Things I Have Learned – Gov.uk #2
Computer Essentials
The second section of The Toolkit Skills on the government website deals with learning computer skills.
The first course of the the six available is from the website Learn My Way. Called the Good Things Foundation. You will need to sign up for the course and this is a free course as are all of the subjects on the .gov website. I thought I would try one of them out and see what they had to offer.
This course and as I suspect for some of the other courses in this section. Are for people that have never used a computer or have little experience with using one. So someone with experience will need to help with setting up the page and register for them.
The lessons are as follows;
Using your computer or device
Courses in this subject: Using a keyboard. Using a mouse. Using a touchscreen. Using a computer.
Online basics
Courses in this subject: Using the internet. Using online forms. Using email Using search engines.
Office programs
Courses in this subject: Introduction to office programs. Creating documents Creating spreadsheets. Creating presentations.
More internet skills
Courses in this subject: Video calling. Online shopping. Socialising online. Using Facebook. Using a digital camera. Watching and listening online. Smart internet. How to be a Digital Champion.
Online safety
Courses in this subject: Keeping your device safe. Being safe online. Keeping your personal data safe.
Finding a job online
Courses in this subject: Job hunting. online National. Careers Service website: a how to guide Jobs and interviews
Improving your health online
Courses in this subject: GP services online: a how to guide The NHS website: a how to guide.
Managing your money online
Courses in this subject: Online and mobile banking. Make money work.
Public services online
Courses in this subject: Using public services online. Universal Credit: a how to guide.
Again I must point out. That these lessons are for people with little to no knowledge of computers. You will learn the basic: What is a keyboard. What is a tablet. How to create an email. And for what it is. It’s not bad for an introduction into computers.
Each section has things to read. Videos to watch and little tasks for you to practise on. At the end of each section you do a little test on what you have learned. When you have passed all of the lessons you can download a certificate. Even if you don’t go through all of them you can get a certificate for what you have done.
I didn’t bother going through the rest of the courses on the list, in this section. But I will give you a quick brief on each one.
Good Things Foundation Make It Click is a massive website of courses, guides, videos and tools that can help you with an array of subjects. For beginners and people with some knowledge. Many companies have added there courses to the list like Apple and Google. Everyone should find something suited to their needs.
Microsoft Get the best out of Microsoft Outlook is an instruction manual on how you use Outlook. They have instructions to use on all operating systems. Windows, Apple OS and smartphones.
Lloyds Bank Learn For Everyday Life is another website with alot of different subjects for all levels of experience that you can join at any time.
Accenture and FutureLearn Digital Skills: Digital Skills for Work and Life. This course is different. Where you will need to attend an online class and is more of a lecture about how the digital world affects all aspects of life.
The Open University Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world. This course is about building your confidence with life online. Especially as information and technology is constantly changing. It will help you deal with all sides of the digital world. The good and the bad.
