Digital Inclusion: Free Online Courses to Improve Your Tech Skills
How to find genuinely free digital-skills learning for email, forms, online safety, work and everyday services—with human help when a course is not enough.
Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance
In brief
Free digital learning ranges from short online lessons to supported sessions in libraries and community centres. Start with the task you need—sending an attachment, using an NHS app, applying for work, completing a benefits form or staying safe online—rather than trying to learn “all of computing”.
A course should state its cost, level, registration, accessibility and data use. Established routes include Learn My Way from Good Things Foundation, public libraries, local adult learning and other recognised skills providers. Some are self-paced; others offer a volunteer or tutor beside you.
Choose a task-based learning goal
Write one outcome such as “upload a PDF to a council form” or “join a video appointment”. Check the course outline for that skill and avoid programmes that are mainly advertising a paid qualification or software subscription.
Pick the right level and format
Ask whether the course assumes an email address, mouse and keyboard skills, reading confidence or a particular device. Choose self-paced video, written lessons, group class or one-to-one support according to how you learn—not what appears most advanced.
Use trusted free learning routes
Learn My Way offers introductory digital topics through an established digital-inclusion network. Libraries and local adult-learning services may provide devices, Wi-Fi and staff support. Jobcentres, colleges and charities may offer employment-focused or accredited courses under separate criteria.
Check accessibility before registering
Look for captions, keyboard access, screen-reader compatibility, adjustable text, transcripts and the ability to pause. Ask whether a helper may sit with you and whether the venue has the physical and sensory access required.
Practise on a safe example
Use a test document or training account before handling benefits, banking or health information. Learn password and scam basics alongside the practical task. A tutor should never ask for your banking password or one-time security code.
Get human help when the barrier is not knowledge
If there is no device, data, email address or accessible equipment, ask the library or digital-inclusion service about those barriers directly. Repeating a course will not solve missing hardware or an inaccessible government form.
Ask for a supported digital-skills session
Use with a library or community service.
I want to learn how to [specific digital task] using [device]. I need [one-to-one help, captions, screen-reader support, slower pace or accessible venue]. Please confirm that the session is free, what account or device I should bring, whether practice examples are available, and whether you can also help with data or equipment access.
A practical checklist
- Choose one real digital task.
- Check course level, format and full cost.
- Use established learning and library routes.
- Practise without sharing live passwords or sensitive data.
Check the current information
These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.
learnmyway.com
Open official informationgoodthingsfoundation.org
Open official informationgov.uk
Open official informationgoodthingsfoundation.org
Open official informationChoose one next action
You do not need to finish everything today. Find a relevant organisation through National Help, or save the action you want to return to in your Support Plan.
HiddenHelp explains options and helps you organise a next step. It does not decide eligibility, make awards, or replace regulated legal, medical or financial advice.