Digital Skills Week

Effective prompt engineering

Time: 10.00 - 11.00

AI chatbots such as Microsoft Copilot are helping us to learn, teach and be more productive--but are we asking them the right questions? In this session we will take a dive into the world of 'prompt engineering', and learn how the different ways we speak with AI can lead to very different results. No matter your skill level, you will gain valuable insights and practical tips on how to create effective prompts and enhance your understanding of this rapidly evolving technology.

Elements of digital capability: Digital creation, problem solving and innovation, digital learning and development and information, data and media literacies.

Create quick videos with Adobe Express

Time: 11.00 - 12.00

As an Adobe Creative Campus, all staff and students have free access to Adobe Express. You can use Adobe Express to make social media videos, slideshows, and personal projects. In this session, led by experts from Adobe, you will learn how to quickly edit and share your videos with Adobe Express.

Elements of digital capability: Digital creation, communication and collaboration.

Automation - a path to productivity

Time: 13.00 - 14.00

Each click, swipe and drag may seem minor, but they can quickly add up, making it challenging to stay productive when you're doing everything manually. In this session, we will explore practical examples of how automation can transform your daily tasks and enhance productivity. We'll look at various automation examples that can streamline personal workflows and your team’s tasks, discover how they can save you significant time and help you achieve your productivity goals.

Elements of digital capability: Digital proficiency and productivity and digital problem solving and innovation.

What is digital capability?

Time: 14.00 - 15.00

At Herts we use the Jisc six elements of digital capability to guide our understanding and development of digital capabilities. Join Becki Vickerstaff, Higher Education Senior Consultant at Jisc, in this interactive session to explore the skills, attitudes and behaviours of a digitally capable student or professional person, and investigate strategies to develop these skills as digital inevitably changes and evolves.

Elements of digital capability: Digital proficiency and productivity, digital creation, problem solving and innovation, digital learning and development, digital identity and wellbeing, information, data and media literacies and digital communication, collaboration and participation.

Introduction to video creation

Time: 10.00 - 11.00

Whether you're planning on creating instructional or promotional videos, or using video for assessments, this session will give you some valuable pointers to work through the creation and editing process. You will see how tools such as Microsoft Clipchamp (free to staff and students) can be used to capture and import files, and edit and enhance clips, to tell an engaging story.

Elements of digital capability: Digital creation, problem solving and innovation and digital communication, collaboration and participation.

Digital mindset

Time: 11.00 - 12.00

Digital proficiency is central to the Jisc six elements of digital capability. Adopting an appropriate mindset, evident in the approaches of growth mindset and digital mindset, is key to digital proficiency. In this workshop we'll explore the characteristics of a growth and digital mindset, and how to apply these skills in practice for gradual day-to-day upskilling and digital problem solving.

Elements of digital capability: Digital proficiency and productivity.

Opportunities and challenges of AI in higher education

Time: 13.00 - 14.00

AI has significant potential to improve the learning experience for students and staff alike. Join Peter Chalk, Learning and Teaching Specialist, to explore how AI tools can play the role of an interactive tutor or expert patient, as well as supporting idea development. Peter will also examine the role of AI as a proof reader and in reference writing, within the context of the current University policy.

Elements of digital capability: Digital proficiency and productivity, digital creation, problem solving and innovation, digital learning and development, digital identity and wellbeing, information, data and media literacies and digital communication, collaboration and participation.

Sharing digital content discussion panel

Time: 13:00 - 14:00

In this discussion panel, we will discuss some of the key issues and questions when it comes to accessing or sharing digital resources to support our work and studies, including consideration of copyright, Creative Commons and Open Access. We will signpost to Herts guidance, reputable websites and advise on strategies for sharing material and searching material that enable you to find and use it legally and ethically with confidence. You will have the opportunity to ask their own questions during the session. Our expert panel are; Evie Kotsiliti, Research and Scholarly Communications Information Manager, Claire Wotherspoon, Academic Engagement Manager, David Peacock, Content and Collections Manager and Caroline Tume, Licenses and Rights Consultant.

