Tips: How to reach learners with low digital skills

Use this guide to support you with connecting to learners who need your digital skills sessions the most, but get stuck before the session even begins.

It can be tricky to reach new learners! Use this guide to help connect with the people who need your digital skills sessions the most, but get stuck before they even walk through the door.

This guide was adapted from Teaching Online‘s research.

1. Offer to help with signing them up to your sessions

Aspiring learners may not have the digital skills to search or sign up for your sessions. Not everyone is ready to fill in an online form or scan a QR code. Sharing your organisation’s phone number on your posters or flyers is a great way to ensure that learners who need extra support feel that they can sign up.

2. Use everyday language

Avoid using tech jargon like “digital skills orientation” to describe your digital skills sessions! Use everyday language that explains what your aspiring learner will takeaway from the session like, “learn some basic digital skills and tips before you start”.

3. Think about how you communicate to your learners

Some aspiring learners may not have the digital skills to access their email. Think about other ways you can update and communicate with your learners, like SMS.

Top tip: Offer support to aspiring learners early, before your even sessions begin! Think about how your website and sign up process is set up. Make sure that it matches the abilities of someone who are just starting their digital skills journey. This will set them up for success!

Learn more

Visit Teaching Online’s website for more information about their research.