Everyday tasks
Common Digital Tasks
About 40 minutes, at your own pace
You are in a safe place. Nothing on this page can harm your device.
Eight practical skills for everyday digital life, from sending money safely and booking doctor appointments online, to video calling family and keeping your photos backed up. Each section walks you through the steps, one at a time.
Dorothy's story
Dorothy, 76, lives in St. Thomas. For years she relied on her son to book appointments, transfer money, and get directions. Then her son moved to Calgary. "I had to learn," she says, "or I'd be stuck."
With a bit of patient practice, Dorothy now sends e-Transfers to her grandchildren, books her own physio appointments online, and video calls her son every Sunday. "My iPad does more than I ever thought possible," she says. "I just needed someone to show me the steps."
This module is that patient guide. Eight real-life tasks, one step at a time.
Everyday tasks like renaming a file or finding a download feel small, but they are the moments where most people quietly give up. If you have ever stared at a screen thinking everyone else just knows this, they do not. Nobody is born knowing where the Downloads folder is. Every step you practise here is one less moment of frustration later.
Section 1: How to send an e-Transfer safely
An Interac e-Transfer lets you send money from your bank account directly to another person, using only their email address or phone number. It is one of the most common ways Canadians pay each other for things like rent, splitting a bill, or sending a birthday gift to a grandchild. Most Canadian banks support it, and it works right from their app on your iPad or iPhone. The steps are similar no matter which bank you use.
How to send an e-Transfer (most banks)
Open your bank's app on your iPad or iPhone and sign in.
Look for a section called Interac e-Transfer, Send Money, or Pay & Transfer. It is usually on the main menu or dashboard.
Tap Send.
Choose or add a recipient. Enter their email address or phone number exactly as they have given it to you.
Type the amount you want to send.
Add a message if you like (optional), such as "Happy birthday!" or "For groceries."
Create a security question and answer, something only the recipient will know. Tell them the answer separately (by phone, not in the e-Transfer message).
Review the details carefully, then tap Send. You will receive a confirmation that the transfer was sent.
The 3-second rule for e-Transfers
- Stop Double-check the email or phone number before you tap Send. e-Transfers sent to the wrong address are very difficult to recover.
- Breathe Is this person someone you actually know? Did they ask you to send money through a message you were not expecting? If yes, stop and verify by calling them first.
- Verify Real banks and Canada Revenue will never ask you to pay using e-Transfer.
Once a recipient has accepted your e-Transfer, it cannot be cancelled. Before sending, always verify the email address or phone number is correct. If you accidentally send to the wrong address and they have not yet accepted, your bank may be able to cancel it. Call them right away.
Section 2: How to book a medical appointment online
Many doctors, clinics, and specialists in Ontario now allow you to book appointments through their website or a patient portal. It is faster than waiting on hold, and you can do it any time of day from your iPad or iPhone. The most common patient portal in Ontario is MyChart (used by many hospitals and clinics). Your doctor may also use their own booking system. These steps cover the general process. The buttons may look slightly different on each site.
How to book an appointment online (general steps)
Ask your doctor's office for their online booking website address or the name of their patient portal. Write it down.
Open Safari on your iPad or iPhone and type in the website address.
If this is your first visit, look for a Register or Create Account button. You will usually need your health card number and email address.
Once registered, sign in with your email and password.
Look for a button that says Book Appointment, Request a Visit, or Schedule.
Choose the type of appointment (for example, "Annual physical", "Follow-up", "In-person", or "Virtual visit").
Select a date and time from the available calendar. Tap the time slot you want.
Confirm your details and tap Book or Confirm Appointment. You should receive a confirmation email.
Before entering your health card number or personal information, make sure the website address starts with https:// and shows a padlock icon in the address bar. This means the connection is secure. Never enter health information on a website you found through a random link in an email.
After booking, take a screenshot of the confirmation page. On iPad or iPhone, press the Side button and Volume Up at the same time. The screenshot saves to your Photos app. That way you have a record of the date and time even if the confirmation email is hard to find later.
