Technology and Device Assistance
Technology can be frustrating (and unavoidable) but here are some excellent resources you can use to build up your confidence and develop your skills further.
Technology programs
Beyond the library, you can also check out your local Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses for educational opportunities. You can find your closest one here:
U3A are a community-based organisation which shares educational and other activities with retired or semi-retired people, you can find out more about the local group here:
Self-paced learning and online tutorials
For people wanting to learn some new skills (or just build confidence), there are a range of great resources online that you can use which can explore in your own time (and speed).
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GCF Learn Free: Free online learn on life skills as well as digital skills, such as job-seeking, reading, mathematics and technology.
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Be Connected: An Australian-based website to help build digital skills confidence, courses cover a range of topics and devices. There are also regular free webinar presentations, enabling you to learn remotely from trained presenters.
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Digital Learn: From the American Library Association, this page contains resources to help teach the basics of using the internet, computers and devices, while being safe online.
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LinkedIn Learning: Self-paced online learning on a range of topics, including MS Office software tutorials, as well as job-seeker help, and more!
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Google Applied Digital Skills: Free video-based lessons, which help with everyday life, job-ready skills and include practice projects. This is part of the Grow with Google initiative intended to teach the practical digital skills that people need to improve job-readiness and open more opportunities.
Handouts to help get you started:
Below are the handouts for a few of our beginner digital skills classes, which can help get you started with learning. We recommend you follow this with some other learning, like self-paced tutorials or try to attend a class when you have the time.
eSafety Resources
Scams and safety can be a big concern in this interconnected world.
Here are some great resources to ensure that you are able to navigate the online world safely
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IDCare: A not-for-profit charity that was formed to provide support for individuals confronting identity and cyber security concerns. This is a great resource for anyone experiencing issues with Identity theft.
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Digital Parenting: An online resource by the Australian Parents council with some tips adults about keeping kids safe online
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Be Connected: Free online digital education, with emphasis on protecting yourself from scams; check out these courses
One on one support (Device Advice)
These bookable 30-minute sessions with a library staff member offer one-on-one support with computers and technology. Some examples of what you can get help with include:
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Learning how to use a new smartphone or tablet
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Setting up an email address
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Changing/Understanding your Facebook Privacy Settings
… or just a technology question/issue you want support with (or aren’t sure where to start).
Below are some of our upcoming sessions you can book in for. Please select the time and location that best suits you. If you don't see one that suits you, please continue to check back as we create more sessions.
Jobseeker and upskilling resources
If you are looking for work (or upskilling opportunities) here are some great resources to explore.
Interested in more advanced MS Office skills?
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LinkedIn Learning: gives many resources on different MS Office applications. You can learn to write documents, take notes, create spreadsheets and more. Including the software programs Excel, Publisher, OneNote, Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Access and PowerPoint.
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GCF Learn Free: Free Office Tutorials available from GCF Global, which include essential skills in Office 2019 and 365, including MS Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
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Microsoft Helps YouTube Channel @MicrosoftCustomerSupport
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This blogpost from Make Use Of, lists 15 online tutorials, videos and courses for beginners who are looking to learn Microsoft Office application skills: How to Learn Microsoft Office: 15 Online Tutorials, Videos, and Courses (makeuseof.com)
Upcoming sessions