Are you passionate about digital education? Are you interested in working with innovative technology to transform the University of Bristol learning experiences? If you are a student at any level at the University, this exciting opportunity is for you!
The Digital Education Office (DEO) is expanding its team of Student Developers to support the transition to Blackboard Ultra. This is a unique opportunity to work with learning technologies and gain valuable experience in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
What You’ll Do as a Student Developer:
Collaborate with diverse stakeholders across the University, including staff and students.
Work closely with our Student Digital Champions to support the shift to Blackboard Ultra.
Contribute to projects that enhance the digital learning experience for the entire University community.
What We’re Looking For:
Enthusiastic students with a keen interest in digital education and learning technologies.
Team players who enjoy working in a collaborative environment.
Individuals eager to learn and contribute to the University’s evolving digital education landscape.
Join us in developing your skills, making an impact, and helping shape the future of digital education at the University.
Ready to apply?
To access the Student Developer Application Pack, please use this link. Ensure you are logged into Blackboard before attempting to download it.
The deadline to apply for this role is 17 January 2025.
Duration of the contract: six months fixed term.
Working pattern: 15 hours per week, remote and flexible around your studies.
As exam season approaches, your time is precious. It is important to devise an effective revision strategy, minimising distractions and streamlining your practice. While video-based revision might not be everyone’s preferred method, Re/Play offers three features that could transform how you prepare for exams.
Search Slides and Closed Captions
Revisiting key moments from lectures doesn’t have to mean searching through hours of content. With Re/Play’s powerful Search feature, you can quickly pinpoint specific information from slides or spoken content, saving valuable revision time.
Why Use the Search Feature?
Imagine you recall a crucial detail from a lecture, but you don’t remember exactly where it was mentioned. Instead of rewatching the entire recording, use the Search tool to:
Locate keywords in the slides or closed captions instantly.
Jump straight to the exact moment in the lecture where the term appears.
Avoid wasting time scrolling through the video timeline.
How to Use the Search Feature:
Open the lecture recording in Re/Play.
Click on the three dots in the bottom-right corner of the player (…).
Select “Search” from the menu.
Enter the keyword or phrase you’re looking for in the search bar.
Re/Play will highlight every instance of your search term, whether it appears in the slides or the captions. Simply click on a result to jump straight to that moment in the lecture.
This feature turns your lecture recordings into a searchable, interactive resource, making revision faster, more targeted, and less stressful.
Download a transcript
Transcripts provide a convenient way to review lecture content, especially if you prefer reading over watching videos or need to study offline. While transcript accuracy may vary depending on the speaker and subject matter, they are a valuable tool when used alongside lecture slides and handouts.
How downloading transcripts can enhance your revision:
Create your own study guides by editing and organising key points.
Highlight and annotate important information directly in the transcript.
Review content offline, perfect for areas with limited internet access.
Adapt material to suit your preferred learning style, whether visual or text based.
How to Download a Transcript:
Open the lecture recording in Re/Play.
Click on the three dots in the bottom-right corner of the player (…).
Select “Downloads” and choose “Transcript (.txt)” to begin downloading.
Once downloaded, you can open the transcript in any text editor to customize it for your study needs. Combining transcripts with other study materials can help you engage more deeply with your course content and ensure no details are overlooked.
Playback Rate (R)
Learning is unique to every individual, and Re/Play’s Playback Rate feature lets you tailor your experience. Whether you need extra time to grasp challenging concepts or want to breeze through material you’ve already mastered, this tool helps you stay in control of your learning.
Here’s how it can help:
Slow down for detailed explanations, like intricate chemical reactions in a chemistry lecture.
Speed up familiar sections, such as introductory topics you’ve already revised.
Adjust playback speed easily – from 0.5x to 2x – to suit your pace.
To use this feature:
Open the lecture.
Click on “1x” in the bottom-right corner of the player.
Choose your preferred playback speed.
This simple tool makes reviewing content more efficient and ensures you’re revising at the right pace for you.
By leveraging these features in Re/Play, you’re not just watching lectures; you’re actively engaging with your course material. Combine these features with effective study techniques like creating summaries, testing yourself, and spacing out your revision sessions for maximum retention.
Good luck with your exams! May your revision be effective, your understanding deep, and your stress levels low.