Section 3: How to use a maps app to get directions
A maps app gives you free turn-by-turn directions to anywhere in Canada. It knows current traffic, road closures, and even bus routes. Think of it as a patient navigator sitting beside you: it recalculates if you take a wrong turn, and it never gets frustrated. The Maps app is already on most iPhones and iPads. You can also use Google Maps. Both work the same way for basic directions.
How to get directions in Apple Maps
Find the Maps app on your Home screen. It looks like a road map with a red pin.
Tap the search bar at the bottom of the screen and type your destination, for example, "St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital".
Tap the correct result from the list. A map appears showing the location.
Tap the Directions button (the blue button at the bottom or the car/walking icon).
Choose your travel mode: 🚗 Drive, 🚶 Walk, or 🚌 Transit.
Tap Go. The app will speak each turn aloud so you can keep your eyes on the road.
To stop navigation, tap anywhere on the screen, then tap End or Cancel Route.
You can search for a destination before you leave home, so you know how long the trip will take and what route to expect. Just tap Leave Now or enter a departure time to see estimated arrival times. This is especially helpful for medical appointments where being on time matters.
Section 4: How to download and use an app safely
Your iPad and iPhone have access to millions of apps through the App Store, and the vast majority are completely safe and free to download. Apps can help you with everything from reading the news to calling family to tracking your medications. Downloading an app from the App Store is safe because Apple reviews every app before it is listed. Still, a few simple habits will keep you protected.
How to download an app from the App Store
Find the App Store app on your Home screen. It is a blue square with a white letter "A" made of pencils.
Tap the Search icon (magnifying glass) at the bottom right.
Type the name of the app you want, for example, "Zoom" or "CBC News".
Look at the results. Check the app name, developer name, and star rating. Trusted apps have thousands of reviews and a recognisable developer name.
Tap the app to see its full listing. Read the first few reviews to make sure others have had a good experience.
Tap Get (for free apps) or the price button (for paid apps). You may be asked to confirm with Face ID or your Apple ID password.
Wait for the download to finish. The app appears on your Home screen.
When you open the app for the first time, it may ask for permissions (location, camera, notifications). Only tap Allow for permissions that make sense for what the app does.
The 3-second rule for app downloads
- Stop Did someone send you a link to download an app from outside the App Store? That is a red flag. Only download apps through the App Store, never from a website link.
- Breathe Does the app ask for more permissions than it needs? A recipe app has no reason to access your contacts.
- Verify Check the reviews and the developer name. A real app from a known company will show a clear publisher name like "Apple Inc." or "CBC/Radio-Canada".
If an app you downloaded turns out to be one you do not want, deleting it is easy. Press and hold on the app icon on your Home screen until a small menu appears, then tap Remove App, then Delete App. The app and all its data are removed from your device.
Section 5: How to video call on an iPad or iPhone
Video calling lets you see the face of the person you are talking to, whether they are in the next town or across the country. FaceTime is built into every iPhone and iPad, and it is free as long as you are connected to Wi-Fi. If your family member uses an Android phone, you can video call them using Zoom, WhatsApp, or Google Meet instead. All are free and work on iPad.
How to make a FaceTime video call
Find the FaceTime app on your Home screen. It looks like a green square with a white video camera.
Tap the + (plus) button in the top right corner.
Type the name, phone number, or email address of the person you want to call. Their name will appear if they are in your Contacts.
Tap Video to start a video call, or Audio for voice only.
Your call connects. You will see your own face in a small box at the corner. You can tap and drag this box to move it out of the way.
During the call, tap the screen to see the controls. You can mute yourself (microphone button), turn off your camera (camera button), or end the call (red phone button).
For the best video call experience, prop your iPad up on a stand or lean it against something so it is at eye level. Good lighting makes a big difference. Sit facing a window if possible, so the light falls on your face rather than behind you. If the call is choppy or freezing, move closer to your Wi-Fi router.
Section 6: How to back up your photos to iCloud
Your photos are precious: birthdays, grandchildren, holidays, and everyday moments that cannot be replaced. iCloud backup means a copy of all your photos is saved automatically to Apple's secure storage. If your iPad is ever lost, stolen, or broken, your photos are safe and can be restored to a new device. Apple gives you 5 GB of free iCloud storage. Most people find this fills up quickly with photos, so consider the 50 GB plan for $1.29 per month. It is worth it for peace of mind.
