Frequently asked questions

Before you start your digital skills training you will need to register with mylearningni. You can do this through the site by clicking on Logon/Register button. You will be prompted to fill in some details about yourself e.g. name, address etc.

Once you complete the short registration process you will be issued with a username and email address - you will be prompted to choose your own password. When you receive these details (this may take up to 2/3 days if you are registering over the weekend period) you can start using the Web 2.0 tools straight away through accessing your own personalised dashboard.

You can return to your personalised dashboard at any time by clicking on the Your Digital Journey or Log in/Register buttons.

Once you have your dashboard registered you can personalise it by uploading a range of Web 2.0 tools e.g. you may wish add your Facebook or Messenger sites to it. Each Web 2.0 tool you choose to add and learn more about comes with guidance notes on what it is, how it works and extra video tutorial support should you need it.

Web 2.0 is a term that has been widely adopted to describe second generation web development and web design that facilitates information sharing and collaboration on the World Wide Web. The advent of Web 2.0 led to the development and evolution of web-based communities, hosted services, and web applications. Examples include social-networking sites, video-sharing sites, wikis, blogs, mashups etc.

Don’t worry if all this sounds difficult and unfamiliar, there is plenty of information and support within the portal to help you on your way.

The following tools are included:

• Dashboard
• Blog
• Calendar
• Groups
• Mail
• People
• Photos
• Profile
• Share/Upload Documents
• Forums
• Chat

Within your own personalised dashboard there is a progress chart, this will help you map your progress in using the Web 2.0 tools and feedback how you are doing. The further you progress along the pathway, the more you will have improved your Digital Skills.

Video tutorials are provided along the way to help you complete tasks. Once you have completed these tasks you can continue using these services or switch to alternatives on the web.

If you get stuck there is a help function to explain more about the tools you are using. Unfortunately mylearningni is unable to provide one-to-one support online but if you want to find out more about learning opportunities go to the Course Search.

Your local library is usually a good place to start although you can find out about Internet access points at your local library.

If you wish to access the Internet from home then you will need a computer and at least a dialup connection or preferably broadband for a faster Internet experience.

Computers can give the impression of being difficult to use, but the reality can be different after some basic training from a friend/relative or structured course. The new benefits and opportunities that open up for you will be well worth those initial steps into learning.

To find a computer course go to Course Search or call 0845 602 6632.

To find out more about using the Internet you can request a copy of the Internet Made Easy CD which offers a basic step-by-step guide to using the Internet or go to BBC Webwise to start the beginners Internet course.

Usually the manufacturer of your computer will have a support helpline for computer problems, though they usually charge for this. Of course you can always ask family and friends.

mylearningni.org helps you get more out of your Digital Skills experience by providing tutorials which we think you may find useful. Unfortunately we don’t have the capacity to provide individual help.

Certainly not! Developing your digital skills will open up a new world for you - one which will give you new methods of communicating with family and friends and even viewing those online photo albums you may have heard mentioned.

The Digital Skills learning on mylearningni is free. However, if you decide to further your studies cost can be one of the biggest concerns for many adults - how to pay for learning and sometimes how to support yourself, and any dependents, while you study. Financial help may be available but it varies greatly depending on:

• the type and level of course
• whether the course is full time or part time
• your own circumstances, including any benefits you receive

Find out more in our Course Search or call 0845 602 6632 for further information and advice.

The Digital Skills learning is open ended and you can learn at a time and pace that suits you. If you decide to take your learning further, course lengths can vary according to the subject or qualification you want to take. There is a wide range of options and it is sometimes possible to take the same course in a number of different ways; for example a few hours a week over a year or an intense course completed in a week.

Other methods of learning, such as distance learning mean that you can learn at your own pace. It is also important to think about any work you may need to complete outside the classroom. Find out more on the Course Search or download Connect2learn: How will I manage?

Yes. There are many courses designed to help adults brush up on these skills which can easily become rusty if they are not used regularly. They are free and are held in a variety of places including Further Education Colleges, Community Centres and libraries. The classes are designed for small groups of adults, and are practical and relevant to everyday life.

Interested? Go to Course Search or if you would like more support call 0845 602 6632.

Digital skills are very important in today’s workplace and it is something many employers expect from their employees. If you are looking for work it can also help you find potential jobs, particularly if they are only advertised online. If you would like to find out about more information on careers Contact us or call 0845 602 6632.

Learning can help you find work in a number of ways. Learning can lead to qualifications and as a general rule people with level 2 qualifications including English and maths, or higher qualifications have a wider choice of jobs to apply to. Learning also says a lot about you to an employer. For example, it shows that you are open to new ideas, that you take initiative and use your time well, and are keen to invest in your own future.

Learning designed for adults is not like going back to school. The teaching staff are trained differently and may be interested in your experience and reasons for learning. Many have work experience related to the subject. They are aware that you are giving of your time and money voluntarily, that you may not have studied for a while and will be keen to see you succeed.

If you are facing redundancy there are many factors to consider including employment rights, future employment prospects, financial support through the benefits system, and emotional support. There may therefore be a number of organisations to consider contacting. In terms of considering your future work options, and the skills you may need to develop Contact us or call 0845 602 6632.

mylearningni has a privacy policy that we would encourage you to read before you get started; all your information is password protected and you decide who sees it and what they see. To find out more about safety online go to Get Safe Online within this site for more information and advice.

mylearningni welcomes and actively encourages you to share information through the online communities, blogs and forums. However it reserves the right to remove any post or comments it considers to be obscene, libellous or defamatory.