Elements of digital capability: Information, data and media literacies.

Maximising impact on social media

Time: 14.00 - 15.00

In this session you will learn how to strategise to maximise your social media impact. This session will cover features of Adobe Express, including social media templates. You will gain hands-on experience in creating visually appealing content tailored for Instagram. Additionally, we will explore effective strategies for scheduling posts and analysing performance to refine your social media approach. No matter your skill level, this session will provide valuable insights and practical tips to elevate your social media presence.

Elements of digital capability: Digital creation, problem solving and innovation, Information, data and media literacies and digital communication, collaboration and participation.

Accessibility unleashed - tools and tips for better device use

Time: 15.00 - 16.00

In this session we will explore how everyone can be empowered to access information on your devices, using a range of accessibility features to enhance your digital productivity and digital wellbeing. This includes converting text to speech, translation, screen filters, screen magnification and using AI accessibility features.

Elements of digital capability: Digital proficiency and productivity, digital identity and wellbeing and digital communication, collaboration and participation.

Lifehacks

Time: 10.00 - 13.00

Take part in our Digital Skills Week flagship event on campus and pick up some little digital tips and tricks, that can make a big difference to using and managing digital in your work and home life. Whether you are looking to optimise your work processes or add some flair to your daily routine, there's something for everyone. Do not miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn, connect and elevate your digital capabilities.

Elements of digital capability: Digital proficiency and productivity, digital creation, problem solving and innovation, digital learning and development, digital identity and wellbeing, information, data and media literacies and digital communication, collaboration and participation.

Enhancing online engagement with Mentimeter

Time: 14.00 - 15.00

Everyone at Herts has access to a premium Mentimeter account. Join Julia from Mentimeter to find out how to unlock the full potential of your virtual interactions in a variety of situations. Whether you’re a member of staff and student, this workshop will demonstrate how to transform your online meetings, presentations, and tutorials into dynamic and interactive experiences. Discover techniques to foster active participation, maintain attention, and make data-driven decisions based on audience responses. Explore practical tips and best practices for integrating Mentimeter into your virtual toolkit and take your online engagement to the next level.

Elements of digital capability: Digital creation, problem solving and innovation, digital learning and development and digital communication, collaboration and participation.

Digital innovation with AI

Time: 15.00 - 16.00

As AI tools continue to evolve, join us to explore innovative AI solutions that can benefit both students and staff in higher education. In this session, you'll explore examples of AI tools in practice, understanding the potential risks of free AI tools and how to make appropriate choices to use AI to support achievement of your task. We’ll discuss how to make informed choices and develop your capabilities to use AI responsibly.

Elements of digital capability: Digital proficiency and productivity, digital creation, problem solving and innovation, digital identity and wellbeing and information, data and media literacies

Introduction to IDEA for students

Time: 15.00 - 16.00

The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (IDEA), is an international award winning programme for students which develops digital, enterprise and employability skills in exciting areas including: social media, research, virtual reality, coding, growth hacking, blockchain, e-safety and gaming. Choose to complete individual badges or work towards the bronze, sliver or gold award. Come along gain this national award in recognition for your digital capability development.

Elements of digital capability: Digital learning and development.

Protecting your data online  

Time: 10.00 - 11.00

In this information age, it is vital to understand how personal and professional data is captured and tracked when working online. In this session, you will learn about the data you “consent” to sharing and the consequences when traversing the online digital landscape. You will find out how you can limit the data you share and decrease the risk of data breaches, both locally and on “trusted sites”.

Elements of digital capability: Digital identity and wellbeing and information, data and media literacies.

Using AI to foster critical thinking

Time: 11.00 -12.00

In this session, Phil Hill from West Herts College will share practical examples of how he has been supporting learning by using AI for critical reflection, feedback and developing action plans. He will also explore how AI can add value to learning, build confidence and allow students to learn more independently.

