Essential Digital Skills Level 1 Qualification (Gateway)

Course Title: Essential Digital Skills Level 1 Qualification (Gateway)

Brief course description:

Advance your digital competencies with the Essential Digital Skills Level 1 qualification. This course covers essential skills for work, study, and daily life, including effective use of digital devices, online safety, and communication. It’s ideal for those looking to build on their existing knowledge and improve their digital fluency.

Objectives:

• Operate a range of digital devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, and customize settings for personal use.
• Use file management systems to store, organize, and retrieve digital information efficiently across different devices.
• Browse the internet securely, understanding how to protect your data and privacy while navigating online resources.
• Create and edit more complex documents using word processing software, including formatting text, inserting images, and using templates.
• Send and receive emails with attachments, and manage email communications professionally, including organizing folders and contacts.
• Use spreadsheet software to perform basic calculations, create charts, and manage simple data sets for work or personal tasks.
• Participate in online collaborative tools, such as shared documents and project management platforms, for effective teamwork.
• Stay safe online by recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and understanding the principles of online security.
• Communicate effectively using a range of digital platforms, including social media, instant messaging, and video conferencing tools.
• Apply your digital skills to real-world tasks, such as online shopping, managing digital finances, and accessing public services online.

Entry requirements:

You will need to be able to show digital skills working towards the required level (Level 1) at assessment.

Equipment required :

Please bring to every lesson:

• A folder
• Pens & pencils
• Lined A4 paper
• A smartphone (if you have one)
• A reusable water bottle

We will give you the WIFI details in the first lesson.

If you do not have access to a smart phone or a computer at home, speak to your tutor.

What courses can I go on to:

• Functional Skills English Level 1/2
• Functional Skills Maths Level 1/2
• ESOL Level 1/2
• Digital Skills in the workplace: Intermediate Excel (Level 1 to Level 2)
• Digital Skills in the workplace: Using Excel, Word, Outlook, Powerpoint - Intermediate Level 1
• Digital Skills in the workplace: Using Excel, Word, Outlook, Powerpoint - High Intermediate Level 2
• Digital Skills in the workplace: Promoting and Selling your product or business online

What examination is there:

You will undertake the Gateway Essential Digital Skills Qualification at Entry 3.

The qualification covers five skill areas:

1. Using devices and handling information
2. Creating and editing
3. Communicating
4. Transacting
5. Being safe and responsible online.

The content of the qualifications is based on the National standards for essential digital skills April 2019 (reference: DfE-00082-2019)

You will be given the opportunity to resit the exam once.

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.