Published: 16 August 2021
At the University of Sunderland in London we know that the world is becoming ever more reliant on our screens.
That changing reality is even more true for students who are writing their assignments, reading articles and even talking with their lecturers through laptops and mobile phones.
It’s undeniable that this growth into the digital world is a good thing. Before the internet, trying to access a journal could be very difficult if only a few copies could be found in the Library, for example.
But these days, it’s a simple matter to visit the University of Sunderland in London’s Library website and read hundreds, if not thousands, of academic texts from all over the world.
While the increase in digital technology means a generally better student experience, we know that some of you may be less comfortable with technology than others.
That’s why we’re introducing the Digital Coaches Team. Made up of six students representing courses across the University their aim is to help you access the amazing technological world at your fingertips.
“Being a Digital Coach has made me so much more confident when it comes to expressing my thoughts and ideas. The skills I’m learning are helping me develop as a person. They’re the kinds of things I’ll be able to use in future jobs.” - Also Budo, MSc International Business Management
Alongside their busy study schedules, they sit on the University of Sunderland in London’s Digital Forum, helping to give a voice to the student population.
Through their role, they advocate for the technological needs of their classmates, whether that’s increasing training or making the University’s digital environment easier to navigate.
Right now, the team are working on a Digital Skills Survey, which will be coming to your email inboxes soon. This landmark survey at the University will ask students about everything from which online platforms they are using for their studies to what barriers they may be facing so that we can better tailor our support.
But the role of a Digital Coach goes well beyond their role as representatives. They’re also there to help you with your day-to-day technology challenges on top of the TechGuru support service offered by our IT team.
“This role is helping me learn communication and customer skills for one thing. But it’s also giving me a sense of independence because I’ve had the opportunity to use my own initiative and innovate when it comes to the projects I’m working on.” - India Allen, BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management (Top-Up)
You can book an appointment with them through Compass for one-to-one support on everything from how to access your emails to how to submit an assignment online and you will soon be hearing more from them through the Microsoft SharePoint channel which will be ready in October.
The team are also helping to make a longer-lasting impact on the digital skills of the University as a whole.
Working with the lectures, they can support with everything from uploading material to using lecture capture to make sure our students don’t miss a moment.
Going hand in hand with this training role is their work teaching students and staff about the LinkedIn Learning platform.
This unique video training website has a huge number of courses on everything from Digital Market Trends to neck exercises for using your computer and is available to all University students.
Whatever level you’re digital skills are when you start at the University of Sunderland in London, we want to make sure you have all the knowledge you need to get the most from your degree.
You can hear more about initiatives like the Digital Coaches on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn channels using #WeAreSunLon.