What is the course about? 

This course will help you make the most of your smartphone so you can be confident and safe when you use it. You will learn some key terminology to help you understand how the smartphone works and identify for example the version of the ‘operating system’ you are using and what a SIM card is. 

Is a pre-enrolment interview or assessment required for this course? 

Yes, you will need to sit an initial assessment to check your level of English  

What level is the course and do I require particular skills, experience or prior qualifications? 

This is a beginners course for those who wish to improve their general digital literacy and in particular those looking to become more confident on their smartphone  

What topics does the course cover? 

We will aim to cover all or most of the following 

• Key terminology about how a smartphone works to help identify for example the version of the ‘operating system’ you are using and what is SIM card 
• key features of the phone and how to use them – home screen, status bar, notifications and navigation bar  
• changing settings  
• using Wi-Fi 
• customising various features  
• managing apps – how to add and delete them from your phone, where to put them, how to organise them so they are easy to find  
• how to navigate between different screens  
• Identifying data storage – how to control this, how to free up space on your phone, how to make sure you don’t go over your limit, how to store large files such as photos and music.  
• maximising battery life and controlling which apps are running at any one time on your phone  
• security and how to make sure the data you access via your phone is safe and private especially when syncing  
• a variety of popular apps you can use for example to make group video calls. 

How will I be taught and assessed? Will there be any work outside the class? 

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment with an emphasis on your discovering how to do and complete tasks, with guidance from the tutor.  

You will work on your own and with other students on different tasks so you are always practising important in-demand life and work skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, prioritising, negotiating, collaborating and independence. You will learn in a step by step manner so you can complete challenging tasks in enjoyable and relaxing ways. Your tutor will also work with you individually so you know how to improve and how to work in a way that improves your learning. 

Are there any other costs or equipment I need to get? 

You will need a pen, some lined A4 paper and a file to keep your work in.  

You will need to have your own smartphone. There are no additional costs. 

What will we cover? 

• Most or all of the following:
• identify and use key terminology about how a smartphone works
• identify the version of the ‘operating system’ you are using and what SIM card is
• identify and use key features of the phone – home screen, status bar, notifications and navigation bar
• change key settings
• use Wi-Fi
• customise your phone
• manage apps – including adding and deleting them from your phone, know where to put them, how to organise them so they are easy to find, navigate between different screens, pin apps to certain screens, and identify the difference is between an app and a widget
• control data storage so you can free up space on your phone, make sure you don’t go over your limit, store large files such as photos and music.
• maximise the phone’s battery use life and control which apps are running at any one time on your phone
• make your phone secure including all the data you access via your phone especially when syncing
• back up your files
• use a variety of popular apps for example to make group video calls. 

When I finish, what should I be able to do next? 

There are few courses you can do after this course. These include:  

• Becoming confident in digital security: how to protect your data and privacy on your PC, Internet and smartphone  
• You can also do classes in the maths and English areas.