Computer skills tutors

Computer skills can mean getting started with a device or using familiar software to complete a more demanding task. The UK adult Essential Digital Skills framework covers communication, handling information, online transactions, problem-solving and safe online use. For tuition, turn those broad areas into something you want to do yourself.

Imagine a Windows learner has two practice documents in Downloads: Visit-plan-draft.docx and Visit-plan-final.docx. They attach the draft because they recognise the first part of the name. The difficulty is choosing and checking the version, even though they know how to click Attach.

Try this with harmless practice documents:

1. Open the final document and check its contents, rather than choosing by filename alone.
2. In Windows File Explorer, create a folder called Practice inside Documents and copy the checked file into it. Rename the copy Visit-plan-ready.docx, keeping its file extension (the .docx ending) unchanged.
3. Close the document, then reopen it from Documents → Practice. This checks that you can find the saved file without relying on a recently opened list.
4. In an Outlook practice email, choose to attach a file from your computer and select that copy. Check the attachment name and recipient before sending anything. You can leave the exercise as a draft.

An attached file is a separate copy: later edits to your original do not update it. A OneDrive or SharePoint link instead points to a shared file, so check that the recipient has the access they need. That choice matters when someone needs either a finished version or a document you will keep updating.

For a follow-up, use a new dummy document called Equipment-list.docx. Put it in Practice, reopen it and add it to another draft email. Success means explaining which file you selected and where it is saved, without repeating a remembered sequence of clicks.

In a blank Excel practice sheet, enter 12 in B2, 8 in B3 and 5 in B4. A cell name gives its column letter and row number, so B2 is in column B, row 2.

Typing 25 into B5 gives the correct total once. It does not tell Excel how you calculated it. Replace that typed number with =SUM(B2:B4). The equals sign starts the formula, SUM adds the numbers, and B2:B4 means the cells from B2 through B4. The result is 25.

Now change B3 from 8 to 10. With Excel’s normal Automatic calculation setting, B5 changes to 27. A typed 25 would stay at 25. The formula works because it refers to the source cells, rather than storing a fixed answer.

For a follow-up, leave B3 at 10 and change B4 to 7. Predict the result before checking: 12 + 10 + 7 gives 29. If your sheet disagrees, check the numbers, the B2:B4 range and the calculation setting. A workbook in Manual mode needs recalculation.

Good Things Foundation’s Learn My Way is a free online platform for basic digital skills. You can use it independently or with support. It is a useful option if you want to explore beginner topics before deciding which task needs individual help.

For example, try a topic that relates to your goal, then note the precise step you could not complete on your own. That gives you a clear question for a tutor or digital supporter. Choose paid one-to-one tuition when you want individual explanation and feedback on your own practical task.