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As discussed in the previous post – Digital Literacy and Why It’s Important Today in this increasingly digitized world, demand for digital literacy skills has surged over the past few years. However, ways to upskill yourself can sometimes be inaccessible and expensive. Above that, there are so many platforms available out there, where do you begin finding a credible and suitable course for your needs? Luckily for you, Standard Bank has partnered with Microsoft and Pioneering Solutions Studio (PSS) for a FREE online digital literacy training course.

Microsoft Digital Literacy course

The course aims to help South Africans thrive in the digital world while building their confidence and online skills. To unpack what the course entails and what is required, we’ll be answering some key questions for you.

What is the key focus of the course?

The course focuses on few key components including how to use a computer, the internet, how to protect yourself and your computer in the often unsafe online world and how to navigate Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

What resources are required for the training?

All you need is either a phone, tablet or computer that has internet connectivity, a web browser and a valid email address.

Will I obtain a certification after I complete the course?

Yes, you will receive a certificate at the end of the course. You will however need to obtain 50% or above for the online assessment which is taken after you complete the course. Another big plus is that the certificate is issued by Foundation for Professional Development and this means that you can add this to your CV or LinkedIn as an indication to recruiters that you have certification for digital literacy.

Where and how do I register for the course?

Registration is a relatively easy process but in order to gain access to the content, you have to register your account on the ICTED.online platform. You will be asked to register with a valid email address and create a password, thereafter, fill in information about yourself. After completing this stage, you will receive an account confirmation email from ICTED.online. Once all is set you can then access the course by logging in with your user details.

Should you have any issues, the ICTED.online platform has an available support team from 08:00 to 16:00. The support team can also be contacted via email at support@ps.studio and contacted on 012 111 7001.

You can also download this guide (Click here to download) which answers more of the frequently questions before starting the course.

The global pandemic, COVID 19 has interrupted every part of life as we know it. The way we learn has shifted from the traditional classroom setting to online learning, which is growing in popularity as we practice social distancing. In line with that there has also been an emergence of new careers and skills to support the digital world that we live in. The careers are supported by new fields of study at tertiary institutions that embrace is 4^th industrial revolution. If you are in high school, you probably wondering has how to apply to university for 2021, since things since the national lockdown changes?

The truth is how you apply to university has changed for the academic year 2021 and the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship in partnership with a few higher institutions of learning (e.g. University of the Witswatersrand, University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, Stellenbosch Univesity and University of Pretoria) has launched a 5 part mini webinar series to help grade 12 students get the most of the process, especially during these uncertain times. The webinar will be running from Monday 25 till Friday 29th May 2020. The best part is, it’s available on a live stream from Facebook via the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Page or YouTube via the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Channel at 4 pm.

Below is the schedule for the 5 part webinar and an indication of participating institution for each day.

We are weeks into our COVID-19 lockdown and working from home is a new reality that is likely to continue for a while. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to set up your space for a productive study environment. We know we cannot take for granted that students have their own bedrooms, unlimited access to the internet or a steady supply of uninterrupted electricity. Still, we hope that the tips below can help you create an environment for yourself where you can learn and continue to prioritize your education.

Dedicated Work Space

Step one, set up a space or surface for yourself where you can comfortably have your books, notes, stationery and computer/tablet/laptop. Try to keep the work surface clear of clutter and distractions, so that you can focus on your study materials. A desk or table is ideal. If there is no free table, you can use a counter surface in the kitchen. If you do not have access to any of these you can work with a make-shift lap tray: sit on your bed using the wall as back support, put a cushion and tray on your out-stretched or crossed legs and use that as a surface for writing and typing.

Comfortable Space

Make sure that where you are working is comfortable. You should have enough light so that you do not strain your eyes. Sit in a position that does not cause pain and discomfort to your neck and back – good posture is vital. If the noises from outside are not too distracting open the window for good ventilation so that you can stay awake and alert. If your house has the space, set yourself up in an area where there won’t be too many disruptions and where you can spend blocks of time without getting interrupted. Comfort can also mean that you have something pleasant to look at, if you are spending 6-8 hours a day in your work corner, put up some inspiring images and phrases on the walls around you.

Stock Up On Stationary

Simple as this may seem, having the right supporting resources is an easy thing to overlook. Try to get the necessary stationery, and make sure they are within easy reach of your work area. Put them out on your desk or lay them next to you on your bed if you are working with a lap tray. The basics, depending on the subjects and whether or not you have an electronic device, are a pen or pencil and paper or a notebook. If you have an electronic device you can make and store your notes on it and even create voice notes to playback to yourself for easy revision. Also, refer to the post about free online learning tools during COVID-19 lockdown for additional tools available to make studying at home easier.

Daily Structure

We’ve heard this everywhere and every day, but that’s because having a structure and timetable for your day is that important. According to your learning speed, identify how many hours you need in a day to get through your subjects. Setting up your workspace will be informed by this need as you will then know how long you’ll need a work area for, whether you’ll need to move around to accommodate the other people in your house, etc. Organize your day into blocks of 30-45 minutes. The human brain needs short breaks between periods of intense concentration, in order to remain focused. Factor in multiple 5 minute pauses to walk around, drink water and even do some simple exercises to keep your body energized, and have 2 long breaks for meals and recreation.

Stay Connected With Peers

Finally, even though we are operating in a distance learning model, having contact with other learners in your year is helpful to remain on track. You can set up study groups with classmates on a social media platform that works for you – see our post on digital platforms for better online learning for more ideas. Having a study group keeps you accountable, you can share resources and if you are struggling someone in the group can help or motivate you.

All the best with making studying work from home! Let us know in the comments section how you’ve been managing so far.