What do you think about Barclays' Digital Driving Licence? £100 vouchers to be won by testers and non-testers! NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 100 Mumsnetters who were tasked with testing out Barclays’ Digital Driving Licence, a free resource to help people gain the confidence needed to make the most of digital and also for non-testers to give their views.

Here’s what Barclays say, “Barclays Digital Driving Licence is an interactive learning experience that gives you all the knowledge, all the confidence you need to do more with digital. It’s available to everyone, free online or as an app and endorsed by City & Guilds.”

Below is a video put together from Mumsnetters’ feedback about the Digital Driving Licence so far.

Non-testers: we’d love to hear what you think of the look of Barclays’ Digital Driving Licence. Do you feel like you have the tools to speak to and teach your DCs about digital? Do you think the Digital Driving Licence is something that would be useful to you? What kind of things do you think you’d learn from it, and is it something you think you’ll sign up to use?

If you do want to try it, simply visit the website here to create an account. All non-testers who posts on this thread with their comments will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 John Lewis voucher.

Testers: we’d like you to answer the below questions.
Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?
Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence ?
Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?
Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

All testers who add their feedback to this thread will be entered into a prize draw where 3 Mumsnetters will win a £100 John Lewis voucher.

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

Non tester

I like the idea of this and it looks really good.
I like to think I'm fairly savvy when it comes to technology but I guess it is for ever changing and there is always something new to learn.
I'd find this useful and would also encourage family (especially the older generations!) to give it a go.
I think it'd prove very informative & useful.

Thanks, I really enjoyed it, learnt some skills that I will use elsewhere too. The modules didn't take long to do either. :)

non-tester: Seeing the video has made me want to try it out to see how I would fare.

The description of a 'digital driving licence' confused me as i wasn't sure what it was all about.

But now I think it would be useful - especially the online safety/ keeping kids safe online.

I think it would certainly help boost everyone's confidence who uses it.

Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?
I think it's a good concept, as it covers such a range of internet related things all in one place. I liked the website design/layout etc, it's user friendly and nice to look at. If you're already very very digitally savvy it probably can't teach you much though. I wasn't so fussed about the how high a score you can get/leaderboard side of it, just a simple pass or fail is ok for me.

Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence ?
More than I expected to. I considered myself averagely internet aware (except in specialist areas like coding) but was surprised how much I didn't know. For example, when it comes to internet safety/security I thought I was pretty clued up and was a bit thrown to find out there were gaps in my knowledge. As pp have said the coding stuff was really interesting, it's something I knew nothing about but felt I should.

Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?
I can't remember exactly as it was a while ago, I think about 20 minutes max for the topics that were new to me but less for things I was more familiar with. The time definitely varies depending on the topic.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
If it came up in conversation (not a topic likely to be stumbled on though?) then yes I would.

Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?
Interesting idea, but I think employers would look a little if I waved these badges in front of them.
Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence ?
A bit more about computing long enough to answer the questions, buit I don't remember it now.
Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?
I whizzed through two of them in about an hour, then got bored and gave up.
Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Probably not, it seems like a computer game really with worthless badges.
I don't think it's given me anything worthwhile to take me back into the job market (sahm of 5).

Non tester

It looks pretty good. I know a fair bit but I still have some gaps in my knowledge and I'm sure this sort of thing would help fill them. My 2 dd's are very young so online safety etc isn't an issue yet but when they are older I might try this type of thing.

Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?
Really enjoyed it, I know the basics but have felt that my knowledge is lacking in detail. It covered lots of bases and most of it was very relevant to me. Also liked the fact I could dip in and out whenever I had a spare half hour.
Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence ?
My basic knowledge is ok but there was lots I didn't know, for eg coding. The internet security and child safety modules were very useful and something I am very aware of as a new parent (although hopefully not needed for a few years yet!)

Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?
On average about 20 mins. The global trends, analytics and coding were the hardest as I had to learn lots of new info.
Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Definitely would recommend-particularly to older people who haven't grown up with the internet, likewise good for parents with limited knowledge.

