Learn Digital Skills
Digital literacy is a life skill we need to talk to friends on social media, share our photos, shop online, apply for jobs, use electronic banking and fill in government forms.
If you haven't used a computer at school or work as an adult, or if you don't have access to a computer or the internet, there are support services available to help you gain access and learn digital skills. These services will help you become more confident and stay safe online, while also providing ways to build your digital skills so that you can help others.
Online support
Click on a heading to view details
Digital Ready for Daily Life
Digital Ready for Daily Life helps you get online safely and confidently so you can enjoy the opportunities digital tools and devices have to offer.
Follow along on facebook@digitalreadyfordailylifefor useful tips.
Also check out these online resources that can help you get started with some digital basics:
Learn My Way
Learn My Way is a website of free online learning for beginners, helping you develop digital skills to make the most of the online world
Community Digital Support
Are you a a community organisation looking to support your members with essential digital skills?
Learn My Way is our fantastic free online learning platform that's perfect for helping your service users kickstart their digital skills journey!
From basic computer skills to internet browsing, email usage and online safety, Learn My Way is perfect for beginners wanting to take their first steps into digital.
Be Connected Network and Good Things Foundation Australia
The BeConnected learning website was created for the eSafety Commissioner and contains online courses to top up your skills at your pace:
The Good Things Foundation which manages the BeConnected website has also compiled a library of learning resources.
You may choose a subject you're interested in or search the full list of resources.
Intro to Digital Mentoring
Would you like to help others get online? Do you feel confident helping others get online?
The BeConnected Intro to Digital Mentoring webinar is a great way to top up your skills and confidence. Perfect for people new to providing digital skills support for their family, friends, community or those wanting a refresher. This free 1.5 hour introduction to mentoring webinar talks you through practical tips, how to's and support resources available. (Hint: you don't have to be a tech expert!).
Monthly on Thursdays 1:00pm-2:30pm, AEDT Register for the Digital Mentoring webinair
Local in-person support
Click on a heading to view details
Burnie Community House
24 Wiseman St, Shorewell Park
(03) 6433 3219
manager@burniech.com.au
burniecommunityhouse.com.au
Office facilities: Photocopying / Printing / Phone service / Computer access available during business hours at no cost.
Computers for seniors: Do you need some help with learning how to use a computer? Book an appointment with Shandel on 6433 3219
Libraries Tasmania
30 Alexander St, Burnie
(03) 6477 7400
burnie.library@education.tas.gov.au
libraries.tas.gov.au
Libraries Tasmania have a great range of physical resources as well as eResources to help you learn, feel more confident, and have fun in this digital world.
1. Computers, Wifi and Tech Support at Burnie Library
- Go to the library to use a computer and get online – it’s free. Just ask the library staff or volunteers for help.
- Use the internet for free. The library has free Wi-Fi for you to use with your mobile or laptop.
If you need help connecting to the Wi-Fi network, again just ask.
2. Get help to do things online
Do you need help using your device? Library staff and volunteers can help you to use a laptop, iPad, or mobile to:
- Fill in an online form
- Open an email account or check your email
- Watch movies and documentaries
- Stream and download music
- Create and format a document
- Search online for a job
- Help with MyGov app
- Using social media, gumtree and google photos
- Researching your family history.
3. eResources
To grow your digital skills here are some things you can try with Libraries.tas.gov.au:
Burnie Council Digital Support
80 Wilson st, Burnie
03 6430 6700
burnie@burnie.tas.gov.au
Council provides free Wi-Fi locations around the Burnie CBD, for tourists, visitors, shoppers and locals to access the internet look for: BCC-Guest.
If you need assistance with finding information, or using council’s digital services, Contact Council or visit us at 80 Wilson Street. Digital Services include:
Self Service Information:
University of Tasmania
Cradle Coast Campus, 2/8 Bass Hwy, Burnie
(03) 6430 4949
utas.edu.au/cradle-coast
UTAS welcomes students, staff and community visitors.There are many spaces to sit with access to wifi, including a central courtyard, outdoor seating, break-out / informal seating areas around the campus.
The Unity Public Café has beverages and light food options between 8.30am – 2pm, Monday to Friday. Cradle Coast UniMap
Devonport Online Access Centre
Level 1, paranaple centre 137 Rooke St, Devonport
0444 525 434
Devonport OAC (NWTas)
A community-managed service, supported by Libraries Tasmania.
For a small fee, staff and volunteers at the Online Access Centre can help you to:
- Use your device, such as phones, tablets and digital cameras
- Help with email
- Search the internet
- Use social media
- Buying and selling online
- Scanning and CD burning
The centre charges $5 for technology support up to half an hour, and $12 for training and support up to 2 hours.
Digital help sessions include:
- Computer maintenance, such as updates and virus protection
- Converting old media i.e. records, tapes and DVD to digital
- Google maps and LISTmap
- Online storage
- Microsoft Office and Windows at $60 for 3 lessons
- TasTAFE delivered programs such as Computer Foundations
devonport.oac@education.tas.gov.au
https://www.facebook.com/Devonport.Online
Penguin Community op shop
95 Main Road, Penguin, TAS, Australia, Tasmania
0458 758 674
penguin.opshop@gmail.com
Digital Inclusion Index
Did you know there is a digital divide between those who do have access to devices, internet connection, and the skills to navigate the web and those who don't.
The ABCs of digital inclusion include: Affordable access, Basic digital skills, and Community support.
People who are most at risk of Digital Exclusion include:
- First Nations Peoples living in remote communities
- people over 75 years of age and
- those in the lowest income group
Key attributing factors for Access, Ability, and Affordability include:
- did not complete secondary school.
- lowest income
- currently unemployed
- rely on mobile-only access
- live alone
- live in remote areas
- disability
Read more here:
School Student Broadband Initiative
Did you know? Eligible families can access 12 months of free NBN broadband, thanks to the ongoing rollout of theSchool Student Broadband Initiative(SSBI). The new National Referral Centre makes it easier easier for people in your community to apply.
To be eligible, a family must:
- Have a child living at home and enrolled in an Australian school.
- Be referred by a nominating organisation or self-nominate through the National Referral Centre
- Have no active broadband service over the NBN network.
- Live in a location where they can access a standard NBN service.
Learn more about how to access the School Student Broadband Initiative
Tech4Kids TAS - WorkVentures
The Tech4Kids TAS program is taking action to address the digital divide in Tasmania by providing laptops, internet plans, coaching and tech support to students in need.
Tech4Kids TAS is being delivered by WorkVentures with the support of the Tasmanian Community Fund and TasCOSS. WorkVentures is seeking to engage with community services industry organisations to identify and connect eligible year 5-12 students.
If your organisation is supporting digitally excluded students or has expertise in this space, get in touch to find out how you can be involved in Tech4Kids TAS and help to close the digital divide for our young learners.
What’s included in the program?
- Professionally refurbished laptops;
- NBN internet service;
- Digital coaching sessions;
- Ongoing technical support; and
- Free delivery to recipients.
For more information or to express interest, please contact James Ryan at WorkVentures via email or phone 0490 532 994.
https://tascoss.org.au/tech4kids-eoi/