North East Scotland College is running short courses which focus on technology at its centres in Ellon and Inverurie.

They are aimed at complete beginners to those looking to learn a new skill set.

The courses include studying online skills, computing applications, social media and one for parents to support their children while learning on the internet.

Community development manager at North East Scotland College (NESCol) Joy Aiken said: “The digital world can be a lot to keep up with.

“Shopping, banking, children’s school work, keeping in touch with friends and family – all seem to revolve around laptops and smart devices these days.

“We are all having to use new-founded, often self-taught, digital skills. Sometimes we need help – whether that’s mastering the basics, keeping up with the kids or upskilling to improve our career prospects.

“That’s where NESCol courses can be useful – the knowledge you gain can help you become more confident and competent in a specific area.”

Courses running in September and onwards include digital skills for life; internet security for beginners; internet safety for parents and guardians and supporting your kids to learn online.

Computing and Microsoft based courses that are available include computing essentials – an introduction and next steps; European Computing Driving Licence (ECDL) essentials and ECDL extra.

Many ECDL and Microsoft courses are available through distance learning options which are suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

For those interested in understanding social media courses include social media for beginners or communicating online; podcasting for beginners; an introduction to digital marketing; and marketing with social media.

Courses are available at the learning centres locally in Ellon and Inverurie and at the campuses in Fraserburgh and Aberdeen.

The ones running in Ellon are ECDL essentials which starts in March 2021; computing essentials – an introduction from October 26 for 10 weeks; computing essentials from November 30 for 10 weeks; communicating online which starts on September 24 for five weeks; internet security for beginners commences in April 2021 and social media for beginners starts in February 2021.

The courses being run in Inverurie are communicating online starting from September 21 for five weeks; digital skills for life commencing from September 24 for four weeks; ECDL essentials begins in April 2021; internet security for beginners starts on November 3 for five weeks; social media for beginners commences from October 26 for five weeks; and supporting your kids to learn online begins on September 22.

All classroom environments follow strict government social distancing guidelines to ensure the health and safety of students, staff and visitors.

Alternative distance learning options exist where people can learn remotely, at a time that suits them.

To find out more about part-time and distance learning courses and available funding visit www.nescol.ac.uk/focus-on-part-time

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