Adult Learning and Skills Service

Providing enjoyable, successful learning opportunities
for adults, employers and the community

Course Information Sheet

Computing for Older Learners 1.2   

Fees:

full £120

conc £49

non EU £230

Day

Time

Weeks

Centre

Start

End

Code

Tue

14:00-16:00

10

MAC

24/04/12

03/07/12

JS3060

Tutor:  Ronen Cooke

What will the course cover?

A course for beginners (with a little previous experience) on how to use a computer in a relaxed and friendly environment. The course will cover basic computer operations, developing Word Processing skills, and using the Internet to find information and use email, all covered at a gentle pace. This course will build your confidence no matter what your age.

Who is the course for?

This course is for any ‘older’ or hesitant learners who want a very relaxed and easy going approach to learning to use the computer for general use including basic word processing and the internet. Learn at your own pace, with likeminded people.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

You must have some very basic ability to join this class: Able to start and turn off a computer, Basic navigation of the Windows desktop, Know how to click and double click, Have a Yahoo email account (or be able to get one), Able to send an email, Able to do some very basic Word Processing (enter text, ‘highlight’ text)

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

Use ‘menus’ and ‘icons’ and be able to find your way around a Windows computer; Open and close computer programs like ‘Word’ or ‘Internet Explorer’; save files and documents; Send and receive email messages to more than one person, and reply; Enter web ‘addresses’ and find websites and save to Favourites list; Search the Internet for information and pictures; Be able to use Microsoft Word to do basic text formatting (change colour, Bold, Italic) and insert pictures. Other topics may be covered if time permits

How is the course organised?

Explanations, demonstrations, discussions, tasks and lots of hands on practise.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

To gain the maximum benefit, you should read recommended books and websites, and practice the topics covered during the class each week – the more you practice, the faster your skills will improve. Computer access is available at Study Support sessions at Macbeth centre, or at your local library.

How will my progress be assessed?

Informal feedback but tasks will help you decide what else you need to learn or practise. The tutor may provide homework or specific tasks to assess your progress. There will be regular opportunities to review your progress through the class.

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

You can expect to have gained valuable ‘e-living’ skills that will help you access a variety of services and a wealth of information, and could continue to do the 1.3 Older Learners class to build on these skills. You could also progress to a mainstream course on a specific subject (such as Word Processing) or an intermediary computing course if desired.

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

A pen and notebook, a file folder to store handouts, and a USB key if you want to take your work home with you (your tutor can give you advice on purchasing USB keys). You may benefit from investing in a guide book to supplement your learning. Some suggested texts are: Computing for Seniors in easy steps (w7) - Sue Price (ISBN 1840783931) Internet for Seniors in easy steps (w7) - Michael Price (ISBN 184078394X) Once you get comfortable using the Internet, there are some helpful online sites: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/work-and-learning/technology-and-internet/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/courses/ The BBC websites provide access to easy to use online courses you can use to supplement your class learning, while the AgeUK site has support and resources.

What support is available?

You may wish to get additional help and guidance offered through the Study Support Sessions at the Macbeth Centre. Help with literacy or numeracy is available through the basic education programme and the ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. Additional support can be provided for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The Learner Support Fund is a discretionary scheme funded by the Adult Learning and Skills Service and the Skills Funding Agency to assist learners who may be experiencing difficulties in paying for course fees, essential equipment/materials or other necessary related expenses. The fund is open to all learners who are in receipt of an income related benefit or those learners who are on a low income. Details of all available support can be found on our website (hfals.co.uk), in the Guide and the Student handbook, or from teaching or Reception staff.

Recommended Courses

Learners on this course also enrolled on the following courses:

Computing for Older Learners 1.1

Internet & Email

Tai Chi Lam-Style (beginners & improvers)

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