Digital literacy · Beginner

Internet, Email & Online Communication

Practise effective web searches, source checking, professional email, attachments, online meetings, sharing and digital safety.

minutes · Self-paced

Course overview

Develop online skills used every day in education and the workplace. Learn how browsers, search engines and websites work, how to find and check information, and how to write clear professional emails. Practise attaching and sharing files, organising messages, participating in online meetings, managing privacy settings and recognising suspicious links or requests.

What you will learn

  • Use browsers, tabs, bookmarks and downloads effectively
  • Build search queries that find relevant information
  • Check the credibility and date of online sources
  • Write clear professional emails
  • Send attachments and share files with suitable permissions
  • Participate appropriately in online meetings
  • Recognise phishing and unsafe requests
  • Apply respectful privacy-aware communication

Skills covered

  • Web browsing
  • Online research
  • Source evaluation
  • Professional email
  • File sharing
  • Video meetings
  • Phishing awareness
  • Digital etiquette

Prerequisites

Basic ability to use a phone or computer is helpful but not essential.

Course modules

Understand browsers, websites and web addresses

In this module: A browser opens websites. Tabs let you work with several pages, bookmarks save useful locations and the address bar can be used for URLs or searches. Check a domain carefully before signing in or entering personal details.

min

Search the web effectively

In this module: A good search query uses specific terms, the type of information needed and sometimes a date or organisation. Compare results rather than accepting the first answer. Search operators can help narrow results.

min

Evaluate websites and verify information

In this module: A page can look professional and still be inaccurate. Look for an identifiable author or organisation, supporting evidence, publication date and clear purpose. Compare important claims with independent reliable sources.

min

Write clear and professional emails

In this module: A professional email helps the recipient understand the purpose quickly. Use a specific subject, greeting, short paragraphs and a clear request or next step. Check names, dates and attachments before sending.

min

Attach files and share documents safely

In this module: Attachments send a copy of a file. Cloud links can keep a shared document current, but permission settings matter. Share with intended people, use view or edit access appropriately and avoid exposing confidential documents.

min

Use online meetings and collaboration tools

In this module: A useful meeting has a purpose, link, start time and a way to share materials. Test your microphone and connection, mute when not speaking and use chat respectfully.

min

Recognise phishing and suspicious activity

In this module: Phishing messages create urgency, fear or excitement so a person clicks a link, opens an attachment or shares a code. Verify unusual requests through a separate trusted channel. Never share passwords or one-time codes in response to unexpected messages.

min

Build responsible digital communication habits

In this module: Messages can be forwarded, copied or screenshotted. Before posting, consider the audience, context and personal information included. Respect other people's work and avoid sharing private details without permission.

min