Written by Laura Kennedy

If, like me, you are studying for a science degree, you might not initially think that creativity has much of a place in your studying toolkit. But I believe that the worlds of art and science are more closely related than they first appear, and that creativity can be hugely beneficial to learning, whichever subject you’re studying. 

British artist George Stubbs (1724 – 1806) studied human anatomy in York, performing dissections which enabled him to accurately illustrate a book on midwifery. Later, he would spend 18 months studying the anatomy and physiology of horses, again performing dissections to gain an in-depth knowledge of the form and structures he wished to replicate in his work, leading to publication of his book ‘The Anatomy of the Horse’. He went on to produce his famous oil-on-canvas painting ‘Whistlejacket’ – a life-size, extremely accurate portrait of an Arabian horse. You can read more about Stubbs’ work on the National Gallery of Art website. 

This is a great example of the merging of art and science, and I believe that incorporating creative practices, no matter how small and regardless of artistic ability, is something everyone can try as a way supplement their learning.  

(Side note: we are lucky enough to have access to a full reproduction of “The Anatomy of the Horse” as an e-book via the University of Bristol library website– well worth a look if you’re interested!) 

With most learning today done online or with the aid of digital resources, here are a few ways to incorporate creativity into your learning, updated for the 21st century! 

Start small when incorporating creativity into digital learning

Being creative doesn’t mean you have to commit hours to learning to paint or draw – you can start small by considering the impact colours, shapes and images can have on your work. 

The term ‘dual coding’ refers to the combination of visual materials and words to enhance your learning – you could try creating diagrams, timelines, infographics or even cartoon strips to help strengthen and retain knowledge. You can read more about dual coding on the Learning Scientists website.

Here is an example of a simple and fun digital drawing I created in OneNote during the second year of my degree – neurology is a difficult topic, but I found that taking the dual coding approach by illustrating key points of lecture PowerPoints really helped the information stick in my mind! 

As part of the University of Bristol, you have access to the full version of Microsoft Office 365 – if you go to ‘insert’ then ‘illustrations’, you will find a vast array of icons, photos, and even interactive 3D models which can be inserted into your documents. 

Even if you’re not particularly artistically inclined, these are a quick and simple way to add some interest to your notes – I like to add these pre-made icons and illustrations as a quick way to liven up walls of text, and I find I’m more inclined to want to read back over my notes if there’s a visual cue to let me know, at a glance, where the relevant information is.   

You can add shading to sections of text in any colour you like – I recommend using the ‘paragraph shading’ tool and choosing custom colours to make information stand out, or to colour-code your notes to make revision a little bit easier. This can make a real difference to the usual black-and-white blocks of text. 

Making Mind-Maps and Diagrams  

It is well established that mind-maps and diagrams are a great way to reinforce learning and link concepts together, but you might not be aware of the array of options available for creating them.  

MS Word offers pre-set templates for diagrams which you can edit and colour as you choose. You could also try using draw.io – a completely free, open-source, browser-based tool for creating flowcharts and diagrams, with a lot of pre-set shapes to choose from and great customisability.   

Here is an example of a spider diagram I created with MS Word – although it is simple, I find it a lot more intuitive to read compared to the same information as a block of text! 

If you prefer a more free-hand approach, you can consider drawing your diagrams yourself which gives you complete freedom to choose how your information is represented, which leads me on to my next suggestion… 

Creating a Digital Sketchbook  

A recent study has found that when writing by hand, more activity can be seen in areas of the brain associated with the encoding of new information and the formation of memories, which in turn promotes learning (Van Der Weel et al, 2023).

The good news is, these benefits are seen regardless of whether you use a traditional pen and paper, or a digital pen and tablet! If you have a tablet with a pen or stylus, many apps allow you to sketch directly onto the page – OneNote, Evernote, Goodnotes and Noteability to name a few.  

If you’re ready to take your creativity to the next level, next time you are studying and there is a visual element such as a labelled diagram, photograph or illustrated figure, why not try creating your own digital sketch to reinforce your learning? I find it gives an extra sense of achievement to build up my own collection of images which I have created, adapted, and made my own. 

By using a digital device, you have the advantage of storing all your notes and drawings digitally which is great when physical storage space is in short supply. You can curate your own collection of images in the note-taking app of your choice, tag them by topic and refer to them again and again, wherever you are. If you have existing drawings in a physical sketchbook like I do, you can incorporate these into your collection by using the scanning feature on your phone or tablet. 

