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A Digital Edge: Essentials for the Online Learner

Thrive at university and build the skills you need to get the most out of online, digital and hybrid university learning.

12,879 enrolled on this course

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A Digital Edge: Essentials for the Online Learner

12,879 enrolled on this course

  • 4 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

Discover the skills and tools you need to learn online effectively

This course is designed to give students the digital edge to succeed as an online learner at university and set you on the path to achieving your learning goals.

Take the first step in your online learning journey

On this interactive course, you’ll discover what successful online learning looks like, and reflect on how you can contribute collaboratively online, and find your own online support groups.

You’ll identify the tools and resources you need to get the most out of your independent learning and studies.

As you learn how to develop and professionalise your online identity and safeguard your online presence, you’ll pick up the skills required to thrive as a lifelong learner in today’s rapidly changing digital world.

Study with online learning experts

Designed by leaders in online learning, drawing on UNESCO’s Learning Compass 2030 and the European LifeComp Framework, this course is co-facilitated by students. You’ll have the chance to learn about the challenges and opportunities of online learning from students who have experienced it themselves.

Download video: standard or HD

Skip to 0 minutes and 7 seconds Learning online requires a new set of skills to master. It is not the same as learning in a physical classroom. This interactive course gives you the edge to succeed as an online learner.

Skip to 0 minutes and 26 seconds It equips you with the tools and know how to get the most out of your studies and thrive as a lifelong learner. Uniquely, this course is co-facilitated by students and includes the rich experiences of successful online learners.

Skip to 0 minutes and 47 seconds Make this course the first step in your online learning journey.

What topics will you cover?

  • Taking charge of your learning
  • Setting goals and establishing good learning habits
  • Creating the right places and spaces for learning
  • Managing collaboration and effective online relationships
  • Developing your online support network
  • Harnessing digital tools and online resources
  • Looking after your digital well-being and flourishing online
  • Managing and professionalizing your online identity
  • Generative AI and its role in Online Education
  • Academic Integrity

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Reflect on and apply different ways of thinking.
  • Develop good study habits and create your space for learning.
  • Engage more effectively with instructors and online content.
  • Contribute successfully to online collaborations with peers.
  • Identify digital tools and online resources relevant to your learning.
  • Identify and make the most of your wider support network.
  • Improve and manage your online identity.
  • Discuss your well-being and know how to flourish online.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of what academic integrity is and its importance in an academic and professional context
  • Identify situations of academic misconduct including plagiarism, collusion, contract cheating, and fabrication in academic practice.
  • Demonstrate techniques to avoid plagiarism.
  • Apply strategies to prevent academic misconduct in general.
  • Employ onsite and online resources to uphold the practice of academic integrity.
  • Understand the role of Generative AI in modern information search.
  • Consider the ethical implications of AI use in education.
  • Identify the best use of AI in education.
  • Acknowledge the limitations of AI in education.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for higher education students at all levels who’d like to enhance their online learning experience.

It’s also suitable for those who want to become more capable online learners for their chosen careers.

Who will you learn with?

Associate Professor and Senior Researcher in Dublin City University. Head of the Ideas Lab in the National Institute for Digital Learning@DCU - @1MNGM

I'm Professor of Computing for +20 years, I work in media analysis, developing machine learning & AI for analysing image & video and I have particular interest in using computing to support our memory

Academic Integrity Officer at Dublin City University. I'm passionate about sharing effective curriculum and assessment design to enhance academic integrity. I have also taught in HE for over a decade.

Who developed the course?

Dublin City University

Dublin City University is a young, dynamic and ambitious Irish university with a distinctive mission to transform lives and societies through education, research and innovation.

Endorsers and supporters

supported by

Irish Universities Association

supported by

DCU Students' Union

supported by

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Ways to learn

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$109/one-off payment

$39.99

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$39.99

For your first month. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 1 Jan 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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