Digital Mentor Resources 2026
Digital Mentors that support the 2026 Digital Connect workshops will find the latest resources here...
April Mentor Update 2026 (pdf)
2026 Digital Connect Program pdf updated 20 May 2026 (subject to change - last update May 2026)
June Workshop
Camera, Photos & Storage (Cloud)
We'll look at the camera app, the photos apps (Photos / Gallery / Google Photos), and storage via the cloud. Workshop content will cover:- An overview of the cloud - benefits, settings and syncing across devices - Basics of the camera app and useful functions / settings for taking photos- Overview of photo apps and basic functions available (e.g. editing, creating albums) By the end of the month, learners should:- Understand the 'cloud' and why it can be useful for storing photos- Be familiar with the camera app and basic photo functions- Be familiar with their chosen photo app and be able to view a photo
Be Connected: Using the cloud iPhone cloud & photo sharing Android phone & photo sharing What is the cloud and do I need it? Fun things to do with your photos Managing & Storing Photos Apple iPhone: Getting Started with Photos iPhone Camera Basics Photos Support About iCloud Android Phone Guides: Google Photos
We'll look at the camera app, the photos apps (Photos / Gallery / Google Photos), and storage via the cloud. Workshop content will cover:- An overview of the cloud - benefits, settings and syncing across devices - Basics of the camera app and useful functions / settings for taking photos- Overview of photo apps and basic functions available (e.g. editing, creating albums) By the end of the month, learners should:- Understand the 'cloud' and why it can be useful for storing photos- Be familiar with the camera app and basic photo functions- Be familiar with their chosen photo app and be able to view a photo
Be Connected: Using the cloud iPhone cloud & photo sharing Android phone & photo sharing What is the cloud and do I need it? Fun things to do with your photos Managing & Storing Photos Apple iPhone: Getting Started with Photos iPhone Camera Basics Photos Support About iCloud Android Phone Guides: Google Photos
May Workshop
Apps
We'll look at both apps available on your phone and downloading new apps. Workshop content will cover:- Apps available on your smartphone - particularly calendar (we'll do an activity of adding a calendar appointment / event) - Downloading new apps - Google Play Store and the Apple App Store demo which will include what to look for when searching for and choosing an app - paid ads, costs, data collections, reviews, number of downloads (to help illustrate, we'll do an activity to download the NSW fuel check app)- Arranging and managing apps on your smartphone including understanding the home screen vs the app library - App subscriptions and how to view and manage them. By the end of the month, learners should:- Understand what an App is and why they are useful (app vs website)- Be familiar with the App / Play store including how to find, assess and install an app- Know how to organise apps on their phone- Know where to find paid app subscriptions and how to cancel. Be Connected: What is an app? (course) Useful Apps (topic) Apps App to make everyday life easier (article)
We'll look at both apps available on your phone and downloading new apps. Workshop content will cover:- Apps available on your smartphone - particularly calendar (we'll do an activity of adding a calendar appointment / event) - Downloading new apps - Google Play Store and the Apple App Store demo which will include what to look for when searching for and choosing an app - paid ads, costs, data collections, reviews, number of downloads (to help illustrate, we'll do an activity to download the NSW fuel check app)- Arranging and managing apps on your smartphone including understanding the home screen vs the app library - App subscriptions and how to view and manage them. By the end of the month, learners should:- Understand what an App is and why they are useful (app vs website)- Be familiar with the App / Play store including how to find, assess and install an app- Know how to organise apps on their phone- Know where to find paid app subscriptions and how to cancel. Be Connected: What is an app? (course) Useful Apps (topic) Apps App to make everyday life easier (article)
April Workshop
We will start the workshop by confirming grant approval to end of 2026 and some changes to our reporting requirements.
Mentors to assist to ensure everyone completes both the sign in and complete the Digital Skills Checker using QR Codes.
Topic this month - Connecting to others
* Managing contacts
* Calling
* Messaging
* Email
We will use some specific examples and activities that Mentors will need to be confident in demonstrating and supporting their learners:
Managing Contacts:
- why managing contacts is important
- locating contacts through the contacts app or phone app
- adding and editing contacts
Calling:
- difference between voice and video calls
- calling options including navigating their phone whilst on a call (practice with a friend) e.g. stay on a call and check a message for a 'code'.
