Improving your digital skills

You'll use a computer a lot during your studies, so in order to get the most from your time at University it's important to be digitally competent.

As a University student, some of the things that you'll need to be able to do, regardless of which course you're enrolled on are likely to include: 

• Receiving and sending emails about your studies
• Reading NILE announcements and messages
• Finding your timetable, so that you know when and where you classes are
• Accessing course content on NILE
• Taking part in online activities on NILE and elsewhere
• Communicating and collaborating online
• Searching for information
• Being able to distinguish between high-quality and low-quality sources of information
• Finding and accessing electronic resources, books and journals
• Using popular Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and PowerPoint
• Creating, saving, and backing up digital files
• Putting together your assignments
• Submitting your assignments on NILE, and getting your grades and feedback
• Browsing the Internet safely
• Keeping your computer and your computer's applications up-to-date

And, depending on your course, you might also find yourself doing more advanced things, such as:

• Creating videos and/or audio podcasts
• Creating graphics, posters, leaflets, etc
• Accessing and using databases
• Collecting and analysing data using programs such as Excel, SPSS, and R
• Installing new computer applications related to your studies

As a University of Northampton student, you have access to some helpful resources to help you understand and improve your digital skills and confidence. Take a look at our page on 'Understanding and Developing your Digital Capabilities' (link below) to find out more.

Why digital skills are important*

Essential digital skills are a step towards learning lots of other new things. They can improve your confidence to use technology for work, learning and daily life. Many jobs today need digital skills. You also need digital skills every day for shopping, banking, and keeping in touch with family and friends.

Digital skills for daily life

Essential digital skills include being able to:

• Use devices like a computer, tablet or mobile phone for simple, personal and work tasks
• Find and use information on the internet
• Understand how to be safe and responsible online
• Communicate socially and professionally using email, messaging and social media
• Shop, bank, access services or apply for a job online

Build your confidence

Being more confident using the internet and communicating online can:

• Help you keep in touch with family and friends
• Make everyday life easier
• Increase your chances of getting and keeping a job
• Improve your access to information, advice and services
• Open up learning, training and career opportunities

Digital skills at work

As technology advances, most jobs are beginning to need some level of digital skill. 

Technology is also creating lots of exciting new jobs. These jobs will need workers with the confidence to:

• Use the internet on a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or PC
• Communicate online using email and social media
• Work from home or a remote location. For example, using online tools like Zoom, Skype, Teams and Facetime to communicate
• Create online accounts to access information
• Search for reliable information online
• Behave safely and legally online

Applying for jobs

Digital skills can help you find and apply for jobs. They make it easier to prepare for an interview and help you succeed. Many jobs are only advertised online. You’ll often need to apply using an online application form or by emailing a CV. The job selection process may also include online tests or a video interview. Knowing how to cope with these will improve your job chances.

*Content adapted from: National Careers Service (n.d.) Digital skills to help your career [online]. Accessed: 14 August 2023. Available from: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/build-foundation-digital-skills-to-help-your-career and used under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0