Inspiration is everywhere! 

I hope these suggestions have got you thinking about ways you can incorporate elements of creativity, no matter how small, into your digital learning. The advantage of having so many digital tools at our disposal is that there’s no pressure to get things perfect the first time – you can erase and edit as much as you need, until you’ve created something you’ll want to revisit again and again.  

Written by Upendra Shahi

In a world where technological advancements are transforming every sector, education has not been left untouched. From starting my educational journey with a wooden slate in Nepal to now leveraging artificial intelligence for writing, the leap in technological progress is profound. This evolution, while convenient, also presents the challenge of staying updated with innovations that can significantly boost our academic productivity. This blog post, which was sparked by a discussion with friends who were not aware of reference tools, attempts to shed light on digital resources that might improve students’ ability to study effectively and their entire academic experience.

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

When I first started at the University of Bristol, I did not know much about online and digital learning. But as I explored, I found several digital tools that really help with university work. These tools are great for students who are just starting to use digital learning or for mature students coming back to school after working for a while. I decided to write this blog post to talk about these easy-to-use, yet profoundly effective digital tools that a lot of students do not know about.

For students, the ability to draft essays, research proposals, policy briefs, and other academic papers is crucial, and proper referencing is a key skill that significantly impacts grading. Yet, referencing can be time-consuming and prone to errors without the right tools. University provides support for using popular referencing tools such as Endnote, Mendeley and Zotero. However, for this blog, I will focus specifically on EndNote and Mendeley, which are the tools I have more experience with. These tools not only save time but also minimise errors, making them indispensable for students aiming to enhance their academic work.

EndNote

EndNote is an advanced reference management tool favoured by the academic and research community for its comprehensive features in managing bibliographic references for scholarly writing. Unlike Mendeley, EndNote is not freely available, except for the basic version. However, you do not have to worry, as the university has you covered. Additionally, it is the university’s ‘recommended reference management software.’ EndNote stands out for its robust functionality and customization options, making it ideal for managing extensive reference libraries and complex research documents. I would recommend this tool especially if you see yourself in the academia in the future. Its features include:

• Reference Management: Users can create a library of references from various sources, including online databases and PDFs.
• Citation Styles: Supports thousands of citation styles for bibliography and citation formatting.
• Integration with Word Processors: The “Cite While You Write” plugin allows for seamless citation insertion and bibliography creation in documents.
• PDF Management: Enables PDF attachment to reference and provides annotation and search tools.
• Collaboration and Sharing: Facilitates sharing libraries or parts there of for collaborative research.
• Online Access and Synchronisation: EndNote Online syncs with the desktop app for access across devices.
• Advanced Search and Organisation: Offers powerful search and organisation tools, such as groups and keywords.
• Customisation: Allows customisation of reference types and display fields to meet user needs.

Mendeley

Mendeley is a widely used reference management software that helps researchers, academics, and students organise their bibliographic data and research materials. Mendeley is praised for its user-friendly interface and its ability to simplify citation management and academic writing. I find Mendeley highly convenient and beneficial for long-term use, especially because it is free. Its key features include:

• Reference Management: Users can build a personal library of references from various sources and manage them efficiently.
• PDF Organization: It functions as a PDF reader and organiser, allowing users to annotate and organise PDFs.
• Citation Plugin: A plugin for word processors like Microsoft Word and LibreOffice facilitates easy citation insertion and bibliography formatting in multiple styles.
• Collaboration: Enables sharing of references and documents for collaborative work.
• Web Access and Synchronisation: Offers both a desktop app and web version, synchronising libraries across devices for accessibility anywhere.
• Research Network: Acts as a platform to connect with researchers, discover new research, and share publications.
• Literature Search: Allows direct academic database searches to add references to the Mendeley library.

The University offers introductory classes for these tools, which can be found by visiting the Study Skills page on the University’s website. Furthermore, it is essential to consult the Cite Them Right website for accurate referencing guidelines. Access to EndNote and CiteThemRight is provided at no cost when using your University email, and Mendeley is available for free.

I hope this information proves valuable to you. Do not hesitate to enrol in study skills classes offered by the University to familiarise yourself with these tools, provided at no cost and keep an eye out for additional resources that can enrich your academic journey.

Written by Emma Yi Kwan Lau

Summer has gone by quickly and we are already in our first weeks of the new academic year! It can feel a bit weird to get back into the university life after a long summer break. I want to share approaches I adopted for the start of the term, which will hopefully be useful for you to settle in smoothly and quickly.