Q1. I liked it, use friendly and simple to do.
Q2.As for everyone, the coding was the most difficult but had quite a decent knowledge.
Q3. About 15 to 20 minutes.
Q4. I dont think it would come up in conversation but if it did, then yes, all knowledge is good

Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?
I think that it is quite well designed. I like the dashboard feel and that the modules have the same structure. I also thought that it was very helpful to be informed when new modules were added.
Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence?
I have learnt some basic but important information particularly with regard to social media.
Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?
Generally it has taken me about twenty minutes. Some modules have been easier than others depending upon how much prior knowledge I had. (I still have a couple of modules to complete).
Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
I think it is useful to give a broad overview of the digital world. Yes I would recommend to anyone who needs simple and general explanations. It is brilliant to have use of a free resource from a trusted source. A very good introductory course.

Q1. What did you think of the Digital Drving Licence on the whole?
I was quite enthusiastic at first, but the first module I did, didn't really have much that I wasn't already aware of. I was disappointed that it was read an article then answer questions, especially the 'history' heavy articles, although I'm not sure how else it could be done. I did a couple more modules then lost interest. I do plan to go back and do some more (the coding module) once the children are back at school.

Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence?
The first modules I did were the child safety and internet safety. I learnt a little bit but I was disappointed (or perhaps relieved?) that I already knew a lot if it. I will be looking at the coding when things are quieter at home and I can concentrate.

Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?
About 15 minutes per module. I did find them quite easy but I have yet to attempt the modules that will be completely new to me.

Q4. if it came up in conversation, would you recommend Didgital Driving Licence to friends and /or family? If so, why? if not, why not?
I think I would recommend it to family members who is lacking confidence with technology (eg. MIL) as it explains things simply and clearly. I might even recoomend it to more tech savvy friends but direct them to specific modules.

First off I want to be honest, and say due to DS being quite challenging the last few months, I've struggled to get a minute to myself to concentrate on something like this, so I'm still doing it!

Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?
I'm finding it easy to navigate, and a bit embarassing to find out how little I know!

Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence ?
I knew nothing about coding, so it's been really interesting to find out more.

Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?
Around 20-25 min.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
If it came up, then yes, possibly.

Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?
I found it easy to use and definitely found I lacked knowledge in several areas.

Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence ?
That I needed to read more (and I thought I was quite savy!) and that I needed to update my knowledge.

Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?
Around 20 mins per section.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
If it was free then yes, if not I think there are better ways of learning this, and in more depth.

Non-tester

I like the look of the website and definitely think it is something I would sign up to use. Although I use the internet a lot I do have large gaps in my knowledge in areas such as coding, which is something I would like to know more about. I could also probably do with brushing up on online security. At the moment I don't feel that I have the knowledge to be able to teach my kids as much about digital technology as I should.

Non tester.

Looks interesting. I thought I was rather internet savvy but clearly highlighted gaps in my knowledge.

s.Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?

I liked it - I was pleasantly surprised by how much I learnt from it

Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence ?

That I'm not as computer savvy as I thought I was. The info on coding was interesting and useful

Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?

All about 30mins

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I think so

Non-tester

What a good idea. I like to think I'm fairly clued-up but part of that is knowing that my children will probably always be a few steps ahead.

Anything that can help parents/carers/educationalists get a bit of a digital boost is a great idea.

Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?
It was interesting, I consider myself an uber geek, but there were questions I didn't know the answers to.

Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence ?
A bit about the history of some technologies

Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?
I thought some were irrelevant depending on what you did as a career/ your interests. But they were easy and succinct.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not? Maybe to challenge each other, but my employers would never take the certificates seriously when looking to promote or employ someone.

Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?
I really liked the Digital Driving Licence. I liked the range of topics and the layout.
Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence ?
A few of the modules didn't teach me anything new- but they were areas I was already confident in, but modules such as coding and why it is important taught me a lot.
Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?
I found the social media and child safety modules quicker to complete as I have looked into child safety on the internet before and have several social media accounts myself. The coding module took the longest- about 30 minutes.
Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would recommend it as it is fun, easy to use and informative.

