Course Details

Course Summary This 5-week, entry level course is your essential first step into the world of modern digital technology. It is designed for adult learners with little or no experience, as well as those familiar with basic computing who are new to the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. You won’t just be learning software; you will be taught how to build new digital habits that stick. You will gain hands-on expertise in the most in-demand apps- Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive - while cultivating a “growth mindset” to become a truly digitally-competent individual. Course Description The Microsoft 365 Beginners course uses a practical, project-based approach to ensure you acquire fundamental skills and build a robust “digital self”. Key focus areas: Habit-Building: The course is structured around mindset discussions (such as the “Habit Loop” and “Habit Stacking”) to make learning new skills feel less daunting and create lasting change. Cloud Fundamentals: You will learn file management using OneDrive and learn to navigate the M365 cloud dashboard. Core Applications: Gain proficiency in Word (document creation), Outlook/Teams (professional communication), and Excel/PowerPoint (data presentation). Digital Citizenship: Learn to use features that promote usability and inclusion, such as M365 accessibility features. What Will I Learn? > Week 1: Introduction to M365, Accessibility Features, OneDrive file management, Google Classroom: Introduce the “Habit Loop” and changing your mindset to make learning less daunting. > Week 2: Mastering Microsoft Word: Creating and Editing Documents: Introduce “Habit Stacking” to link new Word skills with existing behaviours. > Week 3: Enhancing Productivity with Outlook and Teams for professional communication: Focus on making professional communication attractive and satisfying by emphasising good etiquette. > Week 4: PowerPoint and Excel Essentials (creating charts and simple presentations): Focus on immediate, visual satisfaction of the output and overcoming the initial fear of these applications. > Week 5: Beginners Final Integrated Project (bFIP): Creating a report (Word), data table/chart (Excel), and presentation (PowerPoint): Making your progress “obvious and satisfying” to reinforce the new skills and confidence. How Will I be Assessed? Assessment is continuous and designed to reinforce your learning and confidence: > Initial Assessment: You will complete an M365 initial assessment in Week 1 to gauge your baseline skills and help you define your personal goals (ILPs). > Learner Activities & Reflections: Weekly in-class activities, reflection discussions, and Home Habit Forming Exercises contributes to your overall progress and assessment. > Final Integrated Project (bFIP): In Week 5, you will complete a major project combining all the skills learned (Word document, Excel chart, PowerPoint presentation), which is a key part of the assessment. Who is the Course For? This course is ideal for adult learners seeking to gain fundamental digital skills, regardless of their current experience level. > Individuals with very little or no experience using computers, the internet, or professional software. > Those who are familiar with basic computing but are new to the Microsoft 365 cloud environment (OneDrive, Teams, etc). > Anyone whose goal is job readiness, further education, or greater digital confidence in their personal life. Progression Opportunities Upon successful completion of this Entry level course, you will be encouraged to progress your studies and continue strengthening your “digital muscle”. > Next Level Study: Progress onto the Microsoft 365 Improvers course or other digital qualifications offered by the institution. >Wider Education: Pursue any other digital qualification, college course, or self-study pathway (e.g., OpenLearn) Career or Job Enhancement Pathways The skills you gain are highly sought after in virtually every modern workplace. This course directly enhances your employability for entry-level roles such as: > Administrative Assistant/Receptionist: Utilising Word for correspondence and Outlook for professional email management. > Retail/Customer Service Support: Using Teams for internal communication and Excel for basic data tracking and scheduling. > Data Entry/Office Support: Creating data tables, charts, and simple reports using Excel and Word. > Any Role Requiring Digital Confidence: Demonstrating the confidence to adapt to new technology and manage files efficiently using OneDrive and the cloud.