Becoming a confident online citizen: developing your problem-solving and research skills for inside and outside work (foundation)

What is the course about?

This course will help you develop the key digital skills you need to find, evaluate and analyse information online inside and outside work. You will learn how to do this across computer and smartphones, using search engines, CHATGPT and digital assistants. You will focus on how to refine and make your searches specific, how to use different databases including when looking for images, how to use filters and how to make the most of your searches on AI. You will learn how to evaluate evidence and become aware of biases and fake news as well as be sure you searches are secure and safe. Finally, you will work on how to search your hard-drive and the cloud and organise your files so they are easy to find.

What will we cover?

• developing online research and problem-solving skills
• using the right key words and other techniques for effective information finding
• using an image database or image search service effectively
• applying filters when searching
• finding information, images, music and videos within a specific website or social media platform
• refining your searches
• using CHATGPT effectively to find information
• using digital assistants in writing and speech to help with research
• assessing the validity and trustworthiness of web information
• critically assessing digital information
• assessing the security of web-based data
• finding and storing information on the hard-drive and the cloud.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• research online and solve problems effectively
• use the right key words and other techniques for effective information finding
• use an image database or image search service effectively
• apply filters when searching
• find information, images, music and videos within a specific website or social media platform
• refine your searches effectively and efficiently
• use CHATGPT effectively to find information
• use digital assistants in writing and speech to help with research
• assess the validity and trustworthiness of web information
• critically assess digital information
• assess the security of web-based data
• find and store information on the hard-drive and the cloud.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is for learners at level 1 (foundation) digital skills. You will be post-beginner and ready to start using your digital skills in the workplace and at home to complete tasks. It is an excellent additional or introductory course to the Essential Digital Skills for Work qualification. We recommend you do this course before or at the same time as this accreditation.

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

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment. You will work on your own and with other students on different tasks so you are always practising, and developing 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. You will need to do work outside the classroom and use Google Classroom to help you.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need a pen, paper and a file to keep your work in. Your tutor will provide handouts and a code for Google classroom so you can communicate with classmates and access materials, videos etc. online.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There are many courses you can do before, at the same time or after this course. These include:
• Becoming a confident online citizen: staying safe and protecting your data on your PC and smartphone (foundation)
• Becoming a confident online citizen: from bills, banking, and shopping to government services, job applications and streaming (foundation)
• Becoming confident on the cloud: OneDrive and Google drive - a new way of sharing and managing your files (foundation)
• Becoming confident and secure with mobile data: safely managing and syncing your files and accounts across your computer, smartphone and tablet (foundation)
• Becoming confident in digital security: how to protect your data and privacy on your PC, Internet and smartphone (foundation)
• Essential digital skills for work (Level 1)
• Becoming confident in file management and Windows 10 on your PC (beginners)
• Business administration with digital skill: how to be an administrator (foundation)

You can also do classes in the maths and English areas. These include:
• Becoming an environmental citizen: how to read, research and understand data (entry 3-level 1)
• English communication and maths skills - for life and work (entry 3)
English communication skills - for life and work (level 1)
• Workplace communication skills: letters, emails, memos, notes, meetings and presentations (level 1)
• Communication skills: develop your English for social media - blogs, vlogs and TikTok (level 1-level 2)
• Communication skills: develop your English for social media - podcasting (level 1-level 2)
• Communication skills: develop your English for social media - website writing (level 1-level 2)
• Develop your confidence in writing: sentences, grammar and punctuation in everyday writing (level 1-2)
• Becoming data literate: how to understand and interpret the data all around you (level 1-2)

For more information, talk with your tutor or contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 4582 0423.