How to organise a digital skills training session

A digital skills training session runs smoothly when the learning plan and the technology are prepared together. Start by fixing the date, room, instructors and learning objectives, then open registrations and confirm what each participant needs. In the final week, test every laptop, charger, connection and presentation file rather than relying on the venue setup. On the day, allow time for reception, equipment checks, coffee and a clear introduction before the practical computer session begins.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Confirm training date
2
Book training room
3
Confirm instructors
4
Develop the program and learning objectives
2 people
5
Send invitations
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Finalize the participant list
9
Print worksheets and manuals
2 people
10
Prepare presentations and practice files
2 people
11
Test laptops and chargers
2 people
12
Test Wi-Fi and internet
13
Test audio and video
2 people
14
Do the shopping
2 people
15
Chill drinks

Event

16
Open the classroom
2 people
17
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
18
Set out laptops and chargers
2 people
19
Connect presentation equipment
2 people
20
Set up registration desk
21
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
22
Handle reception and registration
3 people
23
Hand out welcome materials
2 people
24
Give an introduction to digital basic skills
25
Guide the computer skills session
3 people
26
Serve break drinks and snacks
2 people
27
Refill drinks
28
Demonstrate online safety
29
Lead online safety exercise
3 people
30
Set up the dinner buffet
3 people
31
Serve dinner
3 people
32
Refill the dinner buffet
2 people
33
Practice digital communication
34
Lead the digital communication exercise
3 people
35
Moderate the Q&A
36
Hand out certificates and evaluation forms
2 people
37
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

38
Switch off and pack up equipment
2 people
39
Wash dishes
2 people
40
Collect and remove waste
2 people
41
Clean the room
3 people
42
Put furniture back
3 people
43
Return borrowed materials
44
Send participant materials digitally

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Registration desk
Tableclothsqty 8

Equipment

Laptopsqty 30
Laptop chargersqty 30
Projector
Projection screen
HDMI cablesqty 3
HDMI adaptersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Wireless miceqty 30
Wi-Fi router
Portable speaker
Presentation clicker

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 36
Drinking glassesqty 36
Platesqty 36
Cutlery setsqty 36

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Serving traysqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Scissorsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3

Decorations

Name badgesqty 36
Directional signsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Trash bag holdersqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the programme and learning objectives before sending invitations. This gives participants a clear reason to attend and lets you prepare the right presentations, worksheets and practice files.
Close registrations early enough to finalise the participant list and collect dietary requirements. Aim to have the list and printed materials ready at least 3 working days before the session.
Test laptops, chargers, Wi-Fi, the projector, audio and video with the actual presentation files at least 1 day before training. Bring HDMI cables, adapters, extension cords and power strips because missing connectors can delay the start.
Plan the room around hands-on practice: each participant needs a working laptop, charger, enough table space and a clear view of the projection screen. Set up the registration desk and directional signs before participants arrive.
Allow at least 30 minutes before the start for opening the classroom, arranging tables and chairs, connecting equipment, setting out welcome materials and preparing coffee and tea. A short buffer prevents technical checks from competing with reception.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise digital skills training?: Fix the date, room and instructors at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Prepare the programme and open registrations early enough to leave at least 1 week for confirming participants and requirements.
How many laptops do I need for digital skills training?: Plan for 1 working laptop and 1 charger per participant, unless two people will deliberately share. Test every device at least 1 day before the session and keep one spare if possible.
What should I test before a computer skills workshop?: Test the Wi-Fi, internet access, chargers, presentation equipment, HDMI connections, audio and video at least 24 hours beforehand. Open the actual practice files and presentation rather than testing only whether the devices switch on.
How early should I arrive on the training day?: Arrive at least 30 minutes before registration, or 45 minutes if the room and equipment are unfamiliar. Use that time to arrange the classroom, connect the projector, prepare the registration desk and set out refreshments.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.