Getting started in digital skills: becoming confident on your computer and online

This course will ensure you have all the essential digital skills you need to start using a PC and the internet confidently. You will learn how to get started on using a computer and the Internet. You will learn how to create and save files and documents. 

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

Yes, you will need to do a pre-course assessment to establish your level of Digital Skills before enrolling onto the course. 

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

This course is for people who are very new to computers and the Internet and want a firm foundation before progressing.

What topics does the course cover?

• Understanding and using essential computer terminology.  
• Identifying and creating different types of files for texts, pictures, sound and video.
  saving, storing and finding files on your computer and onlinecreating and sharing different documents such as letters or photographs e.g. using Word.  
• Sending and receiving emails.  
• Searching and finding information on the Internet.  
• Completing online forms.  
• Staying safe and secure online. 

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.

Your tutor will provide handouts and worksheets and let you know if there are any other resources that you might need to get.

Access to a PC outside of class is helpful.

What will I achieve?

By the end of the course you should be able to: 

• Use a computer with confidence.  
• Use the internet with confidence.  
• Understand and use essential computer terminology.  
• Identify and create different types of files for texts, pictures, sound and video save, store and find files on your computer and online.
• Create and share a documents such a letters or photograph e.g. using Word.  
• Send and receive emails.  
• Search and find information on the Internet.  
• Complete online forms.  
• Stay safe and secure online. 

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

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

• Getting started: learning about your smartphone (complete beginner). 
• Becoming a confident online citizen: from bills, banking, and shopping to government services, job applications and streaming.