Uses digital tools for personal learning and professional development

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On this page you'll find links to resources to help you use digital tools for personal learning and professional development.

Select your current capability level to jump to aligned resources:

When you open the links included on this page, you may be presented with messages about cookies. To find out more about what cookies are and how you can manage them safely, have a look at this guidance: Digital Unite - What is a Cookie?

Not at Level 1
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Uses digital tools for personal learning and professional development

Not at Level 1 - I need to learn about the different digital tools, platforms and systems that are available to help me with my personal learning and professional development.

 

To find out what digital learning is and how to get the most of out of it, have a look at this information from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). Read through the introduction and follow instructions a and b: SSSC - Thing 16: Learn Digitally

For hints and tips to make the most of the learning opportunities you have, work through this e-learning module (miss out the section on ‘Using PDF Forms’ unless this is relevant to your role): SSSC - Learning to Learn

Speak to your line manager or colleagues to find out what digital learning systems your organisation uses. Make sure you know how to log in and use the systems appropriately, asking for help if necessary. 

For further resources, visit the Learning & Development page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub

Level 1
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Uses digital tools for personal learning and professional development

Level 1 - I understand that different digital tools, platforms and systems can help me with my personal learning and professional development, and I am happy to use some of these to achieve the learning goals that are set for me.

 

To explore some of the digital tools that are available to help you achieve your learning goals, such as note-taking and mind-mapping apps, read through the introduction and instructions a and b on this webpage: Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) - Thing 19: Apps 2 – Supporting Learning

As well as your organisation's learning management system, there are other platforms available to help you with your personal learning and professional development. Explore these to find resources and learning opportunities: 

  • SSSC Learning Zone The learning zone makes it easy to find resources from the SSSC and trusted partners to support continuous professional learning across your career. Whilst some content has been developed for social services workers, the majority will be relevant across the entire sector. 
  • Barclays Digital Wings - Sign up for a free account to access learning designed to help you understand subjects and use them practically in your day-to-day life. From managing your finances online to mastering new digital tools, the content is tailored to make a real impact.
  • Lloyds Bank Academy - This online learning hub is here to help you get more out of life and work. There is a wide range of lessons that are open to everyone and completely free.
  • Turas Learn - Some resources on this platform are openly available to anyone, but for others you may need to create an account and login. Search for a topic you are interested to see what is available. 
  • Digitally Enabled Workforce - These pages introduce resources, networks and opportunities that support digital skills and digital leadership development across the entire health and social care workforce.

For further resources, visit the Learning & Development page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub

Level 2
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Uses digital tools for personal learning and professional development

Level 2 - I actively seek out online learning opportunities without being prompted and discuss these with my line manager. Where appropriate I am happy to create accounts, log in to e-learning systems and participate in online learning activities using the digital devices that are available to me.

 

Online learning doesn't have to be following formal courses, you can also learn from participating in networks, watching webinars and listening to podcasts. Explore some of these learning opportunities and get involved: 

  • Digital Leadership Webinar Series - These webinars are open to all roles and levels across health and social care with an interest in the subject. This webpage has recordings of past webinars as well as information about upcoming webinars. 
  • Digital and Data Resource Hub: Upcoming Events - This webpage has up to date details of events taking place across the digital and data space that may support the development of digital capabilities.
  • KIND Learning Network - This network exists to support people who work with Knowledge, Information, and Data (KIND) as they work to transform health and social care. It provides a discussion space for you and other KIND workers where you'll be able to access training, learning resources and opportunities to collaborate. 
  • M365 Skills Hub - This hub is an online learning resource for Microsoft 365 users across the health and care sector, accessible to all NHS Scotland health boards and participating local authorities and health and social care partnerships.
  • OpenLearn - The home of free learning from The Open University. Whether you are looking looking for a new topic to explore, or wanting to dig deeper into something you've already discovered, use this webpage to access everything from short videos to longer e-learning courses.
  • FutureLearn - This platform has a huge range of learning opportunities covering different topics. Use this page to find out more and access the course list. 

Take some time to search for other online learning opportunities that are directly relevant to your role and your organisation. 

For further resources, visit the Learning & Development page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub

Level 3
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Uses digital tools for personal learning and professional development

Level 3 - I am a self-motivated learner who actively seeks innovative digital ways to support my professional development, using a wide range of digital tools and technologies.

 

To help you with advanced digital learning, this course helps you to develop a personal plan and strategic methods to learn in online environments. Please note you will need to create a free account in order to access this course: Alison - Learning to Learn Online

For further resources, visit the Learning & Development page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub.