Basic and functional digital skills

GoLearn! with Leicestershire County Council 

Digital Skills for Beginners: This short practical course will take you through the first steps of using a computer to gain key digital skills. This is an ideal course for beginners with little or no experience of using a computer. During this classroom-based course you will learn to log onto a computer, use a keyboard and mouse, start to navigate and use the Windows system, access the Internet and carry out some basic searches for information.

Digital Functional Skills (Entry 3): This beginner’s course introduces learners to a wide range of digital activities available today. Discover how to get started with the Internet and communicate online whilst understanding more on the use of computers and other digital devices in everyday life. The course is designed for adults with little or no experience of using digital devices. 

Digital Functional Skills (Level 1): An ideal follow on from the Entry 3 Digital Functional Skills Qualification or Essential Digital Skills Qualification (EDSQ E3) course. This course is designed for adults who already have some experience of using digital devices, internet/email and basic word processing skills and now wish to learn more. This course is designed for adults who need to strengthen and further develop their confidence in using digital technology, including Microsoft Office. 

Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world 

This free course will develop your confidence and skills for life online, whether study, work or everyday life. 

It explores a range of digital skills and practices, including digital identity, digital well-being, staying safe and legal, finding and using information and online tools, and dealing with information overload. 

You can find more information at www.open.edu/openlearn/openlearn/digital-computing/digital-skills-succeeding-digital-world 

Digital Skills for Work and Life by Accenture and FutureLearn 

Find out how digital is changing our personal and professional lives, and develop the skills to succeed in a digital world, through this free two-week course. 

You will explore how the digital age has transformed daily life, investigate its impact on different work sectors, and how to develop a growth mindset. 

Found out more about the course at https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/digital-skills-for-work-and-life  

Learn for Life by Lloyds Bank – Online Essentials 

Lloyds Bank offer over 30 free resources to help you get started online, learn to communicate online, and how to stay safe and secure online.  

Take a look at which courses are available at www.lloydsbankacademy.co.uk/learn-for-life.html 

Learn My Way by The Good Things Foundation 

Learn My Way is a website of free online learning for beginners, helping you develop digital skills to make the most of the online world. 

Available subjects include using your device, using email, managing your money online, starting to use the internet, safety and security online, and working with office programmes. 

Find out which subjects are available at www.learnmyway.com 

VASL Community Champions (Harborough District only) 

VASL’s trained volunteers deliver monthly digital skills and support sessions at Market Harborough and Lutterworth libraries for older, isolated people. 

The volunteers support people to use smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and laptops and PCs. 

There is no charge for the service as the project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. 

Appointments can be made at other times, and volunteers are also able to make home visits particularly if you are using a computer or it is difficult for you to get to the library. 

To make an appointment to see a volunteer please call 01858 439262 or email champions@vasl.org.uk.