Upcoming courses
- Essential Computer Skills - Every Wednesday, 1pm-3pm, from 9th Sept at The Coleridge Centre (10 week course)
- Next Steps Computing Skills - Every Thursday, 9.30am-11.30am, from 10th Sept at The Coleridge Centre (10 week course)
Digital Skills
Are you new to technology, looking to improve your digital skills, or feeling digitally excluded?
Our Digital Skills courses are designed to help you build confidence and develop essential digital skills, from beginner level through to Entry Level 2.
Not sure which course is right for you?
We’ll invite you for an initial assessment to help identify the most suitable course and support based on your individual needs, skills and goals.
Click drop down menus below for more information or contact us to book an assessment now: 01325 405601
Course summary
This course is for those who want a basic understanding of computers and how to use them.
This is an unaccredited course that is perfect for those who feel digitally excluded and you will learn how to switch devices on and off, how to access the Internet, how to create documents, and how to stay safe online.
Once you have completed this course, you may like to move on to one of our accredited Functional Skills courses.
Entry requirements
- Aged 19+
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
What is the curriculum intent of this course?
This course will develop knowledge on the basic use of digital devices and the internet, help those who feel digitally excluded or disadvantaged and emphasise how important it is to remain vigilant when accessing the internet
What will the course cover?
The course will cover the very basics of using a computer and the internet.
Topics include but are not limited to:
- switching devices on and off
- adjusting displays to suit your needs
- accessing the internet
- browsing the internet
- staying safe online
- creating documents
- editing, saving and printing documents
What could I do when I have finished this course?
You could continue onto one of our accredited ICT courses, such as Functional Skills or Essential Digital Skills, that will be made available to you.
When and where will I learn?
See upcoming courses or contact us to register your interest.
What do I need to bring with me?
You will not need to bring anything along to these sessions, just roll your sleeves up and try something new or develop your skills.
How much will the course cost?
This course is free of charge.
What do I do next?
- You must sit an assessment to join an ICT course, as this helps determine which course is best for you
- Once completed a Learning & Skills Adviser will be in contact about the your course options
- The assessment is online and can be accessed
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
Course summary
This course is for those who does not have an ICT qualification and you would like to build up the basics of ICT and digital skills so that you can carry out the basic operations on a computer/laptop.
Entry requirements
- Are aged 19 years or older;
- Have the right to live and work in the UK, EU or EEA
- Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
Curriculum intent
The curriculum intent of Digital Skills/ICT is for learners to get to grips with a variety of ICT technology and learn how to effectively operate a computer/laptop, including safe internet searching, creating documents, adapt settings, using Microsoft Office and various other soft and hard ware, plus lots more. Computing Basics builds upon the skills learnt in Essential Computer Skills.
Course content
Topics include but are not limited to:
- Switching on and closing down the computer
- Using a mouse and keyboard
- Word processing
- Saving and organising your work
- Using tools to create a poster / party invitations
- Adding formatting to a document
- Moving and modifying text
- Using a printer
- File management
- Using flash drives
- Using a search engine to source information effectively
When and where will I learn?
See upcoming courses or contact us to register your interest.
Equipment
All ICT equipment is supplied to you. Please bring:
- a notepad
- a pen (or a digital device) to take notes
Cost
This course is free of charge, providing you meet the eligibility criteria above.
Progression
After this course has finished you may like to continue to the next level in ICT which might be a entry 3, level 1 or level 2. You may also wish to join other courses delivered by Learning & Skills across a variety of areas.
What do I do next?
- You must sit an assessment to join an ICT course, as this helps determine which course is best for you
- Once completed a Learning & Skills Adviser will be in contact about the your course options
- The assessment is online and can be accessed
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
Course summary
This course is for learners who want to build on their existing ICT and digital skills and gain a recognised Level 2 qualification. You will develop confidence in using a range of digital applications, managing information, creating documents, and using technology effectively for work, learning, and everyday tasks.
Entry requirements
- Are aged 19 years or older;
- Have the right to live and work in the UK, EU or EEA
- Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
Curriculum intent
The curriculum intent of Next Steps Computing Skills ICT Entry 2 is to help learners develop the practical digital skills required for everyday life, further study, and the workplace. Learners will build confidence in using a range of ICT software and technologies, including Microsoft Office applications, digital communication tools, and online services. They will learn how to create and manage documents, organise and present information, work safely and securely online, and use digital technology effectively to solve problems and complete tasks independently. The course builds on existing digital knowledge and prepares learners for progression into employment, higher-level study, or further ICT qualifications.
Course content
Topics include but are not limited to:
-
Word processing and document creation
-
Spreadsheet design and data entry
-
Presentation software
-
File and folder management
-
Cloud storage and file sharing
-
Internet research and evaluating online information
-
Email and digital communication
-
Online safety and cybersecurity
-
Using ICT to improve productivity
-
Digital skills for work, study and everyday life
When and where will I learn?
See upcoming courses or contact us to register your interest.
Equipment
All ICT equipment is supplied to you. Please bring:
- a notepad
- a pen (or a digital device) to take notes
Cost
This course is free of charge, providing you meet the eligibility criteria above.
Progression
After this course has finished you may like to continue to the next level in ICT which might be a entry 3, level 1 or level 2. You may also wish to join other courses delivered by Learning & Skills across a variety of areas.
What do I do next?
- You must sit an assessment to join an ICT course, as this helps determine which course is best for you
- Once completed a Learning & Skills Adviser will be in contact about the your course options
- The assessment is online and can be accessed
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
Course summary
This course is for those who would like to learn how to effectively stay safe online.
You will learn about features of the Internet, web risks, recognising online propaganda and much more.
It is recommended that learners interested in this course have or are working towards an English qualification at GCSE level.
This course will take place online so that you can learn from the comfort of your home.
What entry requirements do I need to start the course?
- Aged 19+
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
What is the curriculum intent of this course?
The course intent is to highlight particular areas of concern for internet users, such as sharing personal information online and the possibility of being groomed online.
What will the course cover?
- Features of the internet
- How adults, children and young people use the internet
- Risks associated with using the internet
- Staying safe when using the internet
- Recognising online propaganda
What could I do when I have finished this course?
You could continue onto one of our many other Distance Learning or CPD courses, depending on your pathway of choice. Or you may want to achieve a qualification in Maths, English or ICT. Many free courses will be made available to you at the end of this course.
When and where will I learn?
- This course is delivered through our online learning portal.
- You can study at your own pace and work towards agreed deadlines.
- You will receive your login details during enrolment.
Do I need anything?
-
Access to the internet.
-
An internet-enabled device, such as a PC, laptop, iPad, or tablet. Please note that smartphones are not suitable for this course.
How much will the course cost?
This course is free.
What should I do next?
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
Hear from current and former learners on our Functional Skills courses in the video below.
Need more information?
If you have any queries about our digital skills courses, please do not hesitate to contact us.