Becoming a confident online citizen: from bills, banking, and shopping to government services, job applications and streaming (foundation)

What is the course about?

This course is about how to access and use a variety of online services including banking, retail, the NHS, the benefits system, utility companies and local authorities. You will investigate these different services, and learn how to access them safely and securely. You will look at how to compare different products and services, different prices and other options as well as how to upload documents and images, and complete forms. You will investigate different streaming options and other important websites such as gov.uk.

What will we cover?

• accessing and using key online services including banking, retail, the NHS, the benefits system, utility companies and local authorities
• setting up accounts
• finding your way around important sites
• remaining safe and secure e.g. when making payments or signing up to services
• comparing and evaluating different products and services
• uploading documents and images such as proof of benefits and wage slips
• making job applications online
• accessing live streaming legally
• completing online forms safely
• using and find information on gov.uk.

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

• access and use key online services including banking, retail, the NHS, the benefits system, utility companies and local authorities
• sett up online accounts on the above websites
• find your way around important sites such as the NHS
• remain safe and secure e.g. when making payments or signing up to services
• compare and evaluate different products and services
• upload documents and images such as proof of benefits and wage slips
• make job applications online
• access live streaming legally
• complete online forms safely
• use and find information on gov.uk.

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: developing your problem-solving and research skills for inside and outside work (foundation)
• Becoming a confident online citizen: staying safe and protecting your data on your PC and smartphone (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, contact our tutor or universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 4582 0423.