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

Digital Ready for Daily Life

Digital Ready.png 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

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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

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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

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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

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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:

  • Read online for free with your library card: magazines-and-newspapers
  • ebooks and audiobooks, comics, graphic novels and children’s stories 
  • Learn a new language online for free with your library card
  • Discover family history resources and support
  • Get help with research and finding information
  • Read online newspaper archives
  • Complete Niche Academy tutorials on Google Docs, Linked In, Pinterest and more 
  • For Students or their parents/caregivers Libraries Tasmania members have access to free online study and homework help, anytime, anywhere with their library card. Studiosity lets users connect with qualified teachers, tutors and subject specialists in core Australian curriculum subjects.

Burnie Council Digital Support

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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

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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

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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

Tech-Penguin

 

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.

 

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: 

 

If eligible you can get free NBN

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

 

Related Information

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