Course: Digital Fundamentals

Module 1: Digital Fundamentals

This is the 1st  module of the Academic Digital Fluency course.

Module Description

Digital literacies are those capabilities that are necessary for an individual living, learning and working in a digital society (JISC, 2014). The use of digital technologies has become integral to every aspect of daily routines, including teaching and learning processes and academic administration. Accordingly, academic staff need to be digitally literate to work competently in this rapidly growing area. This module aims to provide skills, knowledge, and understanding of how to work in your digital environment in an academic context, and to enhance your skills to efficiently, critically, creatively, and safely work with digital technologies in your daily academic routine.

The first topic reminds us of basic computer concepts and operations. We then move on to internet fundamentals, which covers recommended techniques of searching for information, and introduces useful web-based applications. The third topic concerns making good use of your virtual learning environment, using Moodle as an example. Then we explore the fundamentals of multimedia, with the aim of developing the necessary skills to create and introduce engaging resources for your students. In the final topic, you have the opportunity to practice editing digital media.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this module, learners are expected to have developed skills and knowledge related to:

- Using a range of basic and emerging digital technologies and devices in academic duties;
- Digital editing and reviewing techniques for digital documents;
- Making use of available internet functions and web applications, social networks, communication tools, and search engines to facilitate academic work.
- Efficient usage of the features, functionality, potential, and benefits of a Virtual Learning Environment.
- Demonstrating an ability to use freely available digital multimedia applications in developing, processing, and presenting information.

Your facilitators for this course are: <Hyperlink facilitator/s names to their Moodle Profile>

<Example of a welcoming video from the facilitator>

Digital Fundamental

Module 1 Resources

Online Learning Orientation: As some of you may not have participated in an online course previously, you may like to explore some basic pointers on engaging in online learning in general and Moodle in particular. Show more / hide

Some brief guidance to start you on your learning journey:

- Browse through the 'Online Etiquette' resource - this will guide you to some awareness of acceptable online behaviour
- Please introduce yourself in the 'Introductions forum' below. Guidance will be provided from within the forum on what is expected from you. The purpose of this is to establish your online presence
- The 'Moodle FAQ' forum is a space for questions and responses to support each other in using this online environment.
- Learning Journal (Reflective Blog): Please use the Blog facility to write your reflections periodically as we move through this course. You will find this in the 'Blog Menu' block on the right hand side of your screen. Simply click on the option to 'Add an entry about this course'.
- Please edit your profile by clicking on the 'My profile settings' in the Settings block menu on the left hand side of your screen.