Helping our learners develop confidence with everyday technology is at the heart of our Basic Digital Skills sessions. Recently, we introduced the Bee Network app, using our step-by-step guide to support learners with a session focused on practical skills that learners can immediately apply in their daily lives, particularly when travelling.
For many learners, the journey began with downloading the app and signing up. This provided a valuable opportunity to practise essential digital skills such as using the app store, creating secure passwords, and entering personal details.
Once set up, learners explored how to use the app to:
- Plan journeys between locations
- Check live bus and tram times
- View routes and service updates
- Buy tickets directly through the app
Working through these features together helped learners feel more comfortable navigating the app and using it independently.
Why It Matters
The Bee Network app offers a range of benefits that can make every day travel simpler and more reliable. Learners particularly valued:
- Live updates, helping them avoid long waits
- Disruption alerts, allowing them to adjust plans quickly
- Journey planning tools, making new routes feel less daunting
- Digital ticketing, reducing the need for cash
These features can make a real difference, supporting independence and reducing stress when travelling.
Our session at the Arthur Greenwood centre was especially positive, with two learners already familiar with the Bee Network app sharing their experiences.
One learner explained:
“I use it every day, I wouldn’t be without it. It means I can check the live times for the bus, so I know exactly when it’s coming and when to leave the house so in winter I’m not waiting around in the cold for ages.”
This comment really highlighted the practical benefits of the app, and how digital tools can improve comfort and confidence in everyday routines.
Another learner spoke about how helpful the app is when planning journeys in advance, especially when visiting new places, helping them feel more organised and less anxious.
While the app offers many advantages, it’s important to recognise the challenges some learners face. For those with lower digital skills, tasks such as downloading apps, remembering login details, or understanding maps and icons can feel overwhelming.
Making payments online can also be a barrier, particularly for those who are less confident with digital transactions.
That’s why sessions like these are so important—providing time, support, and a safe space for learners to practise and build confidence at their own pace.
Introducing the Bee Network app has shown how digital skills learning can be meaningful and relevant. By focusing on real-life tools, learners can see immediate benefits, making them more motivated to continue developing their confidence.
We look forward to building on this progress and supporting our learners to feel more confident, connected, and independent—one journey at a time.