Computing Basic Skills Summary Where can this subject lead? Key information What will I learn? How will I learn? How will I be assessed? Summary How can I use Computer and Digital Skills? Education and Employment Computer and Digital Skills will equip you with the essentials needed to communicate, handle information, problem solve and stay safe online. The skills you learn could increase when and where you learn, or give you the skills to progress at work. Computer and Digital Skills at Home Using technology and digital services has become a way of life, from social media and buying products, to searching for information and entertainment. The principles of digital skills can be transferred across different technologies and used daily. What is Digital Skills? Digital skills are as equally important to employability and participation in society as English and maths skills, yet national data suggests one in five adults lack digital skills. Digital skills can be anything from using a computer to using your phone to access services or find information. A digital skills qualification meets the essential national standards framework for digital skills set out by the Government and is nationally supported by employers and adult education institutions, such as colleges and universities. At Seasiders Learning Centre for adults (19+), computer and digital skills courses run all year round, meaning you can start at any time during the academic year. Courses are part-time with attendance once a week for 10 weeks. There is opportunity to progress in digital skills from Entry level to Level 1. Next course dates Start date Location Duration Anytime Community Based Apply now Anytime Community Based 15 Weeks Apply now How can I use Computer and Digital Skills?Computer and Digital Skills will equip you with the essentials needed to communicate, handle information, problem solve and stay safe online. The skills you learn could increase when and where you learn, or give you the skills to progress at work.Using technology and digital services has become a way of life, from social media and buying products, to searching for information and entertainment. The principles of digital skills can be transferred across different technologies and used daily.What is Digital Skills?Digital skills are as equally important to employability and participation in society as English and maths skills, yet national data suggests one in five adults lack digital skills. Digital skills can be anything from using a computer to using your phone to access services or find information.A digital skills qualification meets the essential national standards framework for digital skills set out by the Government and is nationally supported by employers and adult education institutions, such as colleges and universities.At Seasiders Learning Centre for adults (19+), computer and digital skills courses run all year round, meaning you can start at any time during the academic year. Courses are part-time with attendance once a week for 10 weeks. There is opportunity to progress in digital skills from Entry level to Level 1.Book an AppointmentInitial Advice and Guidance appointments (IAG) are designed to assess student current capabilities, discuss learning needs, options available, complete any enrolment paperwork, and assign classes and/or start dates.These appointments are important to ensure we get every learner on to the right level of study and can help every learner to succeed.You can call us on 01253 504693 to make an appointment. Where can this subject lead? Career progressionHaving computer and technology skills opens up a world of possibilities in a world where technology is a key part of modern living. Digital skills, will enable you to access more employment and education opportunities.It will enable you to apply for courses needed to progress within a particular industry or enable you to apply for a promotion at work. At home, digital skills can give you the confidence to take control and manage your world from accessing entertainment, online banking and shopping, to increasing your online security for you and your family.A digital skills qualification provides you with the basic knowledge needed and proves to an employer or university that you are capable of communicating effectively in a digital world. Key information Entry RequirementsNo previous qualifications or outdated qualifications?There are none for the course, so you don't need a prior qualification in computer skills. If you do have a previous qualification, contact us to discuss if this course is right for you.What level?During your Initial Advice and Guidance interview, we look at your previous qualifications in computer skills, and assess your current level of capability. This will tell us what level you are working at so we can choose the right course for you.In addition to our Essential Digital Skills courses, Seasiders also runs a basic computer course 'Developing ICT'. Developing ICT is designed for the absolute beginner.What is the highest level I can achieve?The highest level of Essential Digital Skills is Level 1. Essential Digital Skills form part of the Government initiative to encourage more people to gain confidence using technology and cope in a digital world.English isn't my first language, can I study digital skills?Yes. During Initial Advice and Guidance Interviews, all learners are assessed. If your language skills need developing further, you would benefit from developing these first before enrolling on to a digital skills course. We can refer you to our ESOL courses (English as a Second or Other Language) for further assessment. Click the link to find out more about our ESOL course.What other level of computer skills are there?Essential Digital Skills Level 1Essential Digital Skills Entry 3Developing ICT Entry 3Developing