Students primarily interact with digital content, it’s important that lecturers have a minimum level of proficiency with common MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook) as well as software related to their subject areas. With the introduction of the 2018 Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations, all content must also meet a standard that allows access for all.
The Internet is a gateway to an almost limitless amount of information, but copyright determines what can be adapted and shared with students. A basic understanding of licensing is necessary to keep us on the right side of the law.
Baseline digital skills include being able to:
- prepare suitable learning materials e.g., a slide deck with text and/or images/video
- run an accessibility check and edit the learning materials to meet requirements
- observe copyright when using 3rd-party content
Resources
- PowerPoint for Windows training (Microsoft)
Microsoft offer some of the best training resources when it comes to using their products. This series of short courses will take you through the basics and introduce you to some of the more creative elements in PowerPoint.
- Life After Death by PowerPoint (Don McMillan)
A decade old, but this comedy routine by comic Don McMillan reveals some of the common pitfalls that are commonly encountered when it comes to PowerPoint presentations.
- Word for Windows training (Microsoft)
Like the PowerPoint resources, a series of short courses that cover everything from to inserting equations. All the content is supported by short walkthrough videos or step-by-step instructions.
- The 13 best tips and tricks for Chrome on the desktop (Android Police)
The more proficient you are with the browser you use to access online content, the more productive you’re likely to be. If you’re using Microsoft Edge, then these 11 Edge tips from Business Insider are for you.
- Creating accessible content with Microsoft 365 (Microsoft)
This course is primarily about using the Accessibility Checker with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook. It includes useful information about the common accessibility issues and how to resolve them.
- SCULPT for Accessibility (Worcestershire County Council)
A series of simple guides that focus on 6 key areas: Structure (use heading styles); Colour and contrast; Use of images; Links (hyperlinks); Plain English; and Table structure.
A list of tips on how to make content accessible for everyone. Although aimed at helping those with barriers to learning, most tips apply to, and more importantly benefit, all readers.
- Social Media, Esports and Copyright – Friends or Foes? (Virtual Bridge Sessions)
This webinar introduces you to the convoluted world of copyright in the context of social media and colleges. Delivered by Alan Rae, Copyright Scotland, well worth the 30-minute viewing, filled with anecdote and useful advice.
- Creative Commons licensing (Creative Commons)
Over 2 billion works have been licensed under Creative Commons (CC). A global licensing standard that allows literary works, videos, photos, audio, open education, scientific research and more to be shared with you.
A collection of over 2.7 million+ high quality stock images, videos and music available under public domain and the Pixabay Licence which allows for reuse with little or no restrictions.
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