Basic Digital Skills for Life

29 lessons · 8 modules
This course introduces foundational digital skills for everyday use, covering device basics, navigation, keyboard shortcuts, file management, customisation, software installation, and troubleshooting. Learners progress to online connectivity, email, video calls, messaging, effective searching, source evaluation, government services, online shopping, security practices like passwords and scam detection, and digital organisation for photos and files.

Explore the course

8 modules · 29 lessons

Build a confident foundation: name what you're holding, get it connected, and learn to drive it comfortably. By the end of this module you can identify your device, join a WiFi network, open a browser, bookmark a trusted site, and adjust the screen so it suits your eyes and hands.

Devices, Hardware and Everyday Vocabulary
Getting Connected: Wifi, Mobile Data and Browsers
Mouse, Keyboard, Touchscreen and Accessibility

Use your device for what most learners came here for: staying in touch with family and services. Send your first email, make your first video call, and choose the right channel for each kind of message.

Email: Sending, Receiving and Organising
Video Calls: Staying Connected with Family
Messaging, Whatsapp and Choosing the Right Channel

Find what you actually need online and trust what you find. Learn to ask better search questions, sort reliable sources from look-alikes, and use the three big Irish public-information sites with confidence.

Searching: Using Google and Other Search Engines Well
Evaluating Sources: Is This True?
Public Information: Citizens Information, Gov.ie and HSE

Cut the queue. Set up MyGovID, use Revenue, Welfare and motor tax confidently, and learn how to shop and book online safely. Every lesson ends with a real check on a real account.

Mygovid and Verified Identity
Government Services: Revenue, Welfare and Motor Tax
Shopping, Booking and Paying Online

Now that you're using your accounts more, protect them well. Build strong passwords, switch on two-factor authentication on the email account that matters most, and learn the patterns scammers use so you can hang up with confidence.

Strong Passwords and Password Managers
Two-factor Authentication and Account Protection
Spotting Scams and Fraud

Make the device truly yours. Tidy up files, look after photos, and customise the screen and notifications so the device serves your life rather than the other way round. Finish with a plan for what to learn next.

Files, Folders and Downloads
Photos: Taking, Organising, Backing up and Sharing
Accessibility, Customisation and Keeping Devices Healthy

Build a confident foundation: name what you're holding, get it connected, and learn to drive it comfortably. By the end of this module you can identify your device, join a WiFi network, open a browser, bookmark a trusted site, and adjust the screen so it suits your eyes and hands.

Devices, Hardware and Everyday Vocabulary
Getting Connected: Wifi, Mobile Data and Browsers
Mouse, Keyboard, Touchscreen and Accessibility

Use your device for what most learners came here for: staying in touch with family and services. Send your first email, make your first video call, and choose the right channel for each kind of message.

Email: Sending, Receiving and Organising
Video Calls: Staying Connected with Family
Messaging, Whatsapp and Choosing the Right Channel

Find what you actually need online and trust what you find. Learn to ask better search questions, sort reliable sources from look-alikes, and use the three big Irish public-information sites with confidence.

Searching: Using Google and Other Search Engines Well
Evaluating Sources: Is This True?
Public Information: Citizens Information, Gov.ie and HSE

Cut the queue. Set up MyGovID, use Revenue, Welfare and motor tax confidently, and learn how to shop and book online safely. Every lesson ends with a real check on a real account.

Mygovid and Verified Identity
Government Services: Revenue, Welfare and Motor Tax
Shopping, Booking and Paying Online

Now that you're using your accounts more, protect them well. Build strong passwords, switch on two-factor authentication on the email account that matters most, and learn the patterns scammers use so you can hang up with confidence.

Strong Passwords and Password Managers
Two-factor Authentication and Account Protection
Spotting Scams and Fraud

Make the device truly yours. Tidy up files, look after photos, and customise the screen and notifications so the device serves your life rather than the other way round. Finish with a plan for what to learn next.

Files, Folders and Downloads
Photos: Taking, Organising, Backing up and Sharing
Accessibility, Customisation and Keeping Devices Healthy

Bring Basic Digital Skills for Life to your library

Talk to us about adding Basic Digital Skills for Life to your Skills for Life programme — pricing, onboarding, and a launch plan tailored to your library service.

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