SWINDON College is the first in the country to offer the pioneering E-Citizen qualification. The qualification, created by the British Computer Society, teaches people how to surf the internet and how to access the services offered online.

John Nield is the programme manager for Swindon College's seven learning centres that will be offering the course.

"It is a flexible course that people can study at their own pace," he said.

"We say it is 30 hours long but someone could finish it in that time while another person could take 40 hours, depending on their ability and how fast they learn.

"The course is for all ages and there are three sections.

"The first will deal with the foundation skills like how to turn the computer on and how to move files around.

"Then we will teach the internet basics, like using email and navigating your way through the internet.

"The third element will be what is basically the crux of the whole course E participation.

"This is about how to access on-line services such as filling in tax returns on line or purchasing items on the internet."

Internet security will be a major element of the course, according to John.

He said: "One of the reasons why people need to be taught how to use the computer properly is that there have been some recent scares about internet security.

"If people are more aware of the issues then they can protect themselves from this."

John believes people need to learn how to use the internet properly in a world where many services will soon only be accessible via the internet.

He said: "In the future the internet will be the main source of information.

"Here in the UK the Govern-ment is pushing people to use the internet for more and more services.

"They would prefer people to pay their taxes and council tax over the internet.

"There will come a time for instance when polling stations will cease to exist and people will vote on-line instead.

"The internet will become as essential a tool as a motor car."

The course will be taught at the learning centres in Wootton Bassett, the Parks, North Swindon, the Link Centre, Regents Circus, Marlborough and Nythe.

It ends with an on-line test leading to certification. It costs £25 to take part and anyone who wants to enrol should contact Swindon College on 0800 731 2250.

Diana Milne