I would like to start by congratulating all our first years for securing your place at the University of Bristol and warmly welcoming our fellow returners. Regardless of your academic discipline, it is important for us to make a yearly plan, including both academic timetables and personal life schedules, such as part-time work and social activities. Juggling many responsibilities can be overwhelming, so effective time management is pivotal to help us stay on track!

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Although a teaching timetable with in-person sessions is provided to us and embedded into our Microsoft Calendar, it is up to us to organise time needed for independent learning such as research, further reading, revision or assessment preparation.  It is not uncommon to accidentally double book yourself, especially if you are having a busy week (I have done that before too)! Therefore, planning ahead of time will be incredibly useful in reducing the chance of that happening.

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Making Use of your Outlook Calendar

There are numerous online calendars out there that are available for us to aid time management. One of the most useful ones I found is Outlook Calendar. As the University uses Microsoft as the main communication platform, it will automatically synchronise everything from your timetable or teaching meetings to Outlook Calendar. I also block out specific times in my Outlook Calendar for self-directed learning tasks  for more efficient task management.

Although the most convenient option, from my perspective, is using Outlook Calendar for planning your schedule, you could also use the Apple or Google Calendars which can be easily synchronised with your Outlook! Your Outlook Calendar can also be exported into other applications such as Timetree and Notion. However, the process is more complicated. If you are interested, please see the guides provided in the useful resources section. An example of how your Outlook calendar will appear in Notion is attached below.

Creating To-Do Lists

In addition to using a digital calendar, I also found creating a to-do list to prioritise tasks beneficial. For example, I use Notion to-do list to keep track of the tasks. Other options include Trello, Todoist, Habitica and Microsoft To Do . My friend studying Mechanical and Electrical Engineering has found using Trello to create a structured weekly schedule extremely helpful to prioritise tasks and set reminders for upcoming deadlines. To try it out, I have created a Trello account and I would say the format of the board can be really useful to help track your progress in comparison to some platforms such as Todoist. A similar platform to Trello would be Microsoft Planner. It offers the same function as Trello but as a student we have the paid subscription as part of the Office 365 package. Therefore, I would definitely recommend having a look at that. However, everyone has different preferences on the layout of a productivity app. I have attached screenshots of the applications I mentioned for your reference. All of these tools offer a free basic service which is sufficient for managing our daily tasks.

Selecting the Right Tools

After discussing all the above digital tools, you may feel a bit overwhelmed and not sure which one to choose. Considering the following factors, may help with making the decision:

• Compatibility: Ensure the tool integrates well with the University’s systems (e.g., syncs with Outlook).
• User Interface: Choose a tool with a layout and design that appeals to you and is easy to navigate.
• Features: Look for features that match your needs, such as task prioritisation, reminders, or progress tracking.
• Accessibility: Consider whether you need access across multiple devices (computer, phone, tablet).
• Learning Curve: Evaluate how much time you’re willing to invest in learning a new system.

Remember, the most sophisticated tool isn’t always the best choice. Sometimes, simpler options can be more effective, if they suit your workflow better. Please remember to check the Data Privacy policy before using any of the third-party tools to understand how they use your data. Most companies put their Data Privacy at the bottom of the homepage under the heading Privacy.

Although this blog focuses on digital tools, it is also important to balance between digital and traditional time management methods. I find that combining digital calendars with physical planners or bullet journals works best for me. Experimenting with different approaches to find what suits your learning style is the key to staying organised.

University support

The Study Skills Service offers a range of support to help students advance time management. They have created a useful resource that elaborates on how to manage your time effectively and prevent procrastination and a student blog that shares students’ experiences on time management.

If you are looking for in-person support, you can book on tutorials with Study Skills tutors or a drop-in at Senate House to speak with one of the Student Advocates.

Conclusion

Effective time management is crucial for academic success and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By utilising digital tools like Outlook Calendar, to-do list apps, and other productivity software, you can better organise your schedules and prioritise tasks. However, remember that the key is finding a system that works for you, which may involve a combination of digital and traditional methods.

As you begin this new academic year, take some time to explore different time management strategies and tools. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust your approach as needed. With practice and persistence, you’ll develop a time management system that helps you stay on top of your studies while still leaving time for personal activities and relaxation.

Good luck with your studies, and here’s to a productive and balanced academic year!

