Digital Literacy Toolkit
Last updated: April 2025
What is digital literacy?
Digital Literacy means the skills and knowledge someone needs for “…living, learning, working, participating and thriving in a digital society” (Health Education England). It includes skills like being able to send and receive emails, to safely use internet banking, and being able to search for quality information online. It is more important than ever that NHS staff have the appropriate level of digital skills to fully participate and engage with our digital society.
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Video: What is digital literacy?
Support at East Cheshire
Training
The library can provide 1:1 training on basic IT skills, including getting started on the computer and Microsoft tools like Word and Teams. This can take place in the LE&D Hub or at your place of work.
Click the link below to find out more about the training we offer or call into the LE&D Hub on 1st Floor, New Alderley House.
Library computers
If you want a safe space to use these online resources, with someone on hand to help if you get stuck, you can use the computers in the Library, New Alderley House. The library is staffed Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm and the staff are happy to help you.
Digital Upskilling app
This web-based app contains information about things like DCS, key computer terms and phrases, and links to further support. It’s optimised for use on mobile but can be accessed on any device by scanning the QR code or clicking the link below.
User guides
MLCSU (who manage our Trust’s IT support) have a library of online guides to help you learn new skills and find answers to specific questions you might have about using the computer. This includes written and video guides on clinical applications and Microsoft products like Outlook and Teams.
Digital skills at public libraries
Springboard run 6-week Essential Digital Skills for Work courses for adults in Cheshire East, as well as tutor-led Discover Digital sessions for basic digital skills. Find out more or book a session with one of Springboard’s advisors at the link below.
Understanding computers
The courses and information below focus on the basics of understanding and using computers. You may need to create an account, but all courses are free to access.
- Computer basics – learn the different parts of computer hardware and software
- Using your device – learn core skills on how to use and navigate around a computer
Getting started online
The courses below are all free to access, you’ll just need to create an account with Learn My Way. This doesn’t include the media literacy course, which you can access without an account.
Online basics
How to search and explore the internet, keep in touch with email, and use public services online – all while being safe and secure.
Staying in touch
Understanding the basics of effective online communication, including video calling, social media and online safety.
Safety and security
Learn about keeping yourself safe online, including online friends, scams and device security.
Media literacy
Learn how to interpret and evaluate information online, whether you’re reading an article, watching a video, or using social media.
Managing health
Learn how you can use the internet to support your health. You can make appointments, order repeat prescriptions and find advice on specific symptoms and conditions.
Managing money
Finances can be tricky, but this module will help you learn how to do budgeting, banking and shopping online in a safe and easy way.
Using Microsoft Office
East Cheshire NHS Trust uses Office 365, which is the name for a suite of tools including Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, and Sharepoint.
Office tutorials
All NHS staff in Cheshire and Mersey can use the 365 Knowledge Hub, with free access to online learning.
Microsoft training
You can access free online training on all Microsoft apps/programmes direct from Microsoft.
LearnFree tutorials
Access free video and text tutorials on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, from complete beginner levels through to more advanced levels.
Microsoft Teams guides
- Using Teams – guides by NHSMail support
- Microsoft Teams video training – video guides by Microsoft
- Teams for trainers – information about how to run training using Teams
- Guidance for remote teaching – by HEE (now NHS England)
- Case studies – how other NHS organisations are using Teams