Hey everyone! Today I will share my ‘time management’ journey as a university student. Let’s be real, somewhere in life we have all experienced and faced this problem. Classes, assignments, crazy schedules, spending quality time with friends and family, and little “me” time – it isn’t easy to balance everything. With some trial and error, I have discovered strategies to balance and manage my hectic life and to organise my schedule.
Two years ago, when I started university, I felt that time was running out, and I couldn’t meet the everyday tasks. From attending the lectures every morning, to preparing for exams, participating in educational clubs and societies, and hanging out with friends – I was stretched thin. I still remember that there was this one week when I had 3 assignments due, one group project meeting, and a very important family gathering to attend. Getting a good sleep became a luxury and my stress levels shot up. This is when I realised the importance of taking time management seriously and working on it.
Time management, like any skill, takes time to develop. best online tools and techniques that can help me better organise my routine. I found the following strategies that have helped me improve my productivity.
Firstly, I went to Rayman, the stationary shop, and bought a ‘paper planner’ – what could be better than an old-school technique? I straight away started to note down all my tasks and deadlines in it. This helped me to have a visual schedule with all my responsibilities listed, this really assisted me in prioritising my tasks – what to do when! This little adjustment made a huge and positive impact on my life because after this I never missed or found it difficult to meet deadlines and schedule conflicting appointments. If you prefer using digital tools then go for Google or Outlook Calendar, the latter is provided by the university. They can be just as helpful.
Secondly, I use the ‘time blocking’ technique. This has literally transformed the way I used to manage or schedule my day! I started to break down my day into small time slots, where each slot defines a certain task. For example, I will only study a chapter on psychology from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, I will attend a lecture, and so on like that! This method has helped me to stay focused throughout the day and has also developed the skill to minimise procrastination. The biggest advantage of this practice is that I am now able to allocate time for each task, which has made it easier for me to handle my workload. I apply this technique on my paper planner as well as on my Google Calendar. It has surely made me an organised person.
Applications like Google Calendar and Trello have become essential for my daily schedule management! I also use Outlook Calendar, but only for lectures, seminars, and tutor meetings. I depend more on Google Calendar to set reminders for deadlines and events. Whereas Trello helps me to organise project progress tracking. The only drawback of its free version is that it doesn’t allow you to have more than 10 boards, so you must get rid of your old work from time to time. I have attached pictures below to provide glimpses of how I use these tools.
These tools can also be helpful for team projects as they help to keep everyone on the same page. Personally speaking, I like to rely more on Google as compared to Outlook as it is easy to integrate it with other Google services like – Google Drive for sharing and storing files, Google Docs/Sheets for creating collaborative documents, Gmail for communication and calendar invites, and sometimes I also use Google Meets to directly schedule meetings. Overall, I find its interface quite user-friendly.
One of the most memorable and unforgettable moments during my journey of time management was the examination period. I had multiple exam submissions within 2 weeks, and I was under lots of pressure. Here I decided to use the time blocking techniques. I created my timetable, assigning different time slots to each subject.
Initially, I faced some difficulties and challenges in following the plan but eventually, I could feel less stressed and more prepared as the exams approached. I even found ample time to relax my brain – which is great for mental health. When the results came out, I was delighted to see how my hard work paid off! My performance was way better than what I expected it to be, and it was all possible because I was able to effectively manage my time.
During my journey to master my time management skills, I came to the conclusion that this is not just about my pursuits. It is about striking that balance between professional commitments and personal enjoyment, which is particularly essential. Let me share some methods with you that I use to maintain this balance.
The most essential is – Self Care. After a tough routine, I always find some time for myself. I either go jogging, read books, catch up on a TV serial, walk to the harborside, or do anything that refreshes and keeps me motivated.
Next is to – Set Goals. I always set some goals and targets to achieve in life. Life is not a marathon, so I don’t believe in running after perfection or success. Instead, I focus on putting in my best efforts. This approach has emotionally strengthened me, made me manage my stress better, and kept me focused.
Lastly, learn to – Say No. This was a little challenging for me because, during my past experiences, I used to accept all the opportunities that came my way, thinking that they would help me in my growth and development. Eventually, I realised the consequences of overcommitting – it had only left me exhausted and burned out. Now I am cautious about my commitments, focusing and prioritising on what is important to me.
