At St. George’s there are many departments that will give you the training and support to help you improve or learn new digital skills.
For more information or to organise training on any of the technologies, please visit the webpage or send an email.
View all Close all
Media literacy is having the ability to access, evaluate, analyse and create digital media, it has gone from the traditional formats of written and printed text and has moved to the World Wide Web. Media literacy is a range of media for example: video, audio and text messages, television, video games, online journals and more.
As a user of digital media, it is important to have the skills and knowledge to manage and use the information on the web and to comply with digital copyright laws.
Managing your digital identity and looking after your digital wellbeing is key for you to fulfil your potential in today's digital world.
Digital footprint
A digital footprint is a trail of data you create while when using the World Wide Web. It includes the websites you visit, emails you send and any personal or professional information that you and others post to online intentionally or unintentionally that refers to you.
Wikipedia describes a Digital footprint as “refers to one's unique set of traceable digital activities, actions, contributions and communications manifested on the Internet or digital devices.”
Technology is everywhere and people can gain more insight on individuals by checking out by their digital footprint through their interaction on social media. Posting material online leaves it open to the wide world and cannot always be taken back even if you delete it. You may not know if someone has copied or shared it.
Why digital footprints matter
Maintaining a positive digital footprint is essential as people will search the internet for specific information and views. When you post material online you should always make sure it will not damage your reputation or credibility.
There are people out there who will take advantage of you or bully others in digital spaces given the opportunity. You must report cyberbullying immediately, whether it is happening to you or someone else.
- Watch this video that explains how you get a digital footprint and why they are important with some important tips.
Digital security
When you are using technologies, it is important to protect your privacy as well as your wellbeing. It is about what you share, your online interactions and what information relates to you these can be financial, professional, social, medical or legal.
Keeping your devices, passwords and personal details secure and protected is crucial, as well knowing how to identify possible online theft and fraud.
- Stay safe online Use these Internet safety tips to keep yourself and others protected provided by GCFLearn.
- How to prevent Personal Fraud Metropolitan Police Advice and information.
We use devices and apps to search for information, order food and items and to communicate with each other over the internet. ICT are technologies like laptops/computers, mobile phones and tablets that have installed software (apps) for example operating systems, camera, email, Netflix that run on devices.
You will spend much of your time online looking for information and will need to know how to access learning materials, collaborate in meetings and produce documents with others. Knowing the best applications to use will help with your learning and user experience.
Check out these ICT essentials at St. George’s:
- On Canvas the University's VLE. Learning Technology for staffProvides you with guidance on how to engage with the various learning technology used to facilitate teaching, learning and assessment activities.
- Microsoft Office 365 Free to download for all staff & student and accessible on the via the internet. You will find Outlookthe communication channel between you and the University and Microsoft Teams is available for holding meetings and working in groups.
- Software packages for desktops, web based, server and survey tools available to St George’s users.
- Edu roam Wi-Fi the University's and campus wireless network
- Computers, photocopying and printing room is open to all staff and students 1st floor hunter wing, open 24hrs 7 days a week. valid ID/library card is required to enter.
- Search the library database Hunter and get more information.
- Study+, your online area for advice and resources to boost your study practices. (Canvas)
You can also learn to use other free online tools.
- Presentation apps Prezi, Canva
- H5P Create, share and reuse HTML5 content and applications
- The online collaborative whiteboard platform Miro .
Learning and development relates to your effective use of technology in your personal and professional life. This is a continual learning process as devices and applications (apps) are always changing.
Most of today’s learning has interaction over the internet, for example VLE’s, quizzes and meetings. How you learn can be done several ways by watching simulations, listening to podcasts, taking part in online discussions, virtual meeting, screen readers and more.
We learn something new every day and gaining more knowledge, learning new skills and interests is a constant journey. There are many free courses available online, check out the providers below:
Online learning
Everyone has their own way in recollecting and remembering information. To get the most out of online learning you will need to understand your own learning style. Everyone has a unique way of learning or use a combination of styles.
The way you like to learn may involve things like:
- how information is presented visually.
Or
- You may have a method you use to understand and remember.
Technology can support your learning and it may help to develop habits that suit your learning style.
Try this online quiz developed by University of Exeter University iTest to find out what type of digital learning suits you.
Screen Reading
Some people find it difficult to read on the screen compared to reading text on paper. As most information is shared online with some practice you can find what works for you. The “How to Ease On Screen Reading” on the Central European University website gives good advice and tips on how to make reading on screen easier.
Reflecting and acting on Feedback
When you receive feedback reflect on it and act on it right away, or set some time aside to review it. The Higher Education Academy has a guide for students. How to use feedback effectively
- Use OneNote a digital notebook, that is part of your Office 365 account to organise your feedback with notes, video, audio, pictures and files which you can share across your devices and with others. Use OneNote to collaborate in real time with your tutor or study group.
Is the use of digital evidence, found using various devices and online information sources. For example, journals, videos and reviews with the purpose of making sure the information collected and produced is reliable before sharing.
There are many ways to research, collect, analyse and share data using digital tools. For example, webpages, digital reports, spreadsheets, databases, videos, transcription and online surveys.
Remember, you may want to keep your work for future reference or to share with easy access. Back-up and keep them in cloud storage like OneDrive, iCloud or Google drive.
Get to know the technologies used at St. George’s. They will help you to get the best out of these apps for your work or learning.
St. George’s Library has various resources to help you find your information using on-line sources.
To collect and share your research, use Microsoft Office tools.
For training or more information email lts@sgul.ac.uk.
Information Literacy is having the capability to search for specific information, have the skills to effectively evaluate, interpret and use the information that is relevant and share in various digital formats to use now and for future reference.
St. George’s Library staff can assist you in finding sources of information. The library has access to many diverse types of library databases on the web. You should always carefully evaluate these sources for their currency, relevance and bias.
St. George’s Library has many types resources to support your research of credible digital information.
This element of media literacy is about how you communicate effectively and design content for different purposes and audiences in a range of digital forums using digital technologies.
Communication
Communication plays an important part in the digital world. You will need to convey your ideas, ask questions and be respectable to others. It is just as important as when you communicate in person. Known as Netiquette.
You will communicate with other people using a range of platforms for example email, video meetings and social networks. You need to understand the differences between the digital platforms and how to use them for different purposes.
Connect with St George's social networks on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook. Share your ideas, give suggestions and be in the know. Enter sgul in the search box and you will see a list of our networks.
Collaboration
Collaboration requires interpersonal and communication skills to enable you to work well with others on a project, brainstorming or just to catch-up on past events. There are many collaborative platforms such as Teams or Zoom that you will use to attend webinars, access group shared calendars (Outlook), share and co-edit documents (OneDrive). Eliminating the need for endless emails in different versions to each group member.
Visit this website the balance careers, they provide good definitions and examples of collaboration skills.
It is possible your assignments will involve use of these collaborative tools. You will find some useful tools provided by the University in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy web page.
Digital Accessibility
Digital accessibility is making digital technologies (website, documents, apps, devices) accessible to everyone with different abilities. It is about providing all users access to the same information and benefits regardless of their background or ability.
As you will be sharing information online, consider your content accessibility by providing alternative access methods wherever possible. Visit Canvas Digital Accessibiltiy page that has information on how to create Digital accessible documents and will get you started on your digital accessibility journey. For staff only.