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Useful resources

[1] A guide to synchronising Outlook Calendar to Notion

[2] Timetree help centre for connecting external calendars

[3] Study Skills online resource on time management

[4] Study Skills blog posts on time management

Created by Olly Dodd and Samantha Travers-Spencer

What does it mean to be AI literate? How can AI support your studies and how may it hinder your learning? In this edition of the DigiTalk podcast, a history student Olly talks to Samantha, a Neuroscience student, about how he uses Artificial Intelligence tools in his studies and personal life. 

To develop your AI literacy, see the online resource Using AI at University created by Study Skills. The guide contains a catalogue of some of the most popular AI tools, and pages on writing effective prompts. It also clarifies the university rules about using AI for assessments and help you in approaching AI critically and cautiously (see AI errors, hallucinations and fact-checking).

If you would like to explore AI tools in practice, you can book one of the AI playground sessions. 

This podcast was recorded in June 2024.

 

Keeping up with cybersecurity issues is crucial for students in today’s digital age. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users; or interrupting processes. Cybersecurity measures are designed to counteract these threats and safeguard data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Student Digital Champions Emma (Host) and Samantha (Guest), both veterinary students, discuss the importance of online safety and share tips for staying secure.

Cybersecurity should be considered from both a personal and an organisational perspective. Protecting yourself and the university from cyber threats like fraud and phishing is crucial. As students, we should be mindful of our online activity, especially when stressed. Take a moment to assess emails and links before clicking, and avoid the pressure tactics often used in phishing attempts.

Consider using a VPN for added security when on public Wi-Fi. However, be cautious of free VPNs and read the terms and conditions carefully.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an important security measure. The authenticator app is generally recommended over alternative methods, which Emma mentions experiencing past difficulties with at home as an overseas student.

Be aware of your digital footprint. The information you share online can be used by both employers and cybercriminals. Be mindful of what you post and adjust your privacy settings accordingly.

Remember, staying safe online is a continuous process. By following these tips and staying informed, you can minimise your risk of cyberattacks.

Websites use cookies for a variety of reasons, some of which can be beneficial to both the user and the website owner, while others raise privacy concerns. Take a look at the following question and head to the Menti polling page to add in your answers. You will be able to view the results below.

When visiting a new website, do you typically accept or decline cookies?

• I always accept all cookies
• I always decline all cookies
• I usually review the cookie options and choose which ones to accept
• I don’t pay attention to cookie messages and close them without making a choice

The information presented in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice or expertise in any field. While we have strived to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the authors are students and may not have comprehensive knowledge of all the topics discussed.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) proficiency, refers to the ability to use digital technologies effectively and efficiently to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, create, and communicate information. It encompasses a range of skills, including the ability to use computers, software applications, the internet, and other digital tools.

Student Digital Champions Nia and Emma reflect on the contrast between structured school learning and the self-paced, independent nature of a university. The foundational skills acquired in school lay the groundwork for a more confident and adaptable approach to digital challenges at university.

They discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the acquisition of ICT skills. While some students faced challenges with online learning, others, like Emma, found themselves well-equipped to navigate the digital transition. The discussion highlights the benefits of adapting to technology-driven education and the accelerated development of skills social-distancing created.

Blackboard Ally has been useful for Emma to convert documents into more accessible formats. Emma and Nia talk about the benefits of video captions, both for students with English as a second language and for neurodiversity.

They touch upon the integration of AI tools like Chat GPT and Claude into their learning experiences, which unveils practical applications of AI in streamlining tasks. The nuances between models, such as the accuracy of Claude in handling uploaded notes, are becoming part of a progressive ICT toolkit for the modern student.

The conversation concludes with a reflection on the growing importance of data protection and safeguarding online identities. As they acknowledge the tendency to skim through lengthy terms and conditions, the need to prioritise understanding and protecting personal data emerges as a crucial skill in the digital age.

As a Veterinary student, Emma highlights the ability to touch type, navigate various programs swiftly, and adeptly handle online presentations as valuable competencies in the workplace. The discussion extends to the evolving expectations of employers, emphasising the importance of not just clinical skills but also business management skills, including creating effective presentations. Take a look at the following question and head to the Menti polling page to add in your answers. You will be able to view the results below.

Which ICT skill do you believe is most coveted by your future employer?

• Programming and coding
• Data analysis and visualisation
• Project management
• Cloud computing
• Social media
• Artificial intelligence

The information presented in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice or expertise in any field. While we have strived to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the authors are students and may not have comprehensive knowledge of all the topics discussed.