Getting started in digital skills: becoming confident on your computer and online (complete beginner)

What is the course about?

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. You will practise creating, developing, saving and storing these files as well as learning essential terminology. You will learn how to use Word to write and send a letter online and how to send and receive emails. You will focus on how to use the internet to search for information, how to find useful sites and how to fill in online forms. And you will learn about cyber-security and how to ensure your files are protected and your digital information remains safe.

What will we 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 online
• creating 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.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this 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.

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

This course is for people who are very new to computers and the Internet and want a firm foundation before progressing. For those who are slightly more advanced, we recommend Becoming confident with digital skills: on your computer and online (beginner).

How will I be taught, and 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. 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, some lined A4 paper and a folder 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. Access to a PC outside of class is helpful.

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

We recommend completing the Becoming Confident series to gain full foundation in digital skills. These include:
• Getting started: learning about your smartphone (complete beginner)
• Getting started: becoming confident on Instagram and TikTok (complete beginners)
• Getting started: becoming confident on Facebook and Twitter (complete beginners)
• Becoming confident in file management and Windows 10 on your PC (beginners)
• Becoming confident in file management and Windows 11 on your PC (beginners)
• 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
• Becoming confident with online communication: chat, calls, meetings and files on Teams (foundation)
• Becoming confident with online communication: Zoom (beginner)
• Becoming confident with online communication: Zoom and Teams (beginner)
• 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 a confident online citizen: from bills, banking, and shopping to government services, job applications and streaming (foundation)
• Becoming confident in digital skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook (beginner)

You can also do classes in the maths and English areas. These include:
• Bitesize maths: becoming confident with numbers and calculations (level 1-2)
• Bitesize maths: becoming confident with algebra, problem-solving and equations (level 1-2)

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