Short Courses

The following courses are available at the IT Centre, Kingsway Campus throughout the year in 8 week blocks, one day/evening per week for two hours.  

Watch out for posters advertising start dates and times or visit www.discoverdc.co.uk.

Computer Basics (ILA funded)

This course is suitable for anyone wishing to use Windows 7 without any prior knowledge, before moving on to learn about any of the Office Applications.  The aim of the course is to familiarise a new user with the basic features of Windows 7.  Students will also be introduced to the basic features of Microsoft Word and the Internet.
Successful completion of this course will result in an SQA credit at SCQF level 4.

Introduction to Publisher 2010 (ILA funded)

This course is aimed at beginners to Publisher.  During this course you will learn how to starting the program; become familiar with the Backstage view and the various types of publication; open a publication design; create and delete text boxes; resize and move an object; enter text and basic formatting; open and edit a blank publication; save a new publication; print a publication; close the program.
You will produce documents such as Newsletters, posters and calendars.
Successful completion of this course will result in an SQA credit at SCQF level 5.

Conquering the Digital Age (ILA funded)

This course is aimed at beginners to the world of the Internet or World Wide Web. During this course you will learn about what software and hardware you will need to be able to go online as well as learning how to search for information and use email software.

During the course you will learn about the hardware and software required to go online; learn how to use the most common search engines; become familiar with the terminology used when using the Internet and use Electronic Mail (E-Mail) to send and receive messages.
Successful completion of this course will result in an SQA credit at SCQF level 4.

Introduction to Digital Photography (ILA funded)

No prior digital photography knowledge or skills are required but basic computer skills are necessary. This course is suitable for compact, bridge and Digital SLR cameras and will help students understand their camera settings and capabilities.
The course covers the transfer of images to a PC and the back-up of these images. Students will gain an understanding of composition, lighting conditions and also basic digital image enhancing and editing.
Successful completion of this course will result in an SQA credit at SCQF level 5.

Introduction to Web Page Design (Non Certificated)

In this course, you will learn the basics of designing and developing a web site. We'll take a look at design issues and learn about web page layout, effective navigation and delve into the design process.
You will examine some of the how-to's, in's, out's and pitfalls of using graphics, colour and fonts on web pages as well as working with tables.

Learn to Type (BCS Certificate)

e-type is a flexible and fun way to learn how to touch-type. Learners can develop at their own pace without any pressure, and even practise at home or work.
e-type is taught through ten structured lessons that follow a simple and logical sequence. There are clear instructions and the lessons are easy to understand and can be done at your own pace. As you progress you’ll get handy hints to help you improve. You can also take a break whenever you want and return to the point where you left off.

Getting to Grips with your Computer (ILA funded)

Students will develop a basic knowledge of the functions of a Windows 7 computer.
This course covers the windows 7 operating system.  During the course you will learn how to:
Save and find your files; computer storage devices such as memory pens and external hard drives; learn about computer hardware and software and different types of computers.
The course also covers how to customise your PC, connecting to the Internet and staying safe on the internet.
Successful completion of this course will result in an SQA credit at SCQF level 4.

Small Projects using Microsoft Office (ILA funded)

This course is designed as an introduction to four of the popular programs included in the Microsoft Office 2010 suite.  During the course you will learn how to:

• Use Word 2010 to create and editing documents e.g. letters, reports & posters.
• Use Power Point 2010 to create graphic and animation based presentations e.g. photo album.
• Use Excel 2010 to create and edit spreadsheets e.g. budgets, lists & organising events.
• Use Publisher 2010 to create your own imaginative and exciting projects e.g. greeting cards, calendars, newsletters & bookmarks.
• Successful completion of this course will result in an SQA credit at SCQF level 4.