AP0316 - Digital Literacy

What will I learn on this module?

This course teaches students to navigating the university digital systems, as well as the use of key Microsoft productivity tools. Learners will gain proficiency in using their university-provided email for professional and academic communication, and they will master OneDrive for secure cloud storage and file sharing. The module also provides training on leveraging Microsoft Teams for real-time collaboration with peers and faculty on group projects. Crucially, the course empowers students to harness the full potential of the Northumbria University Library's digital resources, teaching them advanced search methodologies for scholarly databases, e-books, and online journals. By the conclusion of this module, participants will be confident and capable users of the university’s IT infrastructure, streamlining their academic workflows and fostering stronger collaboration for a truly successful university journey.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, practical IT sessions and independent learning. The lead lectures will introduce different topics and include in-class exercises, which put into practice the material covered in the lectures. Lecture slots will include guidance on the exploitation of information from the directed-learning materials. The online reading lists will provide directed learning material, including primary peer-reviewed literature and current textbooks for introductory material. You will be expected to undertake independent self-directed learning, with the module reading lists providing a platform for further study.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported in the completion of the coursework component by the provision of structured computer laboratory sessions running concurrently with the lectures, which will provide you with training in the use of appropriate digital tools. There will be time in-class for the tutor to respond to specific questions. In addition, tutors will respond to questions via the module’s discussion board at the University’s eLearning Portal so that the whole group can benefit, alongside being available via email and/or face-to-face meetings for more specific queries. Training in essay techniques will be provided prior to the assessed exam, so that you will have an understanding of what might be expected for a good essay answer.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
M1 You will be expected to engage with the theory underpinning the material covered, the digital tools covered and how they are used by academics on a day-to-day basis.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
M2. You will develop skills in undertaking basic analysis of data and learn skills in quantitative analysis to prepare you for further studies.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
M3. You will develop an understanding of how digital tools have changed academia and how these tools enables academics to work effectively and efficiently.

How will I be assessed?

On-campus invigilated examination - Contributes 50% module score.
MLOs assessed: M1 - M3.

On-campus invigilated examination - Contributes 50% module score.
MLOs assessed: M1 - M3.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This course is specifically designed for new Northumbria University students, offering a targeted approach to mastering the digital skills essential for a successful and efficient academic experience. The module shifts focus from general computer literacy to how to work with the university's core IT systems as well as tools used by academics on a day-by-day basis. Students will receive lectures as well as practicals to navigating the university digital systems and to ensuring they can effectively manage coursework, access lecture materials, use the universities IT systems and software and are familiar with different types of assignments.

Course info

UCAS Code Z044

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Geography and Natural Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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northumbria.ac.uk/terms

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northumbria.ac.uk/fees

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northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need.

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

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