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Being digital activities cover the skills we all need to be effective online. Activities are short and easy to follow.
You can choose relevant activities by:
This is an alphabetical list of all the activities available. You can browse this list or choose a pathway from the Pathways page in order to work through several activities on a similar topic.
The icon next to each activity helps you to identify the format used (e.g. video, activity, further reading).
Icon Key: AudioVideoExternalFurther ReadingActivityA brief overview of what Generative AI is and how it is being used.
This activity will take you: 5 minutes
Start An introduction to generative AI
How to identify the different elements which make up a journal and a journal article, and understand the role of peer review.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
A podcast explaining what plagiarism is and how you can avoid it by developing skills in referencing and managing information efficiently.
This activity will take you: 4 minutes
Screen reader users are advised to use the alternative Word or PDF version
Bob discovers what plagiarism is and how he can avoid it. Transcript available.
This activity will take you: 2 minutes
How to find the information you need by choosing the most appropriate keywords for your purposes.
This activity will take you: 5 minutes
Understanding the basics of effective online communication, or netiquette.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
This activity will help you to develop some criteria for judging the accuracy and reliability of information you find online.
This activity will take you: 5 minutes
Start Deciding what to trust online
This activity explains what a digital footprint is, and provides guidance on how to check on and improve your own digital footprint.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Developing a good digital footprint
Introduces the framework PROMPT, a set of criteria which can be used to evaluate information found online.
This activity will take you: 5 minutes
A collection of short videos introducing you to the rich variety of online resources provided by OU Library Services. Choose the subject you are interested in. Transcripts are available.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Strategies for fast filtering of results when using search engines to find information online.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Filtering information quickly
How to access online information that might not be available to search engines.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Finding hidden information online
This activity will help you to think critically about AI outputs.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Generative AI and critical thinking
Screen reader users are advised to use the alternative Word or PDF version
This activity explains plagiarism and referencing within the area of generative AI
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Generative AI and plagiarism
Screen reader users are advised to use the alternative Word or PDF version
A video introducing the resources and services available through the Open University online library.
This activity will take you: 2 minutes
Learn how to write an effective tweet and engage an audience on Twitter.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start How to write an effective X post
Planning a search based on the type of information needed and its purpose.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
An introduction to what referencing is, why it's important and what elements are included in a typical reference.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Introduction to referencing
Learn how to find reliable blogs that will help you to keep up-to-date with your specialist interests.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Keeping up-to-date using blogs
Learn how online networks can help you keep up-to-date and be able to select an appropriate network for your needs.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Keeping up-to-date using online networking
How RSS feeds can be an useful way to keep up-to-date with the latest news, articles and blogs.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Keeping up-to-date using RSS
How to make the most of X (formerly Twitter) for your purposes.
This activity will take you: 5 minutes
Start Making the most of X (Twitter)
Be aware of who your audience is when posting in online spaces, and learn the basics of presenting yourself effectively.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
An introduction to plagiarism and some of the forms it can take.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Find out how to reference books in your writing and in your reference list.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Find out how to reference ejournals in your writing and in your reference list.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Find out how to reference websites in your writing and in your reference list.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
This tutorial looks at how to use generative AI tools in a more ethical and responsible way.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Responsible and ethical use of generative AI
Screen reader users are advised to use the alternative Word or PDF version
Learn how to spot some of the signs of email scams.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Learn how to use techniques to help you to read online information more efficiently and quickly.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Scanning and skimming a web page
How to avoid the common pitfalls of searching for information online and plan an efficient search.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
An exploration of the features of online reference management tools, with tips on how to choose the right one.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Selecting a reference management tool
An introduction to some of the online tools available with questions to ask when choosing the right one.
This activity will take you: 5 minutes
Start Selecting the right online tools
A questionnaire to help your skills in creating information online, including writing for different audiences and sharing documents.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Self-assessment: Creating information
A questionnaire to help you assess your skills in finding information online.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Self-assessment: Finding information
A questionnaire to help you assess how familiar and confident you are with digital tools and online environments.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Self-assessment: Understanding digital practices
A self assessment questionnaire to evaluate how confident you are in using information online, including evaluating what you find, acknowledging the work of others, and keeping track of your sources.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Self-assessment: Using information
An introduction to the different types of social networking sites, including how to stay safe and secure when using them.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Social networking: is it for me?
How to use the advanced features of Google to target your search and find relevant information quickly.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Target your Google search
How to create effective prompts when using generative AI tools.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes
Start Using effective prompts in generative AI
Screen reader users are advised to use the alternative Word or PDF version
Some guidelines for judging the trustworthiness of information you find in Wikipedia.
This activity will take you: 5 minutes
Bob discovers the Open University's online library, which gives you access to thousands of up-to-date online articles and books. Transcript available.
This activity will take you: 2 minutes
A reflection on the consequences of plagiarism in academic and working life.
This activity will take you: 5 minutes
Start What plagiarism feels like
Tips on communicating effectively when writing online.
This activity will take you: 10 minutes