Crossing the Digital Divide: Nasreen's story

Basic digital skills

Nasreen's digital skills were "quite basic" before starting to use Learn My Way.

The free online platform can be accessed through some of the Digital Inclusion Hubs in the National Digital Inclusion Network

Feeling empowered to learn, she started to complete some of the course on her own.

Nasreen also did some of the modules with her niece and other topics with learning coaches at her local library.

"I wanted to learn new skills and techniques, see what it involved and if it is what I enjoy doing. I did a bit of the course at first on my own and I thought I couldn’t do it, but then when I actually figured it out, I knew I could do it. I did so many modules in one day..."

Improving online safety

Nasreen learnt new things on the course - from how to switch on a computer and checking the cables to "see if it's gonna work" to improving her own personal safety.

She also learnt how to use her iPad, how to use Zoom and how to type using a keyboard.

"...I liked how the course was structured because even though I can read, I liked the different techniques it used to teach me. I don’t learn just by reading information, even multiple choice questions. It’s about reading and understanding which I think was good about this course - I was understanding more.

Progressing to another digital course

Nasreen was able to complete all of the topics on Learn My Way and afterwards received her certificate.

She feels using the platform has "really helped" her confidence.

Now, Nasreen has progressed to starting another digital course at her local college.

Speaking before starting the course, she said:

"I was so relieved when I passed and got my certificate. I learned so much, I didn’t know a lot before about digital skills...I learned communication, how you keep your computer online. It's a good experience...Learn My Way has really helped my confidence. Soon I’m going to start another digital course at my local college, which I know I can do now because I completed this course."

When asked what advice she would give to someone who's interested in improving their digital skills, Nasreen said:

"I think everybody should have a go... It gives us so much to choose [from]. So, you know, it doesn’t matter about levels, or how well we can do it because people have a different way of learning...I would give anybody advice to do it because it's a good way to learn digital skills. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you, if you need more help. Then you know, once you take that step, it will be easier for you to learn...You learn a lot. You have to start somewhere."