ICT Entry 2Developing ICT Entry 1Can I study digital skills at home?Sessions are face to face classroom-based at Seasiders, and there are no distance learning options currently available for this course.Classes are once a week for 2 hours over 10 weeks.Essential Digital Skills Qualification (EDSQ)The Essential Digital Skills framework is supported across the UK and accredited by Gateway Qualifications. On successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate for your level of qualification.Book an AppointmentInitial Advice and Guidance appointments (IAG) are designed to assess student current capabilities, discuss learning needs, options available, complete any enrolment paperwork, and assign classes and/or start dates.These appointments are important to ensure we get every learner on to the right level of study and can help every learner to succeed.Questions? - you can call us on 01253 504693 to make an appointment.PLEASE NOTE - these appointments are for English, Maths and Computer Skills. If you require ESOL or Employability Skills, please telephone 01253 504693 to make a separate appointment. Extra costs and equipmentAll we ask is that you come prepared to learn with the basics. You will need a pen, some paper and maybe a folder to keep everything in. If you have a mobile phone, it may be beneficial to bring this with you. If you already have an email address, knowing your log in details could be beneficial. If you don't have an email address don't worry, one can be created for you. Terms and conditionsRead our full terms and conditions for more information. What will I learn? Using technologyYou will learn how to use technology to use devices and handle information so that you can communicate effectively, create and edit information and even understand online transactions.Online SafetyYou will learn how to keep your information, yourself and other safe online and be more aware of how to avoid online risks and scams.Learning and Teaching MethodsThe course is delivered over 10 weeks, where learners will take part in regular weekly sessions using a variety of different teaching methods such as discussion, instruction, and quizzes; but mainly hands on, using the technology to complete a range of tasks.Classroom-based sessions are two hours a week and while there is no official homework, learners are encouraged to practice their skills as much as possible.Towards the end of the course, you may get a practice exam to complete to help prepare you for the final assessment.What will I learn?Depending on your individual level of study, the complexity of the content will increase as your level of learning increases building on the basic principles of working with technology.What books/equipment do I need?All we ask is that you come prepared to learn with the basics. You will need a pen, some paper and maybe a folder to keep everything in. If you have a mobile phone, it may be beneficial to bring this with you.If you already have an email address, knowing your log in details could be beneficial. If you don't have an email address don't worry, one can be created for you. The national standards for the Essential Digital Skills FrameworkUsing DevicesKnow what is meant by hardware, software, operating systems and applications; locate and install an application; apply system settings, including those for accessibility and know how to keep systems and applications up to date. Finding and Evaluating InformationNavigate online content using hyperlinks, menus and other navigation elements to locate required information; carry out searches to find information and content. Use appropriate techniques to carry out and refine searches, taking into account currency, relevance, and reliability, and be aware that results are ranked by search engines.Read more on the Digital Skills Framework Managing and Storing InformationOpen, read and save information from/to a file using appropriate naming conventions; work with files and folders to store, organise and retrieve information using local and remote storage.Organise and store information using files, folders, hierarchy and tagging to enable efficient information retrieval on a device and across devices. Identifying and Solving Technical ProblemsRecognise when a technical problem has been encountered, solve simple technical problems, and seek assistance when unable to solve a technical problem.Identify and apply solutions to common technical problems, using online tutorials, FAQs and help facilities. Developing Digital SkillsIdentify and use appropriate online learning resources to maintain and improve digital skills. How will I learn? The course is delivered over 10 weeks, where learners will take part in regular weekly sessions using a variety of different teaching methods such as discussion, instruction, and quizzes; but mainly hands on, using the technology to complete a range of tasks.Classroom-based sessions are two hours a week and while there is no official homework, learners are encouraged to practice their skills as much as possible.Towards the end of the course, you may get a practice exam to complete to help prepare you for the final assessment.Depending on your individual level of study, the complexity of the content will increase as your level of learning increases building on the basic principles of working with technology. How will I be assessed? How will I be assessed?Handling Information and Content – develop skills using a range of digital devices, navigate the internet via hyperlinks, menus and other navigation tools. Communicating - using email and how to use and participate in video calls Transacting – complete and submit online forms and be able to buy items or services 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 settingThere will be an assessment at the end of the course to check your knowledge.