Adult Learning
Researching Family History Online - Arnold Library - Adult Learning
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Published 12th February 2026
Thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the East Midlands Combined County Authority and the UK Government, we are working in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council, Gedling Borough Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council, to provide free IT and Digital Skills courses in those districts.
Courses available include Smartphone Usage and Computer Skills for Beginners, as well as courses that can help in the workplace such as; cyber security , Microsoft Teams and Word.
We asked learners about their experience at a recent Smartphone usage for beginners 3 -week course at Retford Library.
Learners found this course to be really beneficial and it helped them gain confidence with technology.
This really is a course for beginners, and those who lack confidence with new technology need have no fears. Katherine is knowledgeable and assuring, and very good at helping learners to overcome their fears and anxieties about smartphones.
Here's what some other learners on the course told us:
• “Katherine is a very patient and considerate tutor who has a learner-centred approach that builds learner confidence and encourages maximum participation. The course was very helpful in enabling me to gain confidence in using my phone.”
• “Good content, venue and a lovely tutor. Thank you for installing me with skills and knowledge to put into practice.”
• “Excellent introduction to using a smartphone. Our tutor Katherine was very knowledgeable and helped a lot.”
• “Severely sight impaired, with some sight. It’s been a worthwhile experience.”
• “Very useful course. Tutor very helpful and patient.”
Learners also enjoyed a recent AI (Artificial Intelligence) course at Arnold Library.
One learner told us: “I have enjoyed this course very much. People have been very open and helpful, and I’ve found that a lot of the mystery of AI has been dispelled, and there is nothing worse than things you don’t understand which can affect your life.”
Why not try a course yourself, or recommend to someone you know?
Click one of the links below to find free IT and Digital Skills courses in your area, and book your place.
We look forward to welcoming you on one of our courses.
