Having staff who are digitally capable is essential to us achieving the Connected University here at Staffs. Being digitally capable is also important to enable us to learn and live effectively in today's digital environment.
Being digitally capable is more than just being good at IT. Digital capabilities cover a wide range of skills including the use of digital technology, tools, data and media to communicate, collaborate, produce and share ideas, work across the institution and beyond, and manage your digital well-being. What is needed also varies between individuals and roles. Digital capabilities are also ever-changing as new tools, technologies and roles come along.
Take our short self-assessment diagnostic to reflect on your current use and understanding of digital capabilities.
Once you complete the diagnostic you will be given a rating and then returned to this page. Use the links within the 'Using your results' section to see some recommended resources and activities to help you improve in the areas needed.
There are a number of ways we will support you to develop your capabilities as a Digital Communicator no matter how you scored yourself in the digital diagnostic. Support is provided by online documents or resources and video training. For some areas workshops may also be offered.
| Question | Application | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| I use folders and/or different views in my email | Outlook |
Microsoft training: Organise your mailbox: There is a video on adding folders within this Microsoft training: Create a folder in Outlook LinkedIn Learning Create an inbox folder video LinkedIn Learning Efficient email management in Outlook 365 (whole course - 1 hour 55 minutes) |
| I use OneDrive and Office 365 to create, share and edit documents with colleagues | OneDrive |
Microsoft training: upload files to OneDrive Microsoft training: Share files and folders with Office 365 LinkedIn Learning: Adding files to OneDrive |
| I keep up to date in my professional network using social media/email lists/websites relevant to my role |
Blackboard |
SU Guide to using Facebook in teaching SU Guide to using Twitter in teaching Blackboard Help: Using discussion forums in BB |
| I use web conferencing with colleagues and/or students |
BB Collaborate MS Teams |
SU Guide to web-conferencing with Blackboard Collaborate Microsoft training: Introduction to MS Teams |
There are a number of ways we will support you to develop your capabilities in Handling Information no matter how you scored yourself in the digital diagnostic. Support might be provided by workshops, online document or resources or video training.
| Question | Application | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| I have checked privacy setting on Social media that I use | Social Media | Stay Safe Online (Guide from the National Cyber Security Alliance) |
| I have included the source or reference on digital text/ images/ video that I have used |
Referencing Copyright |
SU Guide to using Mendeley reference manager SU Guide to using Refworks reference manager Cite Them Right online (auto log on when on campus) Off campus go to https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/az.php?a=c |
| I find and use data relevant to my role including Blackboard reports, data dashboards, eVision etc |
Blackboard reports BBMT University Dashboard eVision |
There are a number of ways we will support you to develop your capabilities in Creating Digital Artefacts no matter how you scored yourself in the digital diagnostic. Support is provided online documents and resources or video training. For some topics workshops may be available.
| Question | Application | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| I use heading styles in Word | Word | |
| I can create a screencast/online guide to share with colleagues or students |
Flashback PowerPoint Video |
Flashback screen recorder software (site- licenced): Microsoft training: Record your screen in PowerPoint: |
| I create and use presentation technologies like Sway and PowerPoint |
PowerPoint Sway |
There are a number of ways we will support you to develop your capabilities as a Digital Learner no matter how you scored yourself in the digital diagnostic. Support might be provided by online document and resources or video training, or in some areas workshops.
| Question | Application | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| I have found information and booked events on IRIS | IRIS | SU Guide to Iris |
| I have used online tutorials to learn essential skills |
LinkedIn learning
Microsoft Educator Alison |
Gaining skills with LinkedIn Learning |
| I participate in a professional network that helps me learn |
|
Blog with tips on how LinkedIn can benefit academic staff |
There are lots of ways we will support you to develop your capabilities as a Digital Advocate no matter how you scored yourself in the digital diagnostic. Support might be provided by online document and resources, video training or workshops in some topics.
| Question | Application | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| I have checked and reported scams or spam online | Spam/scams |
Check if something is a scam or hoax Report spam email to 3800 or use the new reporting feature in Outlook |
| I initiate digital conversations with colleagues | Iris |
How to find local champions – IRIS, VIVO SU Guide to Iris: |
| I have created and maintain a professional digital profile (e.g. IRIS, LinkedIn) |
Iris |
SU Guide to updating your profile in Iris |
To develop your knowledge and skills in using technology to enhance learning, see the links below. Contact tel@staffs.ac.uk to discuss training or development further.
| Question | Application | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| I have uploaded and organized learning materials in Blackboard | BB Content | |
| I create eAssessment and mark online in Blackboard and/or Turnitin | BB Assessment | SU Help guides for Blackboard and Turnitin assessment |
| I use technology in the Classroom, (e.g. Visualisers, Surface Pro etc) | Classroom technology |
SU Guide to using visualisers: SU Guide to teaching with a Surface Pro: |
