What do smartphone basics mean in this course?

In this course, smartphone basics means learning how to set up, navigate, personalize, and safely use a smartphone for everyday tasks. The emphasis is on building confidence with core functions and essential apps rather than exploring advanced features.

When would you use these smartphone basics?

You would use them any time you need to handle common phone tasks on your own, such as getting online, calling or texting, checking email, finding directions, or sharing photos. The course treats these as everyday skills you can reuse regularly, not just one-time setup steps.

How do these smartphone basics fit into a broader digital routine?

These basics sit at the start of a broader daily digital routine because they support how you communicate, organize plans, find places, and share information on your phone. In the course, core navigation and settings come before app use, privacy choices, and personalization so later tasks feel easier to manage.

How are these smartphone basics different from using a basic phone?

A smartphone is treated here as a connected device for apps, internet access, photos, maps, email, and messaging, not just calls and texts. The course focuses on how those functions work together, including settings, permissions, and notifications.

Do you need any prerequisites before learning these smartphone basics?

No prior smartphone experience is necessary, and the course is designed for beginners, including people using a smartphone for the first time. What matters most is having access to a smartphone with a SIM card and internet connection and being willing to practice simple tasks as you go.

What tools, platforms, or methods are used in this course?

The course is taught through hands-on use of a smartphone, with demonstrations on an Android-based device and essential apps for email, maps, calendar, and messaging. It also uses practical settings work, including personalization, permissions, notifications, and storage management.

What specific tasks will you practice or complete in this course?

You practice setting up and personalizing a phone, making calls and sending texts, taking and editing photos or videos, and using common apps to email, navigate, schedule events, and message others. You also review app permissions, notifications, downloads, and storage so everyday phone use feels more manageable and secure.

Digital Literacy: Introduction to Mobile Phone Basics

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Digital Literacy: Introduction to Mobile Phone Basics

Instructors: Woody Lewenstein

Included with

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1 module

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

1 module

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Navigate the basic components of a smartphone, including how to access and personalize key settings.
Make and receive calls, send texts, and take photos using the smartphone's camera.
Use essential apps such as email, maps, and WhatsApp to communicate, organize tasks, and share documents or photos.
Implement best practices for managing app permissions and notifications, ensuring a secure and personalized smartphone experience.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

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Assessments

1 assignment

Taught in English

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There is 1 module in this course

This course is designed for individuals who are new to smartphones or who hesitate in using them. Through short, easy-to-follow video lessons, learners will gain practical skills to set up, personalize, and efficiently use a smartphone. The course begins with an introduction to basic phone functions, including connecting to the internet, making and receiving calls and texts, and taking photos. Learners will then explore essential apps like email, maps, calendars, and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp. The course concludes with an overview of other apps, including games, as well as some other useful features of smartphones.

This course is designed for individuals who are new to smartphones, including seniors eager to stay connected with family and friends, career changers, or job seekers needing essential smartphone skills. It's perfect for anyone who wants to build their confidence with smartphone technology, especially those transitioning from basic phones or using smartphones for the first time. No prior experience is necessary, making it accessible to all learners. To get started, learners will need access to a smartphone with a SIM card and an internet connection. A willingness to learn and explore new technology is essential, as the course focuses on helping users become comfortable with their device through easy-to-follow lessons. By the end of this course, learners will confidently navigate the basic components of their smartphones, including setting preferences and personalizing their device. They'll learn to make calls, send texts, take photos, and use essential apps like email, maps, and WhatsApp to communicate and stay organized. Additionally, learners will understand best practices for managing app permissions and notifications, ensuring a secure and personalized smartphone experience.

Module details

This course is designed for individuals who are new to smartphones or hesitant about using them. Through short, easy-to-follow video lessons, learners will gain practical skills to set up, personalize, and efficiently use an Android-based smartphone.