IT

Learn My Way

Welcome to Online Basics! This short package of courses will help you get to grips with using computers and the internet. It covers:

• How to use a keyboard and mouse

• How to search and explore the internet

• How to keep in touch with email

• How to stay safe online

• The basics of using online public services

These courses offer a great first step into using computers and the Internet for everyday activities.With 16 additional modules at your finger tips you can gain confidence in a safe and simple learning environment. Learning how to contact family or friends in other countries via email or video calling, cut the queues by banking online, find out your local doctors surgery’s opening hours, renewing your driving licence online are just some of the day to day tasks our UK Online courses can help you with. Free of charge no matter what your circumstances are and options to learn at the centre with support available or independently from home – there are surely no more excuses not to get online!
Fully funded, no matter what your circumstances.

Digital Skills Award

(Guided Learning Hours: 54) This programme will enable you to achieve a qualification in basic computer literacy through four easy to navigate online modules. Use our funding checker to see whether you are eligible for funding.
Computer Basics – This unit gives learners an introduction to a computer. It covers:

• How to start a computer and understand the different hardware.
• Learning about some of the terminology used.
• How to organise files by creating, copying and pasting or deleting.
• The basic skills required to setup, edit and print documents.

Online Basics – This unit introduces learners to the internet and the World Wide Web. It covers:

• How to search for information and make purchases online.
• Using email and communicating online.
• How to speak to family and friends for free using Skype.
• Staying safe online from viruses and protecting personal information.
• How to use parental controls.

Social Media – This unit provides learners with the skills and know-how to use social networking features effectively and safely. It covers:

• Learning about what social networking is.
• What a personal profile is and how online groups are organised.
• Common features of social networking sites such as catching up with friends, sharing the latest news, posting photos and uploading videos.
• Understanding the concept of unsolicited mail and how to deal with spam.
• Copyright laws and how they relate to the internet.

Digital Media – This unit provides learners with the skills to create CD’s and DVD’s by using a computer, as well as how to upload and share the files and photos and collaborate online. It covers:

• Learning about memory, capacity and different digital media file types.
• Understanding how to play files on a range of devices
• Learning about common terms such as Blu-ray, high definition and DRM.
• How to ‘burn’ CD’s and DVD’s
• How to upload photos, sound files and videos using the web and social networking sites.
• Safety and security considerations when sharing content.

Certificate in IT User Skills Level 1 (ECDL Essentials)

(Guided Learning Hours: 65)

Module 1: Security for IT users – Provides the learner with an essential understanding of how to use a computer in a safe and secure manner, protecting their own data as well as that of other users.

Module 2: IT user fundamentals – Builds the learner’s confidence by teaching basic interaction with computers, from start-up to productive use and basic computer housekeeping.

Module 3: Using email and the internet – Helps the learner understand how to use internet and email in a safe and secure way, explaining key terms and developing fundamental knowledge of computer security.

Intermediate

Certificate in IT User Skills Level 2 (ECDL Extra)

(Guided Learning Hours: 120)

Module 1: Word processing – Develops the learner’s ability to create word-processed documents: entering text, editing and formatting work, using graphs, tables and pictures for a professional finish, and effectively using tools such as the spell-checker and mail merge.

Module 2: Spreadsheet software – Helps the learner develop a working knowledge of spreadsheets, from entering data and formatting worksheets, to creating charts utilising formulas and producing high-quality documents.

Module 3: Presentation software – Shows the learner how to produce high-quality presentations using a variety of tools including charts, graphs and drawn objects.

Module 4: Improving productivity using IT – Enables the learner to work more effectively with IT. This unit looks at using tools to save time and effort when producing word processed documents, presentations and spreadsheets.

Advanced

Certificate in IT User Skills Level 3 (ECDL Advanced)

(Guided Learning Hours: 45 per module)

Word processing – Examines the advanced features of word processing applications enabling learners to enhance their work, improve productivity and save time.

Spreadsheet software – Helps the learner develop their spreadsheet skills to expert level and realise the full potential of the spreadsheet application to produce higher-quality management information.

Presentation software – A vital unit for learners who want to use advanced features to create high-impact presentations, and demonstrate expert presentation skills.

Database software – Helps the learner to get more from database applications, by using the many advanced tools available to better organise and manage information.

Improving productivity using IT – Enables the learner to work more effectively with IT. This unit looks at using tools to save time and effort when producing word processed documents, presentations and spreadsheets.