Non-tester.
It looks really interesting and I think I'd learn a lot. I'm going to give it a go.

I came to this quite late but so far I've really enjoyed what I've done - in some cases I've learned quite a bit and in others I've been pleased at what I already knew. I haven't touched the coding bits yet as that's my area of complete ignorance so I'm going to go through that last and veeeeerrrryyyy slowly. I have already downloaded the app on to my parents iPad in the hope that it will help them make sense of things. I would definitely recommend it.

1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole? Nice concept and well put-together

Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence ?
the coding section was interesting and internet safety handy - I learnt that it's worth refreshing your skills in some areas as tech is moving and changing fast.

Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules?
It varied depending on my previous knowledge and rate on interruptions! From 10 to 30 minutes

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, I'd recommend it as a goid way to brush up digital skills, plug knowledge gaps you may not know you had and generally keep digi-savvy, whatever your age

Non Tester
It looks great - easy to use and providing information in an accessible way. I feel able to use computers for what I need them for, but do feel like I lack a lot of knowledge about digital so it could be really useful for me.
DCs only toddlers at the moment - but I am sure once they start school I will be struggling to keep up with them!
I plan to have a look at this properly when I get a bit of time to do so!

Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?

It was very eye appealing, loved being able to choose a symbol to represent me.

Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence ? Some internet history....actually a lot I'm not as clued up as I thought
Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?

Yes I did. I was sometimes struggling to keep concertration on them.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes as its interesting to learn. I understand Internet safety better now.

TESTER
Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?
I thought it was brilliant - the log-in process was easy, the homepage was uncluttered & easy to navigate. The idea of it is really clever & could be accessed by everyone as a free service. The only suggestion I would make (& maybe this is a personal preference) is to present the information provided in the knowledge bank in slides which you can swipe across or click across with arrows, rather than sliding down what seems like a lot of text.
Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence?
I didn't expect to learn as much as I did as I considered myself fairly compenent in most areas of digital technology. However - it seems that's not so & when I was taking the tests first time round, without visiting the knowledge bank, I was guessing a lot of questions. After visiting the knowledge bank, my scores improved considerably. Technology is moving so fast that people need to take the time to brush up on recent changes & advances to stay on top of things. Particularly with our children being the next generation to use these technologies. I want to kee up to date so I know what he has access to, how to monitor & control this access & most importantly, how to keep him safe. My mum had no clue when using the internet when I was younger, so had no idea who I was talking to or what I was accessing. Fortunately, I was pretty naive so would just be chatting to friends from school on msn - but it's scary how little awareness she had.
Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?
I'd say between 5-15 minutes for most. It was annoying the the timer was going down as I was reading the possible answers - it would be good if the timer gave you 10 seconds grace to read all possible answers & then the remaining time (which dictates the score if you answer correctly). I found the 'basics' modules relatively easy - although didn't score as high as I would have expected even on those! I found the coding modules hard & needed to do a lot of reading up in order to pass those modules.
Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would definitely recommend this to friends & family, I find it really useful & I considered myself pretty knowledgable in this area. It's free & easy to use & can be done in stages whenever you have a little time to spare. I like the option to take the quiz for each module straight away or to visit the knowledge bank first. I also like that you have the option to take the test, visit the knowledge bank to focus on areas which were identified as needing work & then retake the test & see a visual map of how your knowledge has increased.

Tester

Q1. What did you think of the Digital Driving Licence on the whole?
I liked it, very clean layout that made it easy to navigate around. I liked the fact that you can set your own pace of reading/learning/testing which is especially important when you have demading children around.

Q2. What did you learn from the Digital Driving Licence ?
Quite alot especially the coding.

Q3. How long did it take you to complete the different modules? Did you find some easier than others?
15-20 mins, yes some where easier especially things about skype compared to coding.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Digital Driving Licence to friends and/or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would recommend it a good way to test knowledge also to brush up on certain areas and the fact its a free learning resource. This would be a good addition to the EDCL that I completed many years ago.