How to boost your online skills: learner factsheets
AbilityNet is working with telecommunications company BT Group to help older and digitally excluded people to make the most out of life in a digital world.
As part of this activity, we've created a range of factsheets and other resources to help older people build online skills and confidence.
Last updated: September 2023
Contents include
1. Access digital skills downloadable resources
Around 61% of the older community still does not regularly use the internet.
To help tackle the digital divide, BT Group and AbilityNet has created workshops and resources to enable the older generation to develop digital skills, and inspire older people to unlock the possibilities of being online.
BT Group has a selection of factsheets on its website, outlined below, to help with everyday activities such as booking a doctor’s appointment, managing finances, and booking home deliveries - tasks which have become increasingly difficult to do without the internet.
If you know someone who would benefit from digital skills training, we’ve got the resources to support you and them in getting to grips with the online world: from learning the basics to everyday tasks and even the fun stuff too.
These digital factsheets contain everything you need to know about the digital world, whether you’re finding out new things for yourself or helping someone else get online.
2. Download BT's learner factsheets
The factsheets can help people of any age to boost their online skills.
Breaking the online world down into four easy topics, the factsheets are easily downloadable PDFs and can be printed at home.
Each one comes with both a digital helper section (if you are helping someone to digest the information in the factsheets) and a learner section too, depending on who you are.
Getting started
- Getting to know your laptop or desktop computer
- Getting to know your smartphone or tablet
- Getting started using the internet
- Digital Dictionary – understanding tech jargon
Learning the basics
- Getting started with emails
- Downloading apps: Android devices
- Downloading apps: Apple devices
- Identifying online scams
- Moving to Digital Voice, BT’s home phone service
- Helping your learner move to 4G and 5G
Everyday tasks
- Making the most of online GP services
- Helping you to use the NHS App
- Accessing public services online
- Online shopping
- Online banking
- Setting up a social media account
- Helping your learner use social media safely
- Understanding documents, presentations and spreadsheets
Personal interests
3. Other useful resources
Request a free Digital Skills workshop session as an individual or for your group - at the groups you can access a Jargon Buster alongside the factsheets to help with your learning.
4. How AbilityNet can help you
My Computer My Way
My Computer My Way is an AbilityNet run website packed with articles explaining how to use the accessibility features built into your computer, tablet or smartphone. The site is routinely updated as new features and changes are made to the Windows, MacOS, iOS, Chrome OS and Android operating systems. The site is broken down into the following sections:
- Vision – computer adjustments to do with vision and colour
- Hearing – computer adjustments to do with hearing, communication and speech
- Motor – computer adjustments to do mobility, stamina and dexterity
- Cognitive – computer adjustments to do with attention, learning and memory
Use it for free at mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk
Advice and information
If you have any questions please contact us at AbilityNet and we will do all we can to help.
- Call: 0300 180 0028
Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls. - Email: enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk
IT support at Home
If you’re looking for in-person support, you can book a free visit from one of our disclosure-checked volunteers. Many of our volunteers are former IT professionals who give their time to help older people and people with disabilities to use technology to achieve their goals. Our friendly volunteers can help with most major computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smartphones.
Copyright information
This factsheet is licensed by AbilityNet under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. View a copy of this license at creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