How to turn on iCloud Photos
Open the Settings app (the grey gear icon on your Home screen).
Tap your name at the very top of Settings (this opens your Apple ID settings).
Tap iCloud.
Tap Photos.
Make sure Sync this iPhone (or "Sync this iPad") is turned on. The toggle should be green.
Choose Optimise iPhone Storage. This keeps smaller versions on your device and the full-quality originals in iCloud, saving space on your device.
Your photos now back up automatically whenever your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi. You do not need to do anything further. It happens in the background.
To check that your backup is working, go to Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and look for the date and time of the last successful backup. If it says "Last successful backup: Today", you are all set. If it has not backed up in several days, make sure your iPad is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.
Section 7: How to check your data usage
Your iPhone or iPad uses data to connect to the internet when you are away from home Wi-Fi, such as when you are out shopping, at a clinic, or visiting a friend. Your phone plan includes a set amount of data each month, and going over that limit can result in extra charges from your carrier. Checking your data usage takes about 30 seconds and can save you from a surprise on your phone bill.
How to check data usage on iPhone or iPad
Open the Settings app.
Tap Cellular (on iPhone) or Mobile Data (on some iPad models with a data plan).
At the top you will see Current Period. This shows how much data you have used since you last reset the counter.
Scroll down to see a list of apps and how much data each one has used. This helps you spot which apps are using the most.
To reset this counter at the start of each billing cycle, scroll to the very bottom and tap Reset Statistics.
Streaming video (like YouTube or Netflix) uses large amounts of data very quickly. Whenever possible, do your video watching at home on Wi-Fi rather than on cellular data. To check if your device is on Wi-Fi, look for the Wi-Fi icon (curved lines) in the top right corner of your screen. If you see it, you are on Wi-Fi and not using your data plan.
Section 8: How to update your apps and software
Keeping your apps and device software up to date is one of the most important things you can do for your security. Updates fix problems that hackers might exploit, add useful new features, and keep your device running smoothly. Think of it like getting a booster shot: it keeps your device healthy. Updating is free and safe. It does not delete your photos, messages, or settings.
How to update your apps
Open the App Store app.
Tap your profile picture or initials in the top right corner.
Scroll down to see Pending Updates. This shows all the apps with available updates.
Tap Update All to update every app at once, or tap Update next to individual apps.
Wait for the updates to download and install. This usually takes 1 to 3 minutes depending on your Wi-Fi speed.
How to update iOS (the iPad or iPhone operating system)
Open Settings.
Tap General.
Tap Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Your device may need to restart. This is normal. It will come back on by itself in a few minutes.
You can turn on Automatic Updates so your iPad installs updates on its own overnight while it charges. Go to Settings, then App Store, then App Updates and turn on the toggle. For iOS updates, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update, then Automatic Updates and turn on all options. Once set, you never have to think about it again.
Quick check: test your knowledge
One question for each skill you practised. Tap the answer you think is correct. There is no score kept and nothing to sign in to.
1. Which of the following is the safest way to share the e-Transfer security answer with the recipient?
2. You want to book a doctor appointment online. What should you verify before entering your health card number on the website?
3. You are using a maps app for driving directions and you miss a turn. What happens?
4. You want to download a weather app. Your friend texts you a link to download it from a website. What should you do?
5. You are on a FaceTime call and the video and audio are cutting in and out. What is the most likely cause?
6. You accidentally drop your iPad and the screen shatters. You set up iCloud Photos last month. What happens to your photos?
7. You want to watch a long video on your iPhone. Which of the following will use your cellular data plan?
8. A pop-up appears on your iPhone saying "iOS 18.3 is now available. Would you like to update?" This arrived through Settings. What should you do?
Your progress
Tick each item as you feel confident with it. This is saved on this device only, with no account needed.
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Well done. You can now send money, book appointments, get directions, download apps, video call family, back up your photos, watch your data usage, and keep your device up to date. Eight real-life skills, all yours.