Question 1

Beginning of The Training Sessions

Accepted Answer

Communicate clearly about learning objectives
At the start, ensure that everyone understands the theme and the objectives. The trainer supports group formation by example, emphasizing that everyone is equally valuable and learns and contributes based on their own unique circumstances.

Tips 💡
Sharing one's own experience with digital skills, keeping the threshold low to ask questions in a peer-support mindset, rather than a trainer being the teacher, and then students are learners.

Create Safe Space Rules:
Ensure learners feel comfortable by being sensitive to their cultural and emotional backgrounds. Consider factors such as gender and family responsibilities. Time for repetition and accepting errors and mistakes.
 • Emphasize introductions and open discussions.
 • Promote equality—no comparisons, individual learning goals only.
 • Encourage sharing and peer learning.
 • Confidentiality must be stated clearly.
 • Space to make mistakes and ask questions with a learning mindset.
 
Ideas for Icebreakers
 • Icebreaker with a ball and an introduction round.
 • Expressing current feelings using emotion cards such as Dixit card.
 • Pair interviews and introduce your partner to the rest of the group.

Question 2

Designing and Facilitating Inclusive Learning

Accepted Answer

Pacing and vocabulary
Take time to explain key vocabulary and repeat important terms. Repetition reinforces learning and supports understanding, especially for beginners. Proceed at a calm and steady pace. Focus on the essentials instead of trying to cover too many aspects of a theme at once.

Building group connection
At the start of the training, create space for everyone to get to know one another. The group serves as both a source of peer support and a co-learning environment. Allow plenty of time for a relaxed round of introductions. Give each participant equal time to share about themselves and their goals for the course.

Choosing suitable software and platforms
Many learners may not have access to paid software. Choose free and accessible alternatives such as Gmail or Outlook, which offer built-in word processing and spreadsheet tools. Using accessible tools ensures everyone can follow along and practice outside the training as well.

Adapting lesson plans
While the lesson plans are based on the Toolbox structure, remain flexible in your approach. Adjust the content and pace according to the group’s progress and interests. Encourage learners to suggest topics or activities they find useful.

If your original plan doesn’t work, go with the flow. Do what’s possible with the time and resources available. Use the learning objectives to guide which exercises or tasks deserve more time, and adapt the plan accordingly.

Question 3

Adapting Training Materials to Extend the Training Content

Accepted Answer

You can adjust the training materials to fit your session and your learners’ needs.

For example, you can:
 • Add extra practice exercises if learners need more repetition
 • Give optional homework to support learning between sessions
 • Create a simple PowerPoint presentation if it helps structure the training

Question 4

Practical Needs and Accessibility During Sessions

Accepted Answer

Devices and tools
Training may involve different types of devices and operating systems. Offer flexibility by allowing learners to work with various tools and platforms. Encourage them to help one another and be ready to adapt in real time to their needs.

Including breaks
Schedule regular breaks to help maintain energy and focus,  especially important in demanding or mixed-ability groups. Breaks also give space for informal support and processing of new information.

Session structure
Design each session to include a balance of:
 • Instruction (e.g., step-by-step demonstrations),
 • Group work, and
 • Hands-on practice.

Begin by demonstrating a task clearly. Then allow learners to practice independently or in pairs, encouraging collaboration and shared learning.

Language and accessibility considerations
Ensure the language used is clear and appropriate for all learners. Use plain language, visual aids, and step-by-step demonstrations to support those with limited proficiency. Use automatic translation apps and encourage learners to support each other with their language skills.

When using video materials, enable automatic subtitles or translations in relevant languages. Be aware that learners may have their devices set to languages you don’t understand.

Also note that some participants may have limited or no reading and writing skills. Adapt your approach accordingly by incorporating spoken instructions, demonstrations, and visual support.

Question 5

Between and After Training Sessions

Accepted Answer

Build Peer Support
During the training, learners are encouraged to offer peer support and teach each other through group and pair discussions.

At the end of the training, the trainer can reinforce group spirit by sharing collective feedback, taking a group photo, recording a short video, etc.
 
Set Up a Communication Tool:
Select a tool for staying in touch with learners and sharing materials (e.g., a WhatsApp group).

Instead of manually adding people, encourage learners to join using a QR code. WhatsApp’s camera scans the code, and no separate reader is needed. Create a group and go to 'invite via link' in the settings. After generating the link, you can share it with a QR code for easy joining.
 
Continuous Support
If the training is organized over a different time period, it is important to make sure learners are not left alone. Thus, clearly communicating about the next training session, contact person, and possibly providing individual guidance time is a way to keep the motivation and connection with the learners. It is also good to remember that learners' life situations can affect their participation.
 
Engagement and Feedback
 • Pair discussion on expectations: Talk in pairs about hopes for the training content. Go through the answers together and note them.
 • Define personal goals: What would the learner like to learn in this course? Write it down and revisit halfway and at the end of the course.
 • As the course progresses, ask if any skills needed have emerged in the group that could be included.

How to Plan & Deliver
Digital Skills Trainings

How to Set Up Practical Matters 👩🏽‍🏫

How to Assess Needs and Skills ⚖️

How to Plan Learning Objectives 🎯

How to Choose Training Content 🔎

How to Deliver & Facilitate Trainings 👩🏽‍💻

How to Collect Feedback & Evaluate 🤔

How to Support Learners in a Digital World 🤝

How to Plan & Deliver Digital Skills Trainings