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# 3 Do I have the digital skills to be an apprentice distance learner?

Studying as an apprentice distance learner will mean that you will need to use a range of digital technologies. Before you start your studies, it might be helpful to reflect on your digital skills.

Technology and education are developing and increasingly go hand in hand. As it is likely you will use a computer or a tablet to study, it is important to ensure that you are confident in your digital skills to help you be an effective learner.

To be an apprentice distance learner, the following digital skills are likely to help you be successful in your studies:

Knowing how to:

- Complete an online application
- Navigate around a website
- Upload and download digital files
- Rename and scanning documents
- Use word processing packages to present your work
- Write online messages
- Use the internet to support you in your studies, for example you may need to attend an induction in the form of an online seminar or to complete research tasks
- Attend and take part in live interactive sessions over the internet such as tutorials and forums
- Watch recordings of sessions or events
- Submit written materials like assignments electronically
- Use the e-portfolio system to record evidence as part of your apprenticeship
- Use webchat and email to communicate
- Use presentation software to present an assignment
- Know how to submit writing material like assignments electronically, for you tutor to mark and provide feedback

## Activity 3

Duration 20 mins

Read this brief description of a new apprentice, Ronald

- Ronald has not studied in a while
- He is feeling a bit nervous about what to expect as an apprentice distance learner
- His apprenticeship requires him to complete an online application
- He will need to complete electronic documents
- He will need to upload scanned documents as part of the online application process
- His apprenticeship will require him to exchange emails
- His employer has provided him with a new laptop
- He has agreed study time with his employer
- He will navigate various study sites and manage a study planner
- His apprenticeship may include taking part in live interactive online sessions
- He will be expected to contribute to student forums
- He will need to record evidence to show his off-the-job training
- He will have to submit his assignments electronically

If he were a work colleague or friend, what advice would you give Ronald about his digital skills, prior to him starting his apprenticeship?

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### Comment

Ronald should check that all the software on his computer has been downloaded and has all the latest updates (well in advance to the start of the course).

It might be helpful if Ronald explored the course website and read material about how to prepare for study. He should look for resources, guidance and help online.

While Ronald is becoming more confident using his digital skills, he should be aware that becoming a digital learner is a unique experience. It might be helpful for Ronald to contact the apprenticeship support team and request support to help him learn more about other digital skills resources for study.

## Next steps

If you want to know more about how to develop or expand your digital skills, these resources might be helpful for you to explore:

Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world

Activities A-Z – Being Digital – workplace skills

Getting started with the online library

## Optional activity

This activity is optional and just for fun. One of the technologies used to share learning and engage with the wider educational community is X, previously known as Twitter.

Short messages can be written and shared easily. If you have an X account use that. If you don’t yet have one, it’s free and very straightforward to set up.

Your task is to compose a tweet (of no more than 280 characters) in which you write about what you are looking forward to as a distance learner.

Tweet your message to @OpenLearn, using this hashtag: #ready4distancelearning.

Congratulations – you have now taken your first step to becoming a digital learner.

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OpenLearn - Am I ready to be an apprentice distance learner?
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