Digital & Computer Skills - Beginners
Course aims
To be able to use a computer or a laptop confidently. The course will provide a simple hands-on introduction for those who are new to using technology to enhance their essential digital skills. You will gain confidence in using a computer, keyboard and mouse, so that you develop word-processing skills and are able to access the internet safely and legally.
Course length
12 hours. Usually 6 weekly sessions of 2 hours or 5 weekly sessions of 2.5 hours.
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for those who have no or very little experience of using a computer and wish to develop confidence and enhance their digital skills in using IT.
Will I gain any qualification?
Yes. You will gain an Entry 2 Award in IT. All our ICT courses embed development of study skills, English, maths and job related skills to help prepare you for study at higher levels and improve your work prospects.
Do I need any prior knowledge, skills or qualifications?
No previous IT experience is required. A basic level of English is needed as this will help you to read and understand the instructions given.
Course content
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Switch on a computer safely and shut it down
- Be able to enter text and numbers using a keyboard and mouse
- Be able to use word-processing to type words and numbers
- Be able to format your text to improve your document
- Be able to insert a picture into your document
- Find information from the internet that is useful and of interest to you
- Use the internet safely and legally
What could this course lead to?
At the end of the course, your tutor will check your skills to see what you are ready to do next.
You could progress to an Entry 3 course such as Digital & Computer Skills – Improvers or Functional Skills IT at Entry 3.
How will I learn?
- You will have an Individual Learning Plan which sets targets that are personal to you. Targets will be added throughout the course to develop your IT skills and support your journey to achieve long term goals. Your tutor will give you regular feedback on what you are doing well and what you need to do to improve.
- Use of Learner portal (online course to support your learning)
- The tutor showing you things
- Talking with other learners
- Doing tasks with other learners
- Using computers
- Your tutor will give you regular feedback on what you are doing well and what you need to do to improve.
What we require of you as a learner?
You will be invited to a 1:1 progress review with your tutor. This will take place either, 15 minutes before or after your normal class time.
You will need a pen, notepad, and a folder to store hand-outs and completed exercises.
To improve your progress on the course we expect you to attend on time and every session. If you are unable to attend a session, you will be required to inform your tutor with the reason for non-attendance and you will be set work to complete at home.
Useful website(s)
- BBC: A Beginners Guide to IT - http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/connect/BBC_First_Click_Beginners_Guide.pdf
- Birmingham Adult Education Service - www.learnbaes.ac.uk
- Microsoft Support Website - https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb
- Awarding Body, TLM Ingots - https://theingots.org
Contact details
Joanne Hourigan | Teaching & Learning Manager
T: 0121 464 6583
