Digital Literacy

Digital Capabilities

How to improve your digital capabilities?

During your time at the University of Reading, you will have many opportunities to develop your digital capabilities. Digital capabilities are the set of skills and knowledge you need to use digital tools in your studies and in society, as well as your approach to the critical and responsible use of digital tools and their application to your learning.

This includes researching and creating assignments, taking lecture notes, managing your time, and taking care of your wellbeing. Developing these skills is crucial for your academic success, career and personal growth. Are you able to access the information you need through University learning systems, the Library, and online? Are you able to spot a suspicious email and take appropriate action to protect yourself? Can you reduce online distractions, and work out when you need support to learn more about an online tool? Could you explain your digital and IT skills to a potential employer?

You will be developing your digital capabilities throughout your studies, learning from your lecturers and tutors. Below, you will find a list of a range of support services who can help you to learn even more.

Services available to you

Academic Liaison and Study Advice, Library

The Academic Liaison and Study Advice teams within the Library provide support in areas related to information literacy, finding and using information, and academic skills such as time management and use of digital tools to support learning and assessment.

Contact your Academic Liaison Librarian

Study Advice guides

Digital Study Skills guide

Careers

The Careers Service provides mentoring and support, including a range of in-person events, webinars and 1-1 appointments. Careers also manage the University's RED Award: programme developed to support skills development and employability during your studies.

LinkedIn Learning courses recommended by the Careers team

RED Award

Digital Tools including online test practice

Digital Research Computing (Postgraduate Researchers Only)

The Digital Research Computing Team provide academic computing support to student researchers at the University of Reading. Training, online guides and more resources are available on the Academic Computing Team website to support with access to University research data storage, Linux computing platforms and other academic computing services. The team also run regular in-person training and drop-in sessions, which can be found in the training and drop-in calendar.

Academic Computing Team website

Training and drop-in calendar

DTS (Digital Technology Services)

DTS can support you with access to software such as Microsoft Office 365, help using the Wi-Fi on campus, cybersecurity and secure passwords and more. You can access support online through guides and webpages, and ask for help via email or at the in-person enquiry desk on the first floor of the Library.

IT Help and Support overview

Cybersecurity webpages

DTS Student Guide

Jisc Discovery Tool (available for Henley Business School students only)

Some programmes within Henley Business School have introduced Jisc’s Discovery Tool to help you identify your digital competencies and development needs. You will be directed to a dedicated Blackboard area which signposts you to the resources and tools of the Jisc framework, and further online resources. Whilst the Jisc framework was introduced as a pilot with selected programmes there are plans for it to be implemented across the rest of the School.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is provided by the University and gives you free access to a range of online videos and courses on a range of topics from using specific software (Word, Powerpoint, Excel), to creative tools. You can connect your learning to your LinkedIn profile, and showcase completed courses and skills to potential employers, or use the platform to expand your own knowledge and understanding.

If you're not sure where to start, DTS prepared a LinkedIn Learning Challenge for students.

Access to LinkedIn Learning for Students

Learn more about digital services at the University of Reading