Get connected, get business

This is an entry-level course, spread over five learning modules. In addition to teaching computer and software literacy, it looks at how the Internet and mobile communications have, together, changed the way business is being done and how you can use your present software programs in this new environment. No matter how big or small your business, we show how, by following a few simple steps, you can harness the power of the Internet to grow your brand and build your profitability.
Course content

By taking this course you will learn:

•    How computers are changing the way we communicate with one another and especially how they are changing the way we do business
•    The hardware and software you need and how to use the internet securely
•    Basic software for social networking, blogging, making phone calls via the internet (Skype) and digital photography
•    How social networks help build your following and how blogging provides credibility
•    Why building your personal brand has become important and how to achieve it using social networks
•    How to use collaborative environments such as wikis for developing collaborative documents
•    How to blog effectively and the tips and tools needed to become a good blogger
•    Show you how to unlock the powerful features of Microsoft Office and how even simple businesses can produce first-class professional material that gives you the competitive edge.

This course is also available by individual modules.

Who will benefit from this course

This course assumes only a basic knowledge of computers and has been taught in a number of environments:
i.    The mature age group who grew up in an age where computers were housed in entire buildings rather than in a carry bag and who wish to use their computer to communicate with friends and family;
ii.    Those needing skills upgrading adults to enhance their employability,
iii.    Young people who are getting their first exposure to the world of computing prior to entering college.
iv.    Professionals and small business owners who want to increase their productivity and who want to use the internet to generate sales and build their brand.

Learning result

At the end of this course, you will

•    Understand your computing needs for personal or business use and be able to use your hardware and software productively
•    Be able to perform basic housekeeping tasks to keep your computer tuned for optimum performance
•    Know the basics of computer security and how to protect yourself on the Net
•    Be able to make phone calls over the internet as well as download and optimise digital images for sending over the internet
•    Understand how social networks are connecting people with similar interests and evaluate which ones you should consider joining
•    Be able to plan an effective web strategy that builds your brand and your visibility through social networking and blogging
•    Understand how businesses of all sizes are using social networking for marketing and selling
•    Know what you need to do to become a good blogger and be able to choose a suitable blogging platform to try out your skills
•    Master the skills for using Word, Excel and PowerPoint effectively to produce great results.