
Digital Skills Award - Level 1 (Hillcroft Campus, Surbiton)
B01501
This Level 1 course formerly known as Office Skills Certificate will prepare you for working in an increasingly digital world, providing the support you need to build your confidence when working with computers and applications for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.
If you have been out of work from a career break, recently lost your job or found yourself in a much-changed environment, and even if you are not working in what might be considered a technology-based sector, having a good level of digital fluency is a must.
This course develops the IT skills needed to move into administration, office or secretarial work.
New Digital Skills Entitlement:
This course is free for anyone over 19 who does not already have Level 1 skills in IT. When you apply you will need to take a skills test to see your level.
Course Content
The course covers the following modules:
Creating and editing documents - Using Office 365: Word to enter, edit, format, layout information (including text, tables, graphics and charts) for a range of work based purposes and audiences.
Processing Numerical Data - Using Office 365 Excel to enter, edit, sort, process, format and chart numeric data. You will also learn about how to filter data and use formulae.
Creating and editing digital media - Edit and enhance images
Online safety - take steps to manage online identity and digital foot print. Setting privacy settings , managing multiple accounts and private browsing. Protecting Privacy and Data
Using online Services - Interact with online transactional services and manage account settings - using government and utility services, booking appointments. Knowing how to buy securely online and being able to compare online buying options.
Digital Wellbeing - Apply methods to avoid physical and psychological risks whilst using devices.
Using Devices - Keeping operation systems and applications up to date (desktop/laptop) and mobile devices
Finding and evaluating Information - Using better techniques to carry out and refine searches and be able to check accuracy, currency, reliability and relevance of results using filters.
Managing and storing information - Organise and store information using files, folders, hierarchy and tagging to enable efficient information retrieval . Knowing how to use the cloud for backups.
Troubleshooting: Identify and apply solutions to common technical problems using online tutorials, FAQs and help facilities
Online learning - Identify and use appropriate online learning resources to maintain and improve digital skills.
The modules are taught so that you gain knowledge of best practice and are able to evaluate the use of IT so that your work practices are efficient.
The methods of teaching are: Classroom based with work related material, Group work and Pair work One to One support and careers advice, Project work and revision for the knowledge and skills tests.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for this course you must be 19 or over on 31st August prior to the course start date.
To be eligible for this course you must be 19 or over on 31st August prior to the course start date and have IT skills below Level 1. (This is assessed via an online assessment.)
You will also need to have enough English (at a minimum of Level 1 equivalent) to be able to:
- Understand instructions with some technical vocabulary and provide material that demonstrates techniques learned
- Communicate clearly with the tutor and participate in classroom discussions
- Use a keyboard and a mouse confidently.
Ideally you will have already completed a basic course using computers or have some previous experience of Office software. There will be an interview to ensure that the course will meet your needs.
First Class Requirements
Memory stick, pen, paper
Attendance Requirements
As this is a qualification based course you need to have 100% attendance. Developing IT skills is an ongoing process and the exercises are built upon your progress week by week.
Assessment Methods
This course is assessed through five controlled assessments which require attendance - these focus on knowledge and practical skills.
Further Study Options
Office Skills Certificate Level 2 with a volunteering option. Other Level 2 IT courses
Additional Information
Students can gain access to a free microsoft 365 license by becoming a RHACC student. Find out more If you require further course information or advice & guidance that is not answered in this outline, please email rbs@racc.ac.uk You can also make an appointment for further information or tutor approval on our Open Days.