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  3. Skills by level

Skills by level

Level 0

    • Overview

      • Participate in online learning
      • Consider the rights, wrongs and possible consequences of online behaviour
      • Look after own digital wellbeing
      • Be aware of own digital footprint

    • Participate

      • Follow instructions for accessing and using tools for study, e.g. OU VLE tools and sites

    • Maintain digital wellbeing

      • Be aware of own digital footprint
      • Recognise the differences between private and public internet spaces, and the difference in communication required within them
      • Know when to ‘switch off’; recognise when technology is causing distraction, stress or overload, and disconnect when necessary
      • Behave appropriately in online spaces according to guidelines

    • Overview

      • Distinguish between types of information using given sources and follow instructions to carry out a basic search

    • Select information sources

      • Distinguish between the types of information found using a search engine and an online library, and between websites for different purposes
      • Search for information using a given range of sources

    • Search techniques

      • Carry out a basic search for information on the web or within a website on a pre-defined topic, using the guidance provided
      • Demonstrate awareness that the top results in a web search may be paid for or sponsored listings and that results may be personalised

    • Overview

      • Distinguish between examples of high- and low-quality information and follow instructions to evaluate it

    • Evaluate quality of information

      • Distinguish between examples of information of high and low quality on the web; follow instructions for its evaluation

    • Filter

      • Use quality criteria to carry out initial filtering of material from a search

    • Evaluate digital tools

      • Find and choose appropriate digital tools to support study, such as apps for word processing or note taking

    • Overview

      • Know what is meant by plagiarism, and the need to credit the work of others in own assessed work
      • Follow good practice in the management of predefined information; save links from searches
      • Use simple spreadsheet features and visual representations of data
      • Know what is meant by digital profile and the different communication styles of social media

    • Academic integrity and ethical use of information

      • Know what copyright is
      • Know what plagiarism is and how to avoid it

    • Organise digital files

      • Follow good practice in the management of files and folders
      • Bookmark/save/favourite webpages, images, messages from the web and social media

    • Maintain digital profiles

      • Know importance of managing digital identity and profile privacy settings
      • Know difference between private (e.g. texts or email) and public (e.g. social networking sites) online communications

    • Manage and create digital data

      • Be familiar with simple features of data management in spreadsheets
      • Interpret graphical and visual representations of data

    • Media and audience awareness

      • Know how different media can reach distinct audiences, and use different communication styles, e.g. Twitter or Instagram
      • Be aware of the impact of false or damaging communication

    • Synthesise information

      • Include information and evidence from given sources in one's own work

    • Search techniques

      • Demonstrate a critical and systematic approach to staying up-to-date, using the most appropriate tools and resources

    • Overview

      • Share digital content for study with peers using collaborative software
      • Recognise the benefits of group work and differentiate between formal and informal social networking sites

    • Use digital tools and software

      • Follow instructions to share a variety of digital content using different tools e.g. OU VLE
      • Use collaborative software for tutorials, e.g. online rooms

    • Work in digital teams

      • Explain the benefits of collaborating with peers for study purposes

    • Digital networking

      • Distinguish between formal and informal social networking for study or work

Level 1

    • Overview

      • Use digital tools to participate in learning, collaborating and sharing with peers
      • Look after own digital wellbeing

    • Participate

      • Follow instructions for accessing and using learning tools, sites, and apps for study, e.g. OU VLE tools and sites
      • Identify tools to manage study, e.g. calendars, task lists
      • Participate in a variety of learning activities and collaborative spaces, sharing content appropriate to the tool and context

    • Develop own digital practices

      • Identify existing digital skills

    • Maintain digital wellbeing

      • Take personal responsibility for behaving appropriately in an online community
      • Recognise the differences between platforms and how their use affects your personal digital footprint
      • Recognise distraction, overload and stress, and disconnect when necessary

    • Overview

      • Identify which are the relevant sources in a subject area
      • Carry out a search on a given topic using a given source using simple techniques
      • Be able to follow up a reference

    • Select information sources

      • Identify key sources of information in the subject area or context, including academic and professional sources
      • Know how different information resource types are relevant to the subject, such as law cases or data

    • Search techniques

      • Plan, carry out and review a search in a given database on a given topic
      • Find journal articles or books from a reference
      • Use phrase searching to limit results

    • Overview

      • Identify relevant and reliable tools and information in a given context, by applying basic quality criteria, and filter results based on this

    • Evaluate quality of information

      • Judge the value and relevance of different kinds of information such as academic, professional, personal or political
      • Apply basic criteria to evaluate the quality of given information (e.g. Who What Why)

    • Filter

      • Use quality criteria to carry out initial filtering of material from a search

    • Evaluate digital tools

      • Find and select online tools based on their relevance to the study context, e.g. dictionary apps

    • Overview

      • Be aware of plagiarism and reference where appropriate
      • Follow good practice in the management, synthesis and presentation of a predefined range of information
      • Select and record information from search results
      • Use and interpret digital data from spreadsheets and other tools
      • Manage own digital profile, explain how messages are communicated in different media

    • Academic integrity and ethical use of information

      • Know what copyright is and how to avoid plagiarism through referencing the work of others
      • Be aware that references can be created in different styles

    • Organise digital files

      • Follow good practice in the management of files and folders in different spaces (institutional, personal or cloud storage)
      • Accurately record search results

    • Maintain digital profiles

      • Manage and maintain digital profiles/identity; use privacy settings appropriately
      • Engage with and communicate using digital media; know how their use can affect personal digital profile

    • Manage and create digital data

      • Use digital data in spreadsheets and other tools
      • Interpret graphical and visual representations of data; use them as evidence

    • Media and audience awareness

      • Explain how messages are designed and communicated for different purposes and using different media
      • Observe “netiquette”, e.g. when using forums

    • Synthesise information

      • Synthesise information and evidence from given sources in one's own work

    • Overview

      • Work with peers using collaborative software for a specific task
      • Distinguish different team roles
      • Use external platforms for study purposes

    • Use digital tools and software

      • Share files and content with multiple people, e.g. using OU VLE tools
      • Use collaborative software for a specific task, e.g. Open Studio, online meeting software

    • Work in digital teams

      • Work together with peers online and identify the different roles and contributions needed to produce work collaboratively

    • Digital networking

      • Work with external platforms for study purposes, e.g. social media

Level 2

    • Overview

      • Begin to create a personal study environment using different tools
      • Communicate ethically with others
      • Evaluate current practice/digital skills and know where to go for development

    • Participate

      • Use digital tools and apps to find, use and organise online information and resources, to support study and personal development, e.g. time management apps

    • Develop own digital practices

      • Evaluate current digital skills and identify where to go for development

    • Maintain digital wellbeing

      • Recognise how behaviour impacts on self and others
      • Communicate with a range of audiences appropriately in an online setting, with awareness of legal and ethical responsibilities
      • Adopt strategies to manage distractions, stress or overload

    • Overview

      • Identify a range of sources, distinguishing between primary and secondary
      • Independently carry out subject searches using a range of sources, using common database features
      • Adapt and refine searches if necessary

    • Select information sources

      • Identify a range of key sources of information in the subject area
      • Distinguish between primary and secondary sources

    • Search techniques

      • Independently carry out a simple subject search within more than one database
      • Identify search features and functionality common to a range of databases and search engines, such as field searching, Boolean, limits
      • Review search results and adapt and refine the search if necessary

    • Overview

      • Apply comprehensive quality criteria to evaluate information, data and tools from a range of sources to support study

    • Evaluate quality of information

      • Apply quality criteria to evaluate a range of resources, including data, effectively (e.g. PROMPT)

    • Filter

      • Apply quality criteria to filter results from a range of sources

    • Evaluate digital tools

      • Apply relevant quality criteria to evaluate and use a range of digital tools to support study

    • Overview<

      • Reference others’ work appropriately and accurately
      • Manage diverse information, from search results to images and data, securely and ethically; able to synthesise, re-purpose for different audiences
      • Manage, interpret and apply data
      • Manage different digital profiles to support academic and career goals

    • Academic integrity and ethical use of information

      • Respect rules of copyright and plagiarism
      • Reference accurately and appropriately
      • Use content ethically and legally, according to its terms of use
      • Recognise that digital content may have different terms of use, e.g. public domain, Creative Commons

    • Organise digital files

      • Manage digital information using appropriate digital tools and methods, such as reference management software, tagging
      • Systematically record and manage search results

    • Maintain digital profiles

      • Manage digital profiles for different personal, professional and academic networks
      • Maintain positive digital reputation in online communications

    • Manage and create digital data

      • Manage digital data in spreadsheets and other media
      • Interpret and apply digital data relevant to the subject of study

    • Media and audience awareness

      • Communicate with different audiences, for a variety of purposes, using different digital media (e.g. blog posts, presentations, infographics)
      • Be respectful and inclusive when communicating online

    • Synthesise information

      • Synthesise information from a range of diverse materials

    • Overview

      • Create and share digital content using a range of collaborative tools and software to achieve shared goals for study or work
      • Negotiate team roles and reflect on the collaboration
      • Show awareness of online group dynamic

    • Use digital tools and software

      • Create and share subject-related content and ideas using digital tools
      • Use a range of collaborative software for study or work, e.g. Wikis, Planner, online meeting software

    • Work in digital teams

      • Work in digital teams to produce shared content or meet shared study goals; negotiate and develop roles for collaboration
      • Show awareness of online group dynamic
      • Reflect on the collaborative process, roles, tools, and outcomes

    • Digital networking

      • Share digital content from external platforms in collaborative study spaces, e.g. OU study forums

Level 3

    • Overview

      • Update and adapt own digital practice and use of tools, taking account of own wellbeing
      • Communicate ethically and legally online, showing personal and cultural awareness

    • Participate

      • Select and use digital tools in learning and professional development, to manage, organise, share and reflect, e.g. mind-mapping, note-taking

    • Develop own digital practices

      • Adapt to new and emerging technologies, independently evaluating use of devices, software, apps, plug-ins and upgrades

    • Maintain digital wellbeing

      • Practise principles of legal and ethical behaviour online
      • Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural difference, the wellbeing of self and others, and appropriate etiquette when communicating in different spaces
      • Adapt and develop own strategies to manage distractions, stress or overload

    • Overview

      • Identify a wide range of sources to address research problems and independently design a strategy to search several databases using a range of techniques
      • Be aware of ways of keeping up to date in a subject area

    • Select information sources

      • Identify problems or research questions and independently find and select appropriate information to address these
      • Independently devise and carry out strategy for finding information needed, using a range of sources

    • Search techniques

      • Use a range of database functionality in several databases, such as citation searching, and interpret the results
      • Use sources of current information to keep up to date and to inform career or personal goals research

    • Overview

      • Critically evaluate information, tools and data from any source by applying comprehensive quality criteria, to focus on the most appropriate

    • Evaluate quality of information

      • Use quality criteria to critically evaluate information from any source

    • Filter

      • Use quality criteria to filter results from searches and focus on the most relevant information or data within documents, e.g. by skim reading article abstracts

    • Evaluate digital tools

      • Evaluate and use digital tools and media in any context (e.g. study, personal or professional)

    • Overview

      • Construct a major bibliography and conduct a literature review according to discipline requirements
      • Curate and manage a large volume of diverse information securely and ethically
      • Analyse, synthesise and communicate digital content both formally and informally using tools appropriate to the medium and the audience
      • Work with data in advanced ways appropriate to the subject of study, including design and analysis of online surveys
      • Develop digital profiles to further career and academic goals

    • Academic integrity and ethical use of information

      • Respect rules of copyright and use alternatives such as Creative Commons licensing when sharing others’ digital content in own work
      • Construct a major bibliography according to discipline requirements
      • Use digital tools and media ethically and legally, repurposing and adapting content within original terms of use

    • Organise digital files

      • Manage and curate digital information in different spaces using appropriate digital tools and methods, such as reference management software, tagging
      • Manage a wide range of references using digital tools
      • Consider ethical, privacy and intellectual property issues around digital information you need to store

    • Maintain digital profiles

      • Develop digital profiles/identity to support academic and career aims (e.g. via e-portfolio or online CV)

    • Manage and create digital data

      • Analyse, interpret and re-present data using advanced tools and techniques, where appropriate to the subject
      • Design, administer and interpret online surveys

    • Media and audience awareness

      • Design effective communications for different purposes and digital spaces, using appropriate digital media and a range of editing tools, e.g. Camtasia, Adobe Photoshop
      • Explain how digital media influence social behaviour

    • Synthesise information

      • Synthesise information from a range of diverse materials on a complex subject, e.g. statistics, academic articles, blog posts, news articles
      • Produce a comprehensive literature review in a specific subject

    • Overview

      • Facilitate digital collaborations and share insights gained from external networks
      • Identify and use a variety of collaborative tools and software to produce digital content for a wider audience
      • Reflect on online group dynamics and roles

    • Use digital tools and software

      • Use a variety of digital collaboration tools and software to produce and share resources, knowledge and content for study or work
      • Identify the most appropriate collaborative software for study or work, e.g. SharePoint, Planner, online meeting software

    • Work in digital teams

      • Initiate and facilitate formal digital collaborations to produce shared content for a wider audience for study or work
      • Reflect on online group dynamic and roles, tools and outcomes
      • Collaborate comfortably across cultural, national and/or subject specialist boundaries

    • Digital networking

      • Share insights and experiences gained from external networks to enhance learning

Level 4

    • Overview

      • Develop personal learning environment and digital scholarship techniques, taking account of own wellbeing
      • Communicate ethically and legally online, showing personal and cultural awareness
      • Produce a comprehensive literature review in a specific subject

    • Participate

      • Select and use digital tools to create own tailored personal learning environment
      • Engage in digital scholarship within a subject or professional context

    • Develop own digital practices

      • Apply digital techniques to conduct and share research

    • Maintain digital wellbeing

      • Practise principles of legal and ethical behaviour online
      • Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural difference, the wellbeing of self and others, and appropriate etiquette when communicating in different spaces
      • Adapt and develop own strategies to manage distractions, stress or overload

    • Overview

      • Conduct a thorough literature search using a comprehensive range of sources using advanced search techniques
      • Keep up to date using a range of tools

    • Select information sources

      • Search independently across a comprehensive range of sources and information formats
      • Produce an independently conducted thorough literature search in a specific subject area, making effective use of advanced search techniques and database functionality

    • Search techniques

      • Demonstrate a critical and systematic approach to staying up-to-date, using the most appropriate tools and resources

    • Overview

      • Critically appraise digital tools and information from any source using comprehensive quality criteria, to filter large quantities of information; make judgements on own work and the work of others

    • Evaluate quality of information

      • Engage in critical appraisal, including judgements on own work and the work of others

    • Filter

      • Define the scope of a research question and apply relevant criteria to filter large quantities of information related to the question

    • Evaluate digital tools

      • Critically evaluate, select and use unfamiliar digital tools and media for any context (e.g. study, personal or professional)

    • Overview

      • Construct a major bibliography and conduct a literature review according to discipline requirements
      • Curate and manage a large volume of diverse information securely and ethically
      • Review, analyse, synthesise, re-purpose and communicate digital content formally and informally using tools appropriate to the medium and the audience
      • Where appropriate to the subject, test and query data using advanced tools and methods. Design and analyse large scale complex surveys
      • Manage digital profiles, and proactively engage in professional online community to further career and academic goals

    • Academic integrity and ethical use of information

      • Respect rules of copyright and use alternatives such as Creative Commons licensing when sharing others’ digital content in own work, and when creating digital content
      • Work with different referencing systems according to published output requirements
      • Construct a major bibliography according to discipline requirements
      • Use digital media and tools ethically and legally, repurposing and adapting content within original terms of use

    • Organise digital files

      • Follow agreed good practice in the secure organisation, curation, storage and back up of digital information across a range of platforms and devices
      • Manage a large number and range of references using digital tools
      • Consider ethical, privacy, intellectual property issues and work within restrictions that may apply to the type of digital information you need to store

    • Maintain digital profiles

      • Manage digital profile and proactively engage with professional networks to support academic and career aims (e.g. via e-portfolio or online CV, LinkedIn)

    • Manage and create digital data

      • Interpret and re-present data relevant to the subject of study
      • Where appropriate to the subject, carry out statistical tests, queries and data analyses
      • Design, administer and interpret large-scale online surveys

    • Media and audience awareness

      • Create, adapt, share digital content with an awareness of audience and purpose, using appropriate tools
      • Identify the most effective ways to use research outputs (e.g. reports, conference proceedings, journal articles) to create impact
      • Recognise difference between formal publication and informal information exchange

    • Synthesise information

      • Synthesise information from a wide range of diverse materials on a complex subject, e.g. statistics, academic articles, blog posts, news articles
      • Produce a comprehensive, large scale literature review in a specific subject

    • Overview

      • Take a leading role in digital collaborative work and engage in professional and/or academic networks
      • Lead on the use of collaborative software and multiple digital tools towards the production of shared work
      • Evaluate online group dynamic and roles, tools and outcomes

    • Use digital tools and software

      • Select, recommend and use appropriate collaborative software for group study or work, e.g. planning, meeting software, file sharing and diary management tools

    • Work in digital teams

      • Lead and engage in digital collaborations, environments and tools towards the production of shared work
      • Reflect on and evaluate online group dynamic and roles, tools and outcomes
      • Collaborate comfortably across cultural, national and/or subject specialist boundaries

    • Digital networking

      • Engage in and manage professional or academic interactions using multiple digital tools