Essential Digital Skills Framework

Foundation Skills

At the very base of the Essential Digital Skills Framework are the Foundation skills – the absolute minimum people need before they can build further. These are about confidence and ability to use devices and get online.

A person should be able to:

1. Turn on a device

   • Switch on a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

   • Use basic functions like volume, brightness, and power.

2. Use the controls

   • Know how to log in with a secure password, PIN, or fingerprint.

   • Use a mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen.

3. Connect to the internet

   • Understand Wi-Fi, mobile data, and how to connect.

   • Recognise when a device is online or offline.

4. Keep information secure

   • Understand the basics of online safety (not sharing passwords, locking a device, recognising scam messages).

5. Find and open apps

   • Locate apps or programs on a device and open them.

   • Navigate simple menus and home screens.

6. Basic settings

   • Adjust settings like sound, display, or accessibility features.

   • Charge a device and check battery levels.

These are pre-entry level skills – the stepping stone before someone can move on to sending emails, making online transactions, or creating digital content.