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Enrolments for September 2026 now open

Digital Skills - Beginner Computing - First Steps  

Visual of the course

Description

Computing First Steps - The Basics is ideal for those with no prior experience. Before you can effectively use a computer, it is essential to learn how to use a mouse and keyboard and understand the basic concepts of letters, numbers, and symbols used to form usernames and passwords. This short, four-week course will provide you with that foundation, enabling you to progress confidently through the programme.

You will learn:
- About computing terminology
- How to use a mouse
- How to use a keyboard to type different letters and characters
- How to turn a computer on and off
- How user names and passwords work
- How to enter a user name and passwords

Prior experience required:
None.

Recommended follow on course:
Digital Skills - Online Essentials : Email & Internet
  

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.

Register for this Course






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: K05953  

Starting: Monday 14 September 2026 

Location: Kentwood Centre  

Tutor: Mavis Boahene  

Cost: Free To Eligible Learners  


By continuing you confirm that you are over 19 and have agreed to the the terms and conditions

Course Information

 

 

Time and duration

Day: Monday Afternoon
Start Time: 13:45
End Time: 15:00
Start Date: 14 September 2026
End Date: 05 October 2026
Duration: 4 sessions spanning 4 week(s)

Location

Kentwood Centre  
Kingsdale Road  
Penge
London  
SE20 7PR  

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