Useful Links

Here are some really useful links that I have been using over the years to help support older learners who wish to develop their computer skills:

AbilityNet: http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/myway/ My Computer My Way

Do you need help in making your computer easier to use?

This website looks at the many ways you can make your keyboard and mouse, Windows, the internet and your favourite applications suit you and your needs.

BBC Complete beginner's guide to using a computer:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/abbeg/abbeg.shtml

Is there someone in your family or your community who is a complete beginner but wants to learn how to use a laptop, to keep in touch with friends and family?

Perhaps someone who has never tried a mouse or does not know how to switch a computer on? This website is the perfect introduction.

BBC Webwise guide to using the Internet

http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/accredited-courses/level-one/

A free course for beginners that can lead to a Level 1 qualification.

Perhaps you know of some good online resources that can help learners develop computer skills - if you do then please post a comment and a website address (sometimes called a URL) in reply to this message.

Computer skills I can help you with - either one to one or in a group

What I teach:

• Microsoft Office software – Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook for beginners, improvers and advanced levels.
• Desktop publishing – Microsoft Publisher.
• World Wide Web – search engines.
• Auction sites – how to set up an Ebay account
• Using Freecycle.
• Online shopping – Tescos, Amazon etc.
• Online banking
• BBCi Player and podcasts
• Audible audio books.
• Skype – free phone calls to other Skype users.
• Assistive technology – for disabled people, including learners with dyslexia.
• Mindmapping software (Inspiration) for planning writing.
• Text to Speech
• Voice Recognition (Dragon)
• Portable devices – MP3 players, digital voice recorders, digital cameras.
• Podcasting – downloading your files.
• Creating your own audio files using Audacity.
• IT skills for students – introduction to online learning.
• Word for academic assignments and essays.

Welcome to My Digital Champion blog

Hello there

My name is Angela Bell and I am a Digital Champion and DU (Digital Unite) trainer from Ipswich Suffolk. I have set up this new blog as part of a course I am completing on how we can use digital technologies to support learners, especially older learners and those with additional learning needs such as a disability or long term health condition.

I will be using this blog to record my thoughts as I go along and to highlight opportunities for spreading the word about Digital Champions and events such as Adult Learners' Week 2012 in and around the Ipswich area.

Listen to my audio podcast on iPadio, to hear more about how I support beginner computer users:

Angela