Description
Basic Computer Proficiency required. Read more »
Basic computer proficiency courses are designed for individuals who have limited experience with technology. Participants will learn fundamental skills such as navigating the web, and using basic programs.
Many teachers and school administrators face a significant challenge: the students often possess a higher proficiency in using everyday tech tools than they do.
This gap in digital skills can be frustrating, making it difficult to keep up with classroom demands and the needs of modern education.
This course will introduce participants to essential computer and technology skills, providing them with confidence and technical knowledge to bridge the generational technology gap.
By the end, teachers and school staff will feel equipped to easily manage school tech tools, improving their daily workflow and overall classroom experience.
During the course, participants will explore practical aspects of everyday school technology.
From learning to maintain and optimize laptops to securing devices, installing and managing software, and connecting laptops to smartphones for data transfers – this course covers the basics and beyond.
Participants will also gain proficiency in managing browsers like Google Chrome, including handling passwords, clearing cookies, and setting up secure online environments.
In addition, they will work hands-on with tech tools such as video projectors, smart boards, and audio systems in a simulated real-life classroom environment.
These immersive labs will allow participants to practice and troubleshoot, ensuring they feel prepared for real classroom challenges.
Through interactive workshops and group collaboration, participants will engage in quizzes, practical exercises, and group projects that challenge them to solve technical problems and complete tasks.
This collaborative approach encourages participants to learn from one another and exchange ideas, creating a supportive learning environment.
By working together to overcome obstacles, they will experience personal growth and the satisfaction of mastering new tech skills.
By the end of the course, participants will have gained the confidence and know-how to use and manage the everyday technology present in schools effectively.
They will leave feeling empowered to implement their new skills back at home, bringing a fresh sense of capability and curiosity to their role as educators or school staff.
What is included
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Confidently use and maintain everyday school technology, such as laptops, smartphones, and classroom tools like projectors and smart boards;
- Secure devices effectively by managing software installations, controlling access, and ensuring smooth operation for classroom efficiency;
- Navigate the internet more proficiently, including managing web browsers, handling passwords, clearing cookies, and controlling access to specific online content;
- Integrate technology into classroom activities, using audio-visual equipment and smart boards to make lessons more interactive;
- Troubleshoot common technical issues, quickly resolving disruptions during lessons;
- Transfer data seamlessly between devices, including laptops and smartphones, to improve resource sharing;
- Collaborate in group settings to solve real-life technology challenges typically faced in educational environments;
- Enhance their digital literacy skills, keeping pace with evolving technological changes in education;
- Manage student access to technology, ensuring a safe and secure digital learning environment.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Introduction to the course
- Welcome and course overview;
- Participant introductions and expectations Introduction to the role of technology in education;
- Introduction to operating systems (Windows/MacOS/Linux).
Day 2 – Essential tips for system maintenance and troubleshooting
- How to update your system, install important software, and keep it running efficiently;
- Overview of user accounts, setting up administrator privileges;
- How to properly install, update, and remove software from your computer;
- Learn to fix common technical issues: slow laptop and software crashes;
- Troubleshoot common problems using diagnostic tools and built-in utilities.
Day 3 – Data management on your devices
- Manage space available;
- How to connect printers, projectors, external drives, and mobile devices;
- Learn to transfer files with a USB key;
- Connect your laptop to a smartphone for data transfer (photos, files) to be able to synchronize your smartphone with your laptop, and transfer images/files;
- Learn about file systems on your devices;
- Overview of cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox), how to set up a cloud account, uploading and organizing files;
- Importance of regular backups to save all your computer data;
- Understand the options available for data recovery;
- Manage hard drives: how to use them as backup, how to make them available online to be accessed from everywhere.
Day 4 – Mastering web browsing and safety essential
- Introduction to different browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge);
- Set up bookmarks, use tabs efficiently, customize settings;
- Importance of strong passwords, password managers;
- Practical: Using a password manager to store and manage multiple accounts;
- How to manage and control access to websites (safe browsing, parental controls);
- Explanation of cookies, cache, and their impact on browser performance;
- Troubleshooting network issues, and handling malware and viruses.
Day – Classroom technology basics
- Features of smart boards, and how they enhance learning;
- Set up and use a smart board during the lesson;
- How to connect, configure, and troubleshoot projector, audio system, and microphones for a dynamic lesson;
- Create a personalized plan to implement newly acquired skills in your school
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.
