google says its search results are separate from its ads. Some sites look official but charge for things that are free on the real site. For government services, look for a web address that ends in .gov.

Search smart in three steps

1. Type a few clear words, like renew ID card Texas.
2. Skip anything labeled Ads or Sponsored if you want the official site.
3. Check the web address before you tap.

Test yourself, if you want

Northstar Digital Literacy has online assessments in many skill areas. It is an outside group, not a BMU credential. Visit Northstar.

Text version of this figure

Your capstone. Scan, name, send, prove it.

1. Step 1, Scan: A practice form, flat and in good light.
2. Step 2, Name it: Last name, what it is, month and year.
3. Step 3, Email it to yourself: Clear subject and a short message.
4. Check it came: Open the email and the file.
5. Screenshot: Proof of the sent email.

Source: Apple Support; Google Drive Help; Gmail Help (Oct 29, 2026).

Worked example: Rita's capstone

1. Rita prints a practice job form from the library.
2. She scans it with Notes and names it Lopez Practice Form Oct 2026.
3. She emails it to herself. Subject: Practice job form, Rita Lopez.
4. Message: Hello, I attached my practice form. Rita Lopez.
5. She opens the email, checks the file, and takes a screenshot.

Rita is a made up example.

Worked example 2: Joe looks for a free card replacement

Joe needs a new Social Security card. He searches replace social security card. The top result has the word Sponsored. It is a site that charges a fee to fill out the form. He scrolls down to the result with an address ending in ssa.gov. Social Security says a replacement card is free.

Joe is a made up example.

Practice: Pick the safe result

You search renew passport. Here are three made up results. Which do you open, and why?

1. Sponsored: FastPassportForms, We file it for you, $89
2. travel.state.gov, Renew my passport
3. passportrenewalhelp.net, Easy renewal service

Check your practice: feedback

1. Skip it. Sponsored means it is an ad, and it charges for help.
2. Open this one. The address ends in .gov, so it is the official site.
3. Skip it. It does not end in .gov, and it may charge for a free step.

Common mistakes

• Tapping the first link without looking. Look for the Ads or Sponsored label.
• Paying a site for a free government form. Look for .gov.
• Using a real form with private details for practice. Use a practice form.

Check your understanding

Take it as many times as you like. Pick an answer, then open the feedback.

1. A result has the word Sponsored next to it. What is it?

1. An ad
2. The official site
3. A news story

See the answer and feedback

A is correct. Yes. Someone paid for it.

B: Not always. Review Ads vs. search results.

C: Sponsored means paid. Review Ads vs. search results.

2. You want to file a government form for free. Which web address is the safest bet?

1. formsfast.com
2. a site ending in .gov
3. the first search result

See the answer and feedback

B is correct. Yes. Government sites end in .gov.

A: That may charge for a free form. Review Ads vs. search results.

C: The first result can be a paid site. Look for .gov. Review Ads vs.

3. What is the proof for the capstone?

1. A note that says you sent it
2. A photo of your phone
3. A screenshot of the sent email

See the answer and feedback

C is correct. Yes. It shows you sent it.

A: A note is not proof. Take a screenshot of the sent email. Review Your capstone.

B: Use a screenshot. Review Your capstone.

Capstone rubric

This is your course project. It is checked on 6 rows: Scan, File name, Attachment, Subject line, Message, Proof. See what Ready means on the Course project page.

When it is done, build it on the Course project page and press Check my project. Your certificate needs it.

Use it: your follow up plan

• In 7 days: Lock one more account with a passphrase and two step login.
• In 30 days: Scan and send one real document you need, retake the self check, and pick your next course.
• Put both dates on your calendar now.

Your job aid: print or save the Phone and Computer Checklist.

Keep learning

• BMU 120 AI 101: use AI tools with care.
• BMU 050 Spot the Scam: protect your accounts and money (free).
• BMU 080 Google Docs and Sheets: make a clean letter and a simple budget (All Access, Lesson 1 free).
• BMU 035 Is It True? Check Claims and Sources: coming soon.

One question for us: What one change would make this course more useful for you?

Next up

You finished the lessons. Now take the Posttest. Score 80% or higher to pass, and retake it as often as you need. Then answer a short optional survey and get your Certificate of Completion.

Your certificate needs both the Posttest and your course project.

Key words: Course glossary (A to Z, with the lesson that teaches each one).

Stuck or have a question? Ask BMU Learner Support.

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