Digital Unite Academy
The Digital Unite Academy is a new online learning environment for people who are delivering, or interested in delivering, digital skills and digital inclusion activities and support to others. The Academy is supported by Digital Unite's highly skilled tutors who provide personalised support and guidance - and motivation and encouragement! - to students.
The first course in the Academy is the Digital Champion ITQ (DC ITQ).
DC ITQ is an innovative e-learning course and the only one of its kind that is designed to advance students’ computer skills while training them to inspire and engage others to get online. It leads optionally to a level 2 City & Guilds qualification. It is provided as part of the nationally recognised Information Technology Qualifications (ITQ) framework.
Watch this video to find out more about what it is and what it covers.
16 Topics are covered over the 17 weeks of the e-learning course, which is supported by online tutors and forums. Each topic sets interesting and practical tasks designed not just to build your skills, but also to get you thinking about useful and different ways to interest and motivate the people you'll be training.
DC ITQ students need to be comfortable with using computers and the internet, and to have a real interest in teaching and supporting others on their digital journeys.
In short, DC ITQ will give you the skills you need to be a highly effective Digital Champion!
‘The qualification is really worth the effort – it has given me lots of creative new ideas to enhance my training role and really make a difference to people’s lives. I feel I have a valuable addition to my CV.’ (Student who graduated in Feb 2012).
What does the Digital Champion ITQ cover?
There are 16 topics in the syllabus, each of which has interesting and practical tasks to complete. The range of topics is broad and includes:
- Skype
- Connectivity options
- Accessibility
- Catering for differences
- Browser customisation
- Facebook, Twitter and the social internet
- Upgrades and players
- Creative activities online
- Podcasting and blogging.
The emphasis throughout is on learning how to engage others empathically and creatively with digital technologies, as well as addressing practical issues such as online safety. Click here for full details of the syllabus or watch the video below to see what's involved and how it works.
Who's it for?
Digital Champions who would benefit greatly from following this structured course may come from a variety of backgrounds. They might be:
- employed in social housing
- volunteering at a UK online centre
- working for a library
- a Union Rep
- a freelance tutor
- a workplace mentor or;
- involved in any other situation where learning how to deliver digital inclusion, especially within a community, is of value.
You can download the pdf brochure here.
Why do it
DC ITQ graduates get:
- A unique opportunity to broaden and develop personal computer and internet skills in a formal and structured way
- A chance to understand how to use those new skills to inspire others to learn and to continue learning digital skills
- One-to-one online support throughout the learning journey from excellent Digital Unite tutors and networking with other learners – this is not a solitary learning experience!
- Access to a large resource of new content designed to support Digital Champions
The option to gain a formal Level 2 accreditation and acquire a new IT qualification which supports continuing professional and personal development.
What does it cost and how to enrol
The price for an enrolment on the Digital Champion ITQ course starts at £625+VAT for the online group option. If you prefer the option to work at your own pace over a longer period of time, there is a surcharge of £95+VAT
There is a separate accreditation fee of £120 (not subject to VAT). Discounts are available to those enrolling a number of people.
There are courses currently planned to start on 5 June, 3 July, 7 August, 4 Sept and 2 October - future dates will be announced on this website, so stay tuned.
Click here if you're ready to enrol.
Get in touch if you'd like to discuss your plans or requirements specifically.