Answers before you start a course
Practical questions about who the courses suit, how lessons work, what you need at home and how learning at your own pace feels in practice.
Frequently asked questions
These are the questions beginners ask most often before starting. If yours is not covered here, the contact page is the quickest way to ask us directly.
01 Do I need any experience before starting?
No. The Computer Basics course begins from a blank desktop and assumes you have never used a mouse or keyboard. Other courses expect only that you can switch on your device. If you are unsure where to begin, the free self-check quiz suggests a sensible starting point based on your answers.
02 What equipment will I need?
You need a computer, tablet or smartphone, depending on the course, and a reliable internet connection. Computer Basics works best on a laptop or desktop, while Smartphones Made Simple is best followed with your own phone in hand. A pen and paper for notes are helpful too.
03 How long does each lesson take?
Lessons are short and each covers one idea, so you can finish one in a single sitting without feeling rushed. Total time to complete a course depends on how often you practise. Because you set the pace, nobody tracks how quickly you move through the material.
04 Are there live classes or fixed schedules?
No. All the courses are online and self-paced, so you study when it suits you. There are no live sessions to attend and no deadlines to meet. You can replay any lesson as many times as you wish, which many learners find especially reassuring.
05 What is the free quiz and do I have to register?
The Digital Skills Quiz is a short self-check with multiple-choice questions and an explanation for each answer. You can take it without registering. It shows where your skills currently sit and which courses may help most. It is a guide for you, not a test you pass or fail.
06 Will I receive a certificate?
No. The courses do not carry accreditation and do not issue certificates. Their purpose is practical confidence with everyday technology. What you take away is the ability to do real tasks yourself, such as writing an email, using your phone for maps or recognising a scam message.
07 Who writes and teaches the courses?
Three instructors write the lessons: Margaret Ellison leads Computer Basics, Daniel Okafor covers smartphones and internet safety, and Priya Sandhu teaches AI tools and digital communication. Each builds lessons around situations adult learners genuinely meet, using plain language and plenty of practice.
08 What if I get stuck on something?
First, replay the lesson and try the exercise again; repetition often clears things up. The explanations after each self-check question also point you to the right section. If you remain stuck, write to us through the contact page and describe what you see on your screen.