Mind the gap - digital skills at UCL
3 December 2020
The variety of technologies used at UCL may seem a little daunting when you're a new student. In light of this, we outline the digital skills support on offer to you here at UCL.
![digital](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/sites/students/files/styles/large_image/public/mind_the_gap.jpg?itok=6ioaWv9Y)
Developing your digital skills at UCL
Due to the coronavirus and resultant remote learning, digital skills are more important than ever, with many academic and social activities now taking place online. But don’t worry, we have a range of resources to support you on your digital journey.
Online courses
As a new undergraduate, you may be learning quite differently to the way you did at school or college. You will also be expected to use a range of different technologies to support and enhance your learning. We have two short courses which will take you through the basics so you are well prepared and can avoid any stress when it comes to handing in assignments or finding the information you need.
The Connected Learning at UCL course will introduce you to the concept of connected learning - our blended approach to learning in 2020/21. It will cover the specific digital tools and services available to you at UCL and how to make the most effective use of them. We highly recommend that all students access this resource. You can go through the material in your own time and focus on the sections that are most useful to you.
The Digital Skills Awareness at UCL course introduces you to the essential digital skills you need for your studies. Check what skills you already have and which you need to acquire. This course is particularly helpful if you feel there are gaps in your understanding of technology.
LinkedIn Learning online video tutorials
UCL has a site licence for LinkedIn Learning which means you can access this vast library of over 7,000 video tutorials for free. A personal subscription would cost nearly £200 a year so it’s well worth taking advantage. Courses cover a wide range of topics and can help you with study skills, learning new software, personal development and much more.
Visit our UCL LinkedIn Learning page to see what’s available. You will need to have your UCL user ID and password to access the courses.
Get help with your digital skills in person
Learning on your own is great, but sometimes you want a face-to-face option. ISD Digital Skills Development offer a range of academically focused IT courses throughout the year. We also hold a weekly drop in session if you have an individual query. All sessions are taking place online for the time being and there may be some pre-learning to do in some cases but the live sessions are interactive and there are always opportunities to ask questions and check your understanding.
Visit the Digital Skills Development web pages to see the full range of what’s on offer.
Last revised: 7 September 2021
Caroline Norris, Digital Skills Development Manager, ISD