As I mentioned above, time management is a skill and definitely a process that is achieved with practice! Yes, there are some hectic days too, but with these tips and tricks, I have learned to organise my time and stay on track. It is all about identifying which techniques suit you well – not just to accomplish the academic deadlines, but also to strike a balance to enjoy your student life.
I hope that all the insights and experiences that I have shared with you will help you improve your time management skills as you go ahead in your journey of growth and development. Please share your experiences and suggestions in the comments section. Let us come together to encourage and support one another to achieve a successful life!
There are numerous note-taking methods that we can adopt, one of which is known as Focussed Question Clusters Method, proposed by Cal Newport. It works by using our existing lecture notes to write questions to quiz ourselves to prepare us for MCQ-style exams. In this blog I want to propose using Xerte as a tool for Focussed Question Clusters note-taking method! Xerte is a free tool that the University provides to staff and students, allowing us to create our own learning materials. It may appear to be a bit complicated to use to start with. However, the University has a step-by-step guidance called the Xerte Crash Course.
Using Xerte for the Focussed Question Clusters method can significantly enhance revision effectiveness. This method encourages retrieval practice – actively bringing back knowledge from your memory. The benefits of retrieval practice are vast and using Xerte to create interactive quizzes and materials can make this process even more engaging and effective. The flow chart below (source: learningscientist.org) further elaborates on the concept and benefits of retrieval practice.
Not only is Xerte a powerful revision tool, but it is also a handy tool for notes organisation which can be very tricky when dealing with a vast amount of content. I often want to include as much content as possible in our lecture notes as I worry about being tested on a random piece of information extracted from the lecture slide. This, however, can make revision during the exam season even more challenging as it may not be clear which parts of the notes are important. Organising our notes throughout the academic year allows us to have condensed content with quizzes and make your revision far more efficient and effective.
Xerte allows us to create an interactive book for revision. For each new page, we select from one of the nine functions, as demonstrated below, from the drop-down menu. Amongst all the functions, I personally found interactive tools the most useful:
Quiz – it is very useful for creating a database of questions that I answered wrong in my first attempt. For example, as illustrated from the screenshot below, I created a quiz with all questions that I found challenging in preparation for the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. I can also provide feedback for each option to establish better understanding on the topic, as illustrated in the second screenshot.
Answer X of Y – creating short answer question using different bullet points.
Categories – matching answers with corresponding heading.
Hotspot image – can be useful for anatomy revisions, it allows you to label an image with explanations.
Hotspot question – similar to the hotspot image but requires selecting one or multiple hotspots on an image.
Annotated diagram – requires selecting the appropriate labels to identify the relevant structures.
Drag and drop labelling – pairing the appropriate option to the labelled area in the image.
Multiple choice questions – same as Quiz but each question appears on a separate page.
Timeline/ matching pairs – creating a timeline of events or a matching activity.
In addition to the interactivity functions, there are also a number of game features. The features include Hangman, crossword, word search and memory game. They can be useful for creating mini games for our revision.
As you can imagine, all of the above functions can make revision so much more fun! I started using Xerte now to create my own content based on the teaching materials lecturers provided. I find it a lot easier to engage with long lecture materials. I will recommend all of you to give Xerte a go! The top tip to achieve effective learning is to use our own initiative to create own content!
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.
Me with George Stubbs’ Whistlejacket – the painting was on loan to the Great North Museum, Newcastle in 2018
(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.
A sketch of the heart I made in 1st year, which I scanned into OneNote – and still refer to in 4th year!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Notion
Trello
Microsoft Planner
Todoist
Habitica
Microsoft To Do
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.
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!
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.
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.
Written by Laura Kennedy, Student Digital Champion.
Returning to education afterany length of time can feel quite daunting. As a mature student, not only are you adjusting to a new routine, a new city and a major new life goal– you may well find that technology and the tools available for learning have developed quite a bit since you last used them.
Not to show my age too much, but when I started school the extent of the digital tools on offer was a room with Windows 98 PCs, equipped with MS Paint and Word-Art – big favourites when it came to decorating a piece of creative writing.
