Canberra's Free Tech Classes Help Residents Master AI and Online Safety

Canberra residents can access free facilitated digital literacy programs at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia in its historic building, plus online learning resources. These offerings let people practise skills they need for routine activities such as managing appointments, banking and staying in touch with services.

Why the programs matter now

The ACT records higher levels of digital access, affordability and skills than all other Australian states and territories. Health providers are still advised not to assume every consumer already possesses the necessary digital skills. This gap means residents continue to seek out training that matches real daily demands rather than relying on general assumptions about capability.

Local and national options in use

Good Things Foundation supplies a library of free online learning resources for improving digital skills in Canberra and across Australia, including modules on AI topics. The organisation also partners with community centres to deliver computer literacy courses. The eSafety Commissioner’s Be Connected program supplies older Australians with face-to-face classes and online resources to build digital confidence and safety skills, with funding extended to June 2028. The Australian Media Literacy Alliance recommends media and digital literacy resources for educators from ACMI, ABC Education and SBS, including age-specific programs for early years, middle years and the Age of AI.

These resources reach residents through established local venues and national platforms, allowing people to choose between in-person sessions at places such as the National Film and Sound Archive or self-paced online materials. The combination supports both beginners who need basic computer confidence and others who want to handle newer topics such as AI applications in everyday settings.

Residents interested in the programs can start with the National Film and Sound Archive offerings or the Good Things Foundation library to match their current skill level and daily needs.