- voicemail - setup
- increasing number of rings before call goes to voicemail (set with the provider not in phone settings - TIP - Google 'provider increase rings before voicemail)
- settings for the phone app
Messaging:
- native apps on phone for messaging
- other popular messaging apps like messenger, WhatsApp (that can also be used for calling / video)
- adding a file/photo to a message
- finding the settings for the messaging app
Email:
- identify their email account (or add it to their phone)
- use email app to send, receive and add a file to.
- email settings
By the end of the month, Learners should feel confident to:
- Manage their contacts
- Navigate their phone while on a call
- Have setup their voicemail and know how to access it
- Be able to send a message or email with attachment
Be Connected Resources:ANDROID:
- All about Android Phones (topic)
- Calling & Privacy
APPLE IPHONES:- All About iPhones (topic)
- Calling & Privacy
EMAIL (not mobile specific but a general guide for computer setup):- Setting up and using email (topic)
March Workshop
Basic settings to customise your device
Mentor note: BEFORE the class commences, learners should be ready to use the Be Connected site. Mentors to assist in ensuring everyone in their group is ready to go.
* Device Settings - how to find them
* Accessibility - make using your phone easier to use
* Security - lock screen duration, on device security e.g. PIN / Touch / Face ID
* Software updates
There is a lot of content for this topic so we will use some specific examples and activities that Mentors will need to be confident in demonstrating and supporting their learners to do:
- How to access settings through the app and control panel
- Change text size
- Change screen lock duration
- Update on device security - PIN, Touch / Face ID
- Where to find software updates
By the end of the month, Learners should feel confident to:
- Locate settings on their device
- Locate and update their accessibility settings - e.g. change text size
- Understand and manage security on their phone - lock screen duration and update PIN / Touch or Face ID
- Understand and locate software update settings
Challenge exercise - How to change the amount of rings before going to voicemail Tip - This is done through their mobile provider not through device settings.
Be Connected Resources:
ANDROID:
- All about Android Phones (topic)
- Android Interactive Guide
- Android quick settings
- Android accessibility settings
- Android security & privacy
APPLE IPHONES:- All About iPhones (topic)
- iPhone Interactive Guide
- iPhone quick settings
- iPhone accessibility settings- iPhone security & privacy
Learners will need to know their own passwords for their Apple Account (ID) / Google Account.
February Workshop
Smartphone basics:- what is a smartphone and what we use them for- gestures to control your device - tapping, swiping, scrolling, zooming- Apple ID / Google Account
Fundamentals of mobile data, networks and usage:- understanding data and how its measured- the difference between wifi and mobile data networks- connecting to wifi
Review your current mobile plan and usage to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money! Learners should be able to: - Understand what a smartphone, they different types and what it can be used for- Effectively use gestures - tapping, swiping, scrolling and zooming - know how to find and login to their Apple ID / Google Account / Samsung Account - be able to locate and connect to Wifi - Answer these four questions regarding their mobile plan: 1. Who are you paying? 2. How much are you paying? 3. What do you get for the $? 4. What are you actually using? Be Connected Resources:- What is a smartphone?- Smartphone gestures: tapping and swiping- Smartphone gestures: scrolling & zooming - All About iPhones - All about Android Phones- All About Data- What is Wifi- Wifi & Mobile Networks Learners will need to know their own passwords for their Apple ID / Google Account and Mobile Provider.
Fundamentals of mobile data, networks and usage:- understanding data and how its measured- the difference between wifi and mobile data networks- connecting to wifi
Review your current mobile plan and usage to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money! Learners should be able to: - Understand what a smartphone, they different types and what it can be used for- Effectively use gestures - tapping, swiping, scrolling and zooming - know how to find and login to their Apple ID / Google Account / Samsung Account - be able to locate and connect to Wifi - Answer these four questions regarding their mobile plan: 1. Who are you paying? 2. How much are you paying? 3. What do you get for the $? 4. What are you actually using? Be Connected Resources:- What is a smartphone?- Smartphone gestures: tapping and swiping- Smartphone gestures: scrolling & zooming - All About iPhones - All about Android Phones- All About Data- What is Wifi- Wifi & Mobile Networks Learners will need to know their own passwords for their Apple ID / Google Account and Mobile Provider.