Digital Skills - Google Docs & Slides (Free Word & PowerPoint)

Description
Build your confidence using Google's free alternatives to Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. This beginner-friendly course will help you develop practical digital skills using Google Docs and Google Slides, part of the free Google Workspace suite. Learn how to create professional documents and engaging presentations for everyday tasks such as writing a CV, organising information, supporting your children with homework, or preparing simple presentations for work or personal use.
Word processing
Using Google Docs you will
- Create a word processing document and layout text on the page
- Format the text to be more visually readable and appealing
- Enhance and edit your work
- Use built in help to check and improve spelling and grammar
Presentations
Using Google Slides you will:
- Create visually appealing slides for either printing or presenting information
- Manipulate text and images on a slides
- Run slide shows for presentations
Prior experience required:
This course is not suitable for beginners to computing.
Before joining this course you should be able to :
- confidently use a mouse and keyboard
- search the internet
- send and receive emails
- be familiar with Microsoft Windows to turn a PC on and off and start a web browser.
Please click below to register for this course and someone will contact you to confirm your place.
More information
If you would like to speak with someone about our courses for further information, please phone the college and ask to speak to a member of the digital skills team. Alternatively, send an email to digitalskills@baec.ac.uk.
Can I join late?
For courses of 6 weeks or less, late starters are not allowed
For courses of 6 - 12 weeks late starters are allowed up to the 2nd week of the course.
Who is the course for?
If you are unsure whether a course is suitable for you, please contact the Kentwood or Poverest Centre and ask to speak to a member of the Digital Skills team, or email digitalskills@baec.ac.uk.
Our intermediate and advanced Office Skills and Programming courses require an initial assessment to ensure they are the right fit for your current skill level. If you would like to assess your digital skills before enrolling, please contact the Digital Skills team or email digitalskills@baec.ac.uk.
Do I need prior knowledge or experience?
See the main course listing above for information regarding prior knowledge.
The college retains the right to withdraw a student from a course if their prior skills are not sufficient to undertake a course.
How will I learn?
This is a tutor led, classroom based course with practical learning on the computers provided.
The college has Windows 11 PC's running both Microsoft and Google software.
How will my progress be assessed?
Your progress will be assessed by your tutor throughout the course and there will be plenty of opportunity to get feedback.
Is there an external qualification?
This is a non-accredited course and does not lead to a formal qualification.
We can provide a digital Certificate of Completion for learners who would like one for their CV or personal records.
What can I do next?
There is a clear progression pathway through our digital skills courses, taking learners from complete beginner to confident, independent users of digital technology.
DIGITAL SKILLS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
Computing Basics - Mouse & Keyboard Skills (Beginner)
Computing 1 - Online Essentials: Internet & Email
Computing 2 - Google Docs & Slides
Computing 3 - AI and You: An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
DIGITAL SKILLS FOR WORK
Office Skills Foundation (Word and PowerPoint or Excel)
Office Skills Intermediate (Word and PowerPoint or Excel)
What do I need to bring?
Notepad and pen.
A folder or some other means of keeping paper handouts organised.
Are there any extra costs?
No. Most Digital Skills courses are free to all when taken the first time.
If you wish to repeat a course, there may be a charge.
Is there work between sessions?
Your tutor may set you practice between sessions to help build your retention and skills, and those students who engage in learning between sessions generally experience greater success.
PC's are available at the college and there are digital drop in sessions once a week where a facilitator can support you if required.
Enrolment information
You cannot enrol online for this course. Instead, we ask learners to register for courses using the link below, and once we've been able to advise the right courses for you, we'd ask you to come into our centre to complete an ernolment form.
We recommend you enrol on any follow on courses at the same time to ensure your place is secured as spaces cannot be reserved.
Please click below to register for this course and someone will contact you to confirm your place.
For further information, please contact:
The Kentwood Centre on 020 8659 7976 or the Poverest Centre on 01689 822886, email digitalskills@baec.ac.uk
Course Summary
Code: K05849
Starting: Thursday 17 September 2026
Location: Kentwood Centre
Tutor: Mavis Boahene
Cost: Free - Digital Skills course
Time and duration
Day: Thursday Morning
Start Time: 09:30
End Time: 12:00
Start Date: 17 September 2026
End Date: 26 November 2026
Duration: 9 sessions spanning 11 week(s)
Location
Kentwood Centre
Kingsdale Road
Penge
London
SE20 7PR