This free online course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to communicate online in a positive way.

The internet has revolutionized how people communicate. Emails are almost replacing traditional letters, social media allows people to air their views and online news media is overtaking newspapers. If you don't understand how to use these tools, it is easy to feel you are being left behind. However, digital competence is well within reach of anyone with access to the internet and much easier to achieve than you might imagine.

This course explores the five key areas of digital competence identified in the Digital Competence (DigComp) framework. They include data literacy, communication and collaboration, content creation, safety and problem-solving. First, you'll learn the importance of digital literacy, defined as 'the ability to interpret, communicate, and create information in many formats’, and how valuable this can be. Next, you will discover how to expertly and safely communicate online, collaborate with others and create your own content with the help of exciting free tools on the internet. Safety and problem-solving is the final topic that will also have you navigating the internet confidently and securely, helping you make good choices. As you progress through the course, you will see examples of how the internet can be a force for good, opening up opportunities for community-building, fundraising, lobbying and organising.

This course includes detailed examples of those who have used their skills and knowledge of global digital literacy to provide positive changes worldwide. These examples give ideas on what you can accomplish, from small community changes to larger-scale transformations such as human rights issues and climate change. If you are keen to discover why everyone else finds the internet indispensable or have some knowledge but want to explore more, this course is perfect for you. Start today and uncover a whole new world at your fingertips!