Essential Digital Skills - Level 1

Course aims

This course provides learners with increased levels of basic IT skills to develop further knowledge, skills and promote safe internet behaviours. You will use a variety of Microsoft applications to create, edit and save different types of files e.g. documents, spreadsheet and slideshows. Improve competence and confidence when carrying out online searches, using online shopping sites and internet banking.

Course length

45 guided learning hours at 2 - 3 hours per week.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for people with very basic computer knowledge or those who have completed a basic IT course such as Essential Digital Skills E3 or Stepping Stones to Essential Digital Skills L1. You will further enhance your digital and computer skills, confidence and gain a qualification.

Will I gain any qualification?

Yes - Essential Digital Skills Level 1 from Gateway Qualifications will be available. You will be expected to sit an online exam towards the end of your course.

Do I need any prior knowledge, skills or qualifications?

A basic knowledge of IT and how to use a keyboard and mouse is required. A basic level of English is needed as this will help you to read and understand the instructions given.You must have a minimum of Level 1 in reading & writing and speaking & listening to be able to join the course. Please bring your English certificates to your initial assessment.

Course content

The course standards are as follows -

• Handling Information and Content – locate and manage information on three different devices, use software applications e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Communicating – send emails to multiple recipients, demonstrate how use and participate in video calls
• Transacting – be confident completing and submitting online forms and be able to buy items or a service online
• Problem Solving – solving simple problems related to digital accounts
• Being safe and responsible online – identify online risks and threats and use simple methods to protect data. Manage Wi Fi and Privacy setting on own devices

What could this course lead to?

You could choose to progress onto the Level 2 ITQ Certificate in IT User Skills or you may choose to do one of our Business Administration or Accounting qualifications. It could help you to gain employment in an IT office environment or you could use your skills to help set up your own business.  At the end of the course, your tutor will check your skills to see what you are ready to do next.

How will I learn?

• Learning will take place initially in a classroom environment and then online from your home using Birmingham Adult Education Services Virtual Learning Environment (VLE - Moodle) which is a secure online tool to support you with your studies. It has been designed to complement teaching and offers a flexible addition to studying with us. Various other tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom & Padlet will be used to enhance teaching & learning.
• You will be able to access resources, engage in online activities, study independently, and participate in group discussions with your teacher. You will record your own progress and have your work checked regularly throughout the course.
• Once you are enrolled your teacher will provide you with an enrolment key and show you how to access the resource.

What materials or equipment will I need to provide?

You will need to have access at home to:

• A laptop, computer or a tablet which is connected to the internet
• Microsoft Office 365 which we will provide for free when you enrol on one of our courses
• Notepad and pen – you will need to take notes during the online sessions and a folder to store hand-outs and completed exercises

What we require of you as a learner?

• Regular attendance is essential for you to succeed
• Work at home will need to be completed punctually and sent to your tutor for marking
• You will need to ensure that you allow sufficient time for self-study and complete any homework set
• You will be expected to complete all assessments and complete the full course

Useful website(s)

• Gateway: Gateway Qualifications Level 1 in Essential Digital Skills - Gateway Qualifications

• Microsoft support website https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb

Computer Skills - Beginners

Course aims

This course provides very basic computer skills at Entry 1 and Entry 2 level. This course is suitable for someone who has never used a computer or laptop before.

Course length

20 guided learning hours 2 to 3 hours sessions per week.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for people with no computer knowledge. You will learn the basics on this course and build your confidence to progress and join stepping stone courses.

Will I gain any qualifications?

No.

Do I need any prior knowledge, skills or qualifications?

No prior knowledge, skills or qualifications are required. A basic level of English is needed as this will help you to read and understand the instructions given.

Content

The course outcomes are:

• switching on the PC
• logging into Learner Dashboard
• opening & closing programs
• minimising, restoring down, maximising programs
• switching between one open program to another
• mouse skills - single, double, right clicking.  Mouse games to build up speed
• keyboard - main keys on keyboard e.g. shift, delete, backspace, enter, arrow keys, caps lock
• typing practice
• typing games to build up speed
• saving files
• opening saved files

Support if you are registered unemployed, looking for a job or a better job – Route to Work

As part of your programme of learning, we will support you to develop the skills you need to get a job or a better job, such as CV writing, application forms, interviews and working in a team.  Your tutor will discuss your individual learning and development needs to agree with you which of our Route to Work short courses will best suit your needs and enrol you on these modules. 

What could this course lead to?

This course leads to Stepping Stones to Essential Digital Skills E3 course. At the end of the course, your tutor will check your skills to see what you are ready to do next.

How will I learn?

Learning will take place in a classroom environment and you will be shown how to access Birmingham Adult Education Services Virtual Learning Environment (VLE - Moodle) which is a secure online tool to support you with your studies. You will be able to access resources, engage in online activities, study independently, and participate in group discussions with your teacher. You will record your own progress and have your work checked regularly throughout the course.

Once you are enrolled your teacher will provide you with an enrolment key and show you how to access the resource.

What materials or equipment will I need to provide?

You will need to have access at home to:

• A laptop, computer or a tablet which is connected to the internet
• Microsoft Office 365 which we will provide for free when you enrol on one of our courses
• Notepad and pen – you will need to take notes during the online sessions and a folder to store hand-outs and completed exercises

What we require of you as a learner?

• Regular attendance is essential for you to succeed
• Work at home will need to be completed punctually and sent to your tutor for marking
• You will need to ensure that you allow sufficient time for self-study and complete any homework set
• You will be expected to complete all assessments and complete the full course

Useful website(s)

For more information about Birmingham Adult Education Service visit www.learnbaes.ac.uk

International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL) - Level 2 Certificate

Course Aims

The ICDL Level 2 course enables learners to enhance their competence in using Word Processing software, Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint Presentations. This Online course is interactive and packed with exercises, enabling learners to apply what they have learnt in the workplace and prepares them well for the ICDL exam.

Course Length

90 guided learning hours at 3 hours per week.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is for you if you wish to develop your ICT skills in ways that will enable you to use the computer applications competently and achieve the highly coveted ICDL qualification. The course is suitable for those with considerable IT experience who wish to acquire a qualification sought by employers. It is the next step for learners who have recently completed ICDL or ITQ Level 1.

Will I Gain Any Qualifications?

Yes. You will gain a BCS Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills (ICDL Extra) on completion of 4 online timed tests.

Do I Need Any Prior Knowledge, Skills Or Qualifications?

Those without qualifications may be suitable but must have a good knowledge of Microsoft applications in a work environment. It will appeal mostly to those who have completed ICDL Level 1 Award. Level 1 or above in English is needed to be able to pass online tests. Use of Office 2016 software at home is advisable.

Course Content

By the end of the course learners will be able to use the following Microsoft software at a level expected in a typical office environment:

• Use Presentation software (PowerPoint)
• Make good use of word processing packages (Word)
• Create and make the most of spreadsheets (Excel)
• Understand and explain how this software may be used to improve productivity

What Could This Course Lead To?

You will have a qualification that is recognised by the majority of employers for office jobs and administrative work.

How Will I Learn?

• Learning will take place initially in a classroom environment and then online from your home using Birmingham Adult Education Services Virtual Learning Environment (VLE - Moodle) which is a secure online tool to support you with your studies. It has been designed to complement teaching and offers a flexible addition to studying with us. Various other tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom & Padlet will be used to enhance teaching & learning.
• You will be able to access resources, engage in online activities, study independently, and participate in group discussions with your teacher. You will record your own progress and have your work checked regularly throughout the course.
• Once you are enrolled your teacher will provide you with an enrolment key and show you how to access the resource.

What Materials Or Equipment Will I Need To Provide?

You will need to have access at home to:

• A laptop, computer or a tablet which is connected to the internet
• Microsoft Office 365 which we will provide for free when you enrol on one of our courses
• Notepad and pen – you will need to take notes during the online sessions and a folder to store hand-outs and completed exercises

What We Require Of You As A Learner?

• Work at home will need to be completed punctually and sent to your tutor for marking
• You will need to ensure that you allow sufficient time for self-study and complete any homework set
• You will be expected to complete all end of unit exams and complete the full course

Useful Website(s)

• For more information about Birmingham Adult Education Service: www.learnbaes.ac.uk
• The Chartered Institute for IT: www.bcs.org