A poster with the title Pay I.T. Forward, and the subheader "Learn the basics of technology in our fun and friendly interactive workshops. Share your gained skills with others in your local community!" Also the quotes "(Learnt) much more than I've learnt on any other course I've ever attended" and "Person-centred, non-profit, community based learning!" In addition: "Ask at your local library or community centre or find FreeTech Project online."

Pay I.T. FWD is our in-person learning module, which is delivered at libraries and community centres for groups looking to get to grips with the internet and technology at beginner level.

Each workshop includes “coffee and cake” and “action learning” where every individual gets a chance to solve any tech-related problems they are experiencing that week! In addition, each workshop has a set learning topic too:

Workshop 1: Introduction. Looking at different devices – from desktop and laptop computers to mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones and how to choose the best one for your individual needs.

Workshop 2: Operating Systems. What makes the device work! From Apple Mac and Microsoft Windows to iOS, Android, and Linux. Also: keeping the system up-to-date and installing/removing apps.

Workshop 3: Free & Open Source Software. Looking further into Linux, what free and open source software is, and the benefits of it.

Workshop 4: The Web. Web browsers, websearch, and email accounts.

Workshop 5: QR Codes. Understanding those barcode-like “quick response” codes, how to use them, and even how to create them!

Workshop 6: Creeps. Looking at “creepy” examples of privacy invasion online – what to consider, and what to do about it.

Workshop 7: Scams. Understanding the different types of online scams, how to spot them, and how to avoid them.

Workshop 8: Raspberry Pi. The remarkable £30 credit card-sized computer that’s not just for kids!

Workshop 9: Quiz. Participants form teams to work together and test their knowledge so far!

Workshop 10: Web 2.0. An overview of the web, who owns what, how it evolved, and different social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more, in addition to messaging apps.

Workshop 11: Video Conferencing. The many different kinds, how they work, and how to get set up to chat with friends in real time, near or far.

Workshop 12: Exit Strategy. Discussing next steps for the group and individuals; continuing learning and sharing skills.

These workshops are highly interactive and designed to be fun, with the aim of enabling a local group to retain and pass on their skills within their community, with optional long-term support from FreeTech Project via Friends of FreeTech Project or one of our online learning modules.

What participants have said:

  • “Brilliant service for public who have few tech skills.”
  • “(Learnt) much more than I have ever learnt on any other course or workshop I have ever attended.”
  • “Thank you for your commitment to person-centred, non-profit, community-based learning!”

Click here for our Code of Conduct for Participants.

All of our learning modules adopt a pay-as-you-feel approach. Your donation to the FreeTech Project helps support keeping our workshops free for the community. Please click here to help support us.