A practical course · October 2026
Basic Computer Skills
for Work and Everyday Life
A beginner-friendly course for women with little or no computer experience. Each module covers skills that make office work, business tasks, communication and everyday activities easier, with hands-on practice throughout.
See the modules ↓At a glance
Who it is for and how it runs
Target learners
Women with little or no computer experience. No previous computer knowledge is required.
Course goal
Use computers confidently, complete common workplace tasks, communicate effectively and protect personal information.
Suggested delivery
Approximately 50–60 guided hours, with additional practice. Adjust the pace to learners’ experience and access to computers.
Software
Microsoft Office, or equivalents such as Google Workspace or LibreOffice, depending on what is available.
Core course
18 modules, from first click to confident use
Getting Started with a Computer
Identify computer parts; switch on, shut down, and restart safely; understand the desktop, icons, and menus
Contents and activities → 02 · FoundationsKeyboard, Mouse, and Typing Skills
Clicking, double-clicking, scrolling, dragging; typing accurately; using common keyboard shortcuts
Contents and activities → 03 · FoundationsFiles and Folders
Create, name, save, find, move, and delete files; organize folders; use USB drives; recognize common file types
Contents and activities → 04 · FoundationsBasic Settings and Accessibility
Connect to Wi-Fi; adjust sound, brightness, text size, and language; use zoom, voice typing, and other accessibility tools
Contents and activities → 05 · Getting onlineInternet Browsing and Searching
Use a browser, tabs, and bookmarks; search effectively; evaluate information; download files carefully
Contents and activities → 06 · Getting onlineEmail and Professional Communication
Create and manage email; write clear messages; attach documents; use CC and BCC; recognize suspicious messages
Contents and activities → 07 · Office applicationsWord Processing
Create and format documents; use headings, lists, tables, and spell-check; set page layouts; save as PDF
Contents and activities → 08 · Office applicationsSpreadsheets and Everyday Calculations
Enter data; format tables; use basic formulas such as SUM and AVERAGE; sort and filter; create simple charts
Contents and activities → 09 · Office applicationsPresentations
Create slides; add text and images; choose readable layouts; present confidently
Contents and activities → 10 · Organisation & teamworkCalendars and Task Management
Schedule appointments; set reminders; create to-do lists; arrange meetings
Contents and activities → 11 · Organisation & teamworkOnline Meetings and Collaboration
Join video meetings; manage microphone and camera; use chat and screen sharing; work on shared documents
Contents and activities → 12 · Organisation & teamworkCloud Storage and Backups
Upload and download files; sync across devices; manage sharing permissions; keep backup copies
Contents and activities → 13 · Safety & servicesOnline Safety and Privacy
Use strong, unique passwords and multifactor authentication; spot scams; protect personal information; update software; use shared computers safely
Contents and activities → 14 · Safety & servicesPDFs, Printing, and Scanning
Read and create PDFs; print selected pages; scan documents; check readability and file size
Contents and activities → 15 · Safety & servicesOnline Forms and Digital Services
Complete forms; upload documents; use job portals and service websites; understand payment precautions; save confirmations
Contents and activities → 16 · Everyday confidenceSmartphone–Computer Integration
Transfer photos and documents; use a phone to scan; access email and calendars across devices
Contents and activities → 17 · Everyday confidenceBasic Troubleshooting
Handle frozen applications; check Wi-Fi, sound, and printer connections; manage storage; understand updates; know when to seek help
Contents and activities → 18 · Everyday confidenceResponsible Use of AI Assistants
Draft and revise text; brainstorm ideas; explain formulas; check outputs for errors; avoid entering confidential information
Contents and activities →Optional
Work-specific modules
Choose these according to learners’ roles and goals.
Small-Business Administration
Invoices, customer records, inventory, and sales tracking.
Contents and activities → 20 · OptionalJob Readiness
Résumés, cover letters, online applications, and interview practice.
Contents and activities → 21 · OptionalDigital Marketing
Simple promotional designs, social media posting, and customer communication.
Contents and activities → 22 · OptionalOffice Administration
Meeting minutes, reports, document templates, and data entry.
Contents and activities →Quick reference
Practical exercise for each module
| # | Module | Practical exercise |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Getting Started with a Computer | Start a computer and open an application |
| 02 | Keyboard, Mouse, and Typing Skills | Type a short introduction and practise copy, cut, paste, and undo |
| 03 | Files and Folders | Create folders for work documents and save files in the correct places |
| 04 | Basic Settings and Accessibility | Set up a comfortable workspace |
| 05 | Internet Browsing and Searching | Find useful information and bookmark trusted websites |
| 06 | Email and Professional Communication | Send a professional email with an attachment |
| 07 | Word Processing | Prepare a letter, résumé, or meeting agenda |
| 08 | Spreadsheets and Everyday Calculations | Build a budget, expense tracker, stock list, or attendance sheet |
| 09 | Presentations | Make a short presentation about a project or business |
| 10 | Calendars and Task Management | Plan a working week and send a meeting invitation |
| 11 | Online Meetings and Collaboration | Join a practice meeting and collaborate on a document |
| 12 | Cloud Storage and Backups | Back up an important document and share it with restricted access |
| 13 | Online Safety and Privacy | Identify suspicious messages and review account security settings |
| 14 | PDFs, Printing, and Scanning | Scan a document and prepare it for email |
| 15 | Online Forms and Digital Services | Complete a sample application without using real sensitive information |
| 16 | Smartphone–Computer Integration | Transfer a scanned document from a phone to a computer |
| 17 | Basic Troubleshooting | Work through a checklist for a common computer problem |
| 18 | Responsible Use of AI Assistants | Draft an email with AI assistance, then verify and edit it |
| 19 | Small-Business Administration | Create a sample invoice, inventory sheet, and sales tracker. |
| 20 | Job Readiness | Prepare a complete application for a sample vacancy. |
| 21 | Digital Marketing | Create a flyer and three related social media posts. |
| 22 | Office Administration | Prepare an agenda, minutes, and an attendance spreadsheet for a sample meeting. |