Digital Basics Guide

The digital basics section covers a range of topics to help you learn the fundamentals of being digital, as well as what information you will need to help you get digitally prepared for university.

While this module does cover the basics, the Digital Guides page on the library and skills website provides more information around the core digital skills which we’d recommend you engaging with after this module.

Regardless of your digital journey so far, it is recommended to take the Jisc Discovery Tool as it enables you to assess your digital skills and plan for your next steps.

You will see the different topics relating to this guide either on the left hand side of the screen if you are using this webpage on a laptop/desktop or if you are on a mobile device like a tablet or smartphone this will appear at the top. Please feel free to navigate through the guide as it is jammed packed with information!

Digital literacy means having the basic skills and knowledge to use technology like computers, smartphones, or the internet in everyday life. It’s not about being an expert—it’s about feeling comfortable with things like sending emails, searching for information online, using apps, or knowing how to stay safe on the internet.

Just like reading and writing help you understand books or signs, digital literacy helps you understand and use digital tools to work, study, or connect with others.
 

Digital literacy beyond university

Digital literacy has played an increasingly important role in day-to-day life beyond education. In your own life, you might browse TV channels, read news stories online, take photographs, print off a file or even complete online banking. Professionally, it is common to have an email address to send and receive electronic mail, fill out spreadsheets or even own and upload on a professional social media platform. Digital has never had a more important. 

One key platform that you will hear mentioned multiple times in this short course as well as by our careers teams is LinkedIn, as it provides a perfect place to share all of the skills you have learnt and put them to the test. Linkedin is a platform that enables you to connect with people within your industry or a sector you are interested in to keep in the loop with upcoming trends as well as providing you an opportunity to celebrate your achievements. For this, throughout this guide, think about; 
•    Who you would like to connect with and see your posts (and is there items that you don’t want people to know)
•    What you would like to share 
•    Are you looking to create something (and if so how)