Digital and Data Capability Framework

Selects appropriate technology to achieve different tasks

Not at Level 1 - I would like to learn about the different devices, systems and apps that are available to me so that I can feel comfortable selecting appropriate technology to achieve the tasks I need to.

The type of device that is most appropriate will depend on how and where you need to use it. This guide covers different types of device and when they are best used: Digital Unite - Types of Computer Devices

Develop your confidence in choosing the right device for different tasks. This guide explains the differences between smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers and helps you consider which type of device might best suit what you want to do: Age UK - A guide to choosing your device

You are likely to have access to an email system which you can use to complete communication tasks. These short online modules will help you get started and learn how to use email: Be Connected - Introduction to Email

Microsoft have a range of apps that might be available for you to use at work to complete specific tasks. Explore the following links to find out more about these and what they can be used for:

• Microsoft - Intro to Word
• Microsoft - PowerPoint Quick Start
• Microsoft - Intro to Excel

You may need to use online phone calls and video chat within your role. To find out more use these online guides: age uk - A beginner's guide to video calling and Lloyds Bank Academy - Video calling.

For further resources, visit the Using Technology page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub. 

Selects appropