Simplify your studies with a digital toolkit
Student Ambassador for digital education, Alaa shares his digital experience at Leeds and shares how you can be in with a chance of winning an iPad, AirPods or a shopping voucher!
The vast landscape of digital tools and platforms at Leeds have been integral in shaping the way I learn, connect, and progress in my studies. Creating my own ‘Digital Toolkit’, a collection of my favourite tools and resources at Leeds has simplified by learning journey.
In this blog, I will be talking about my Digital Toolkit, and speaking about my digital experience at Leeds more generally. To share your digital experience and be in with a chance of winning an iPad, Airpods or a shopping voucher, you can fill out the Student Digital Experience Survey which is open from 4 March 2024 until 22 March 2024 (for all taught students).
My Digital Toolkit
Leeds Digital Education systems
Make use of the University’s digital systems. I access all my module contents in Minerva. (FYI: student insights from the Jisc survey led to refining Minerva guidelines, creating a more consistent and innovative learning environment.) This is not limited to lecture slides, but also books that are freely available to the students through websites like https://www.vlebooks.com/ and https://bibliu.com/.
Active recall with TopHat and idea sharing on Padlet
TopHat has been instrumental in reinforcing my understanding through active recall, a technique proven to enhance memory and learning. Similarly, Padlet has served as a dynamic platform for idea sharing, streamlining communication and collaboration without the chaos typically associated with group brainstorming. Do you use TopHat or Padlet? Let us know how you’re using it with the Jisc Digital Experience Survey.
Converting multimedia to text
Videos and podcasts have become an integral part of the learning material. My strategy involves converting transcripts into text documents. This method not only aids in better integration into my notes but also streamlines the process of revisiting key points without having to re-watch or re-listen to the entire content. It’s a simple yet powerful way to enhance accessibility and efficiency in my studies.
Using AI to help my learning
For my Financial accounting module, we use an artificial intelligence tutor powered by Chat GPT 4 found on this website. It is a helpful tool to access answers to very specific, scenario-based questions.
iCloud Calendar for organisation
A recent addition to my Digital Toolkit, iCloud Calendar, has revolutionised the way I organise my life. By adding my University’s email as one of my iCloud accounts, I can integrate my university and my personal schedule to make sure they align. I also add The Edge exercise classes and some of the University’s social events.
This newfound organisation has led to more efficient study sessions and a well-rounded university experience. This has really improved by overall wellbeing. Did you know feedback from the Digital Experience Survey has inspired various wellbeing initiatives? Suggestions for promoting digital wellbeing and fostering a sense of community inspired resource development and self-care reminders.
What’s in your Digital Toolkit? Are there any tools you think I’ve missed?
Share your own Digital Experience at Leeds by filling out the Digital Experience Survey, and be in with a chance of winning an iPad, AirPods or a shopping voucher!
Written by Alaa — Student Ambassador for Digital Education
