Becoming confident in Digital Skills (Entry 1)

What is the course about?

This course will give you all the confidence you need to start using Word, Excel and PowerPoint both inside and outside work. You will learn vital word processing skills, how to create spreadsheets, budgets and tables as well as develop presentation skills. .

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?

You should have completed a beginner course (such as Digital Skills: The Essentials) or have some basic confidence using a computer or phone. You should be able to type a short sentence and follow instructions in English at Entry 3 or above.

What topics does the course cover?

We will aim to cover all or most of the following:

• Identifying and recognising the key features of a Word, Exec, PowerPoint and Outlook window.
• Identifying and recognising what you use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook for.
• Creating, opening and saving Word documents such as letters and basic templates.
• Entering and editing text by inserting, deleting, moving, copying and pasting it.
• Formatting a text to make it look good by changing font type, font size, font colour, bold, italics.
• Using spell check and grammar check so your documents are accurate.
• Printing documents successfully.
• Entering data and text in Excel.
• Presenting data effectively in table form and changing font, colour, size and style.
• Performing basic calculations in Excel e.g. to create a simple budget.
• Creating attractive well laid out presentations in PowerPoint.
• Adding text and images to slide.
• Using techniques to control what the viewer sees.
• Organising your files so they are easy to find.
• Maintaining the security of your files at all times.
• Sending, receiving and organising emails.

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.

By the end of the course you should be able to

• Identify and recognise the key features of a Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook window.
• Identify and recognise what you use Word, Exec, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Create, open and save Word documents such as letters and basic templates.
• Enter and edit text by inserting, deleting, moving, copying and pasting it.
• Format a text to make it look good by changing font type, font size, font colour, bold, italics.
• Use spell check and grammar check so your documents are accurate.
• Print documents successfully.
• Add text and images to slide.
• Use techniques to control what the viewer sees.

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

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

Essential Digital Skills for Work and Life – Entry 3 or Level 1 in Essential Digital Skills for work and Life.