Making sense of Windows 11

What is the course about?

Windows 11 is the most powerful operating system that Microsoft has ever made. This course will help you get to grips with its key features and make the most of them . You will focus on the different menus including the Start menu and the learn about the desktop environment and how it differs from previous versions of Windows. You will learn how to customise Windows 11 and change settings. You will focus on and learn how to make the most of the ‘tiles’ system and the different apps. We will look at how to pin items to the start menu and taskbar, how to use file explorer and how to manage your files and folders as well as search and view your drives and files. You will learn how to make the most of Windows' built-in digital assistant and how it can help you gather important information, manage your schedule, send messages, ring your phone and more. We will also look at Edge, the default Microsoft browser, and practise common actions such as blocking pop-ups, managing favourites and sending web notes. Finally, we will focus on security issues such as protecting your passwords and also troubleshooting any issues.

What will we cover?

We aim to cover the following:
• using the Start menu effectively and other menus
•identifying key features of the desktop environment and how it differs from previous versions of Windows
•navigating the Windows 11 environment
• customising Windows 11 – for example by adding keyboard shortcuts – and changing settings
•organising your window to optimise screen space and maximise your productivity via a snap
•organising open apps quickly and effectively
•adding, using and customising widgets such as news feeds and calendars
•managing your passwords
•accessing your files
•increasing accessibility e.g. through increasing text size
•using multiple windows side by side.

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

do some or all of the below:
• use the Start and other menus effectively
•identify key features of the desktop environment and how it differs from previous versions of Windows
•navigate the Windows 11 environment
• customise Windows 11 – for example by adding keyboard shortcuts – and changing settings
•organise your window to optimise screen space and maximise your productivity via a snap
•organise open apps quickly and effectively
•add, use and customise widgets such as news feeds and calendars
•manage your passwords
•access your files
•increase accessibility e.g. through increasing text size
•use multiple windows side by side.

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

The course is designed to help anyone new to Windows 11 or who has been using it but wants to use it more efficiently. You should be able to use a mouse and keyboard and be familiar with basics computer use but no specialist knowledge or skills is required.

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.

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

This course is part of our Becoming Confident series and we recommend doing these courses so your gain a solid foundation in digital skills. These include:
• Becoming confident with online communication: Zoom (beginner)
• Becoming confident with online communication: Zoom and Teams (beginner)
• Becoming confident with digital skills: on your computer and online (beginner)
• 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 in digital skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook (beginner)
• Essential digital skills for the workplace: Word, Excel and PowerPoint (foundation-level 1)
• Becoming confident on Excel 365 (beginner)
• Becoming confident on PowerPoint 365 (beginner)
• Becoming confident on Outlook 365 (beginner)
• Becoming confident on Word 365 (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)
• Digital skills for the workplace: managing, storing and sharing data and files (intermediate)

You can also do classes in the maths and English areas.
For more information, talk with your tutor or contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 4582 0423.