Elements of digital capability: Digital learning and development.

LinkedIn Learning

Time: 11.00 - 11.50

Everyone at Herts has access to a premium LinkedIn Learning account. Join Kash Ahmed, Senior Customer Success Manager from LinkedIn, to find out how to get the most from LinkedIn Learning to gain and evidence skills aligned to your work, studies and career goals.

Elements of digital capability: Digital learning and development.

Interactive presentations and learning experiences with ThingLink

Time: 13.30 -14.30

Everyone at Herts has access to a premium ThingLink account. With ThingLink, you can use any visual media such as videos, photographs and diagrams, to make interactive resources. The session will provide an overview of the materials you can create with ThinglLink, from one interactive image to a whole learning course. Louise Conway, HBS Information Manager, will share hints and tips to use the platform, based on the success of the LRC Escape Room activity, created using ThingLink.

Elements of digital capability: Digital creation, problem solving and innovation, digital learning and development and digital communication, collaboration and participation.

Create podcasts with the power of AI using Adobe Podcast

Time: 14.00 - 15.00

As an Adobe Creative Campus, all staff and students have free access to Adobe Podcast, an online application that enables you to quickly edit audio, and even create your own podcasts. In this session, led by experts from Adobe, you will explore the power of the podcast before diving into Adobe Podcast to uncover some the key features of the tool. You will also find out how to use Adobe Express to market your podcast by creating a suitable cover image to promote it.

Elements of digital capability: Digital creation, problem solving and innovation, digital learning and development and digital communication, collaboration and participation.

Organising and presenting ideas with mind mapping techniques

Time: 15.00 - 16.00

According to the Future of Jobs report (2023), analytical thinking and creative thinking are two of the most essential skills for the modern workplace. In this session we will explore ways in which digital resources enable us to use mind mapping principles in order to gather ideas, organise, structure and present our thinking in creative ways.

Elements of digital capability: Digital creation, problem solving and innovation, digital learning and development and digital communication, collaboration and participation.

Detecting fake news, bias and misinformation

Time: 10.00 - 11.00

Information shared on the internet can easily be made to look like it is from a credible source, but can also be designed to manipulate, misinform, or prey on our biases. Join Donna Beazleigh and Haylee Lederer, Assistant Information Managers, to learn more about the essential skills of fact checking and critically evaluating information to assess the reliability and credibility of sources.

Elements of digital capability: Information, data and media literacies.

Create your CV and digital portfolio with Adobe Express

Time: 11.00 - 12.00

As an Adobe Creative Campus, all staff and students have free access to Adobe Express. In this session, led by experts from Adobe, unlock your professional potential by creating a standout CV and digital portfolio using this tool. Learn how to design visually appealing, industry-standard resumes and portfolios that you can easily share with employers. Discover how to leverage Adobe Express's intuitive tools to craft personalised documents that highlight your unique skills, experiences, and creative work.

Elements of digital capability: Digital identity and wellbeing and digital communication, collaboration and participation.

Checkout your future: Digital skills for career success

Time: 12.00 - 13.00

Digital Skills Week is also National Careers Week. Join us for an insightful online session for students with the Herts Careers and Employment team and special guest, Tesco. Find out how you can capitalise on the digital learning and development opportunities available to you at Herts; why a digital and growth mindset will enhance your employability; and how a multinational retailer such as Tesco approaches digital capability development.

Elements of digital capability: Digital proficiency and productivity and digital learning and development.

Streamlining communication and collaboration with MS Bookings

Time: 13.00 - 13.30

Join Andrew Laing, Widening Access Officer and Shaila Karim, E-Learning Technology Developer, who will each share their use of Microsoft Bookings to streamline setting up meetings and appointments with internal and external colleagues. You’ll have the chance to ask them questions about their use of this tool and learn from their experience with signposting to good quality ‘how-to’ instructions to be enable you to put learning into practice to support your own work with others.

Elements of digital capability: Digital proficiency and productivity and digital communication, collaboration and participation.