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Becoming confident in Digital Skills - Getting the most out of your smartphone

Course Title: Digital Skills for ESOL: first steps in Microsoft Office Part 1 & 2 (Entry 2-3)

Brief course description:

This course is for those who want to build their digital confidence using Microsoft Office tools while improving their English. The course combines basic IT skills with English language support, helping you develop vocabulary, reading, speaking and listening in a digital context.

Part 1 introduces opening, saving and organising your documents, as well as basic Word formatting. Part 2 moves on to using PowerPoint for simple presentations and developing digital communication skills. You will practise using digital tools in real-life situations such as filling in forms, writing short emails, using safe search, and trying out AI to help with writing ideas. The course also introduces useful digital tools for ESOL study, including translation apps and online dictionaries. 

Objectives:

  • Type and format a formal letter in Microsoft Word (e.g. name, address, sentences).
  • Keep your documents and files organised on your computer and your phone.
  • Give a presentation about a topic of your choice, using PowerPoint to create a simple presentation with text and images.
  • Search the internet safely for pictures, places or job information.
  • Fill in an online form with personal details (e.g. for a library card or GP registration).
  • Write and send a basic email with appropriate greetings and endings.
  • Use a simple AI tool (like Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT) to help with your writing ideas as well as some translation.
  • Use digital translation or ESOL study tools and websites to help with your ESOL study (like Google Translate, Google Classroom, or Rewordify).
  • Understand and use common digital vocabulary to describe a problem with your your computer or phone (e.g. login, file, click, app).
  • Read and follow simple written instructions on the screen in English.

Entry requirements:

You should be working towards Entry 2 or above in ESOL and be able to follow basic spoken and written instructions in English. An initial assessment will help place you in the right class.

Equipment required :

Some sessions may take place online. You will be notified in advance if a session is due to take place online. You may join these sessions using any personal device or computer - wifi is also available in the Idea Stores. If you do not have a device available, there may be support available for a loan device.

What courses can I go on to:

  • Becoming Confident in Digital Skills (Entry 2)
  • Essential Digital Skills Entry 3
  • Digital Skills for Work: Becoming Confident Using Microsoft Office (Entry 3–Level 1)
  • ESOL Entry 2 or Entry 3 (depending on level)

What examination is there:

There is no examination for this course. You will agree learning goals with your tutor which you must achieve by the end of the course.

How will I know I am making progress:

At the start of the course, your tutor will talk with you about which of your digital skills you need to practise most and help you create an individual learning plan. Throughout the course, you will have a tutorial meeting to discuss your strengths, areas for improvement, and any problems you may have. You will keep a folder with your work, which will help you review your learning outside of class. Your tutor will give you regular feedback on your class work and homework to help you improve. To make progress, you need to attend all your classes and do work outside of class.

Other info:

One of our aims is to help you make progress in work or future studies. We also want to help you participate in your communities and become an active citizen. In our classes, you will develop important skills that employers value and that will help you in everyday life. Here’s what you will learn:

Communication Skills: You will learn to speak and write more clearly and confidently. This includes practising conversations for work, writing emails, and filling out forms.

Decision-Making: You will learn how to make good choices by evaluating different options and thinking critically about situations.

Teamwork: You will learn how to work well with others.

Problem-Solving: You will develop the ability to identify problems and find effective solutions, useful in both work and daily life.

Time Management: You will practice managing your time effectively, including setting goals and meeting deadlines.

By improving these skills, you will increase your chances of finding a job, advancing in your career, and becoming an active member of your community.

Extra support

We can help you if you tell us you have a learning difficulty, disability or other support needs. Please tell us when you enrol or in your first class.