Image from pcbooks.ik
For GCSEs and A-Levels, all my note taking was by hand, and although online resources for revision were becoming more popular (anyone remember the BBC bitesize fish? No? Just me?) the bulk of my learning still came directly from the classroom and textbooks.
Returning to Education
Fast-forward to 2021 when, after a considerable amount of time spent working, I began my degree at Bristol. A lot had changed, including a pandemic which catapulted us all into new ways of working online, and I quickly realised my old technique of writing everything by hand would need updating if I was going to keep up with the workload. There seemed to be so many options out there, it was difficult to know where to begin!
In this post, I’d like to share with you some advice for making the change from traditional study methods to involving digital tools in your study toolkit, getting involved in online sessions, and some of the useful resources available from the university.
Combining ‘analogue’ and digital note-taking
Making the leap from one style of notetaking to another can feel a bit daunting – if like me you enjoy putting pen to paper but also enjoy the convenience and organisation of digital notetaking tools such as OneNote. Why not try combining the two?
Generally, I type my notes up with MS Word, but for some topics with a lot of interconnected themes, I’ll take my notebook and sketch out diagrams, bullet points and mind maps by hand.
Then, using the ‘document scan’ feature of the notes app on my phone, I can scan my pages and insert them into OneNote alongside my word documents– this makes the text in the hand-written document searchable, meaning I can easily refer back to the notes just by searching for that topic. You can also use Office Lens.
This was a real game-changer for me as it meant I could still enjoy sketching and writing out my ideas, but still have everything in one place on my laptop for revision – plus all the required apps are free, or already installed on most devices which is a bonus!
Goodnotes has similar handwriting-search capabilities, so you could give them a try and see which one works best for you, or have a think about other ways you might be able to integrate your current study approach with new digital resources.
Digital Flashcards
I’ve never been able to stick with making hand-written flashcards. I always started with the best of intentions but found that writing out card after card was just too time-consuming. This changed when I discovered the digital flashcard apps and programmes – Anki is my personal favourite, but other students I’ve spoken to on my course enjoy using Quizlet too.
A big advantage of these tools is that you can use your pre-made notes to create the flashcards, which is a huge time-saver.
These apps and programmes are cleverly designed, with algorithms ensuring that the cards you’re shown first are the ones you’re due a memory-refresh of, meaning you don’t waste study time looking over topics you’re already familiar with – an easy trap to fall into with traditional flashcards.
ANKI has a bit more of a learning curve than Quizlet, but there are plenty of easy-to-follow tutorials online, and I found that once I was up and running, I could quickly turn my lecture notes into flashcards that I actually wanted to use. A benefit of Quizlet is that it allows you collaborate with other students on your course, which leads me on to my next tip…
Don’t be afraid to get involved in online sessions!
Initially, it can feel strange sitting at home and being asked to type your thoughts into Mentimeter, PointSolutions, or Padlet in order to contribute to the conversation – especially when you’re used to being in the same room as classmates or colleagues and just speaking to your neighbour!
But these tools are so useful, taking Padlet as an example; I find it invaluable to have access to questions and answers from my fellow students and our lecturers – very often I’ll check a Padlet and find someone has asked a question I hadn’t thought to ask at the time but I’m keen to know the answer to, so it’s great to have the information there to refer back to – something that just wasn’t possible before tools like this existed.
Every course will be slightly different in terms of the platforms they use, but they all offer the chance to work collaboratively online, a skill which is useful for university and beyond. I recommend spending some time getting to know which ones your lecturers use, and familiarising yourself so you’re ready to contribute and get the most out of online sessions. When working remotely, it really helps to actively take part online – you definitely get out what you put in.
Final thoughts
Overall, my top tip as a mature student is to stay open-minded about the vast array of digital tools available – it can be tempting to stick with what you know, especially if you’re returning to education after a long break, but there are lots of ways to adapt and update your approach to find what works best for you.
I hope my suggestions have been useful and given you a starting point for developing your own study style – remember, everyone is different and what works for others might not work for you, but if you give new tools a try, I think there’s a good chance you’ll discover at least one that makes you wonder how you studied without it!
For more information, the Digital Education Office’s Digitally Ready course is a great place to start – I completed the course in my first year and I found it so useful to help me transition into the world of online learning.
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