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Computer classes and digital courses
Find classes to help you improve your computer and digital skills.
The pandemic has made us more reliant on the internet than ever with physical services shifting online and video calls being one of the main ways we have stayed in contact with our loved ones. At Barking and Dagenham, we are prioritising digital learning to ensure that everyone who wants to has the skills to get online.
We have partnered with Citizens Online, a digital skills charity, to provide resources and training to all residents. Our recently launched Digital Champions programme will pair learners with volunteers to develop their digital skills and learn how to communicate online, read and send emails, create a CV, and so much more!
If you or someone you know are interested in this offer, read our guidance for more information (PDF, 250KB) and contact the front desks at Barking Learning Centre (telephone: 020 8724 8725 and 020 8724 8722) or Dagenham Library (telephone: 020 8227 3942) to arrange one-to-one help.
If you would like to volunteer as a Digital Champion, you can read more and sign up on our volunteering page.
Basic Computer Classes (for beginners)
If you are new to using a computer or want some support, please drop-in to the free computer classes as shown below. Residents can bring in their own devices or use the library computers.
| Where? | When? |
|---|---|
| Barking Learning Centre Community Hub (2 Town Square, Barking IG11 7NB) |
every Monday and Friday from 10am to 12pm Inclusive Digital Zone friendly classes - every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm every Sunday from 12pm to 1pm |
| Dagenham Learning Centre Community Hub (Dagenham Heathy, Dagenham) | every second Saturday from 23 October 2021 every Tuesday, Get on with IT from 2pm to 4pm |
| Valence Library | every Monday from 12.30pm to 1.30pm for residents aged 60 years or over |
Keeping safe online
Do you worry about what could happen if you go online? Are you starting to use the internet more but don’t know how to stop thieves from stealing your money, or your personal information?
If you have heard the many stories about internet fraud and are worried about how to keep your data safe, this course is for you.
Contact us for more information or visit the Adult College website and the IT and digital skills page.
Digital support sessions
Do you need a safe space to access a computer and use the internet? Are you looking for a quiet location to pay a bill, do some shopping, book tickets or apply for that free bus pass?
At the Adult College we offer free drop-in Digital Support Sessions where you can book a slot to borrow one of our internet connected computers for your own use. We even have a friendly face on hand to help if you have a question.
Digital support sessions poster (PDF, 282KB)
| Date | Time | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Every Tuesday | 1pm to 3:30pm |
Free Parsloes Centre, Adult College of Barking and Dagenham, Parsloes Avenue, Dagenham, RM9 5DF Call 0208 270 4722 to enrol |
| Every Wednesday | 9:30am to 12pm |
Free Ripple Centre, Adult College of Barking and Dagenham, 127 Ripple Road, Barking, IG11 7PB Call 0208 270 4722 to enrol |
Coventry University
CU London, part of the Coventry University Group, is dedicated to making higher education accessible to more people through our flexible study options including courses on:
Barclays Digital Wings
There are online courses available through the Barclays Digital Wings platform which cover everything from the basic skills up to advance digital skills. There are interactive sessions on everything from Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), to online safety courses, to digital skills for business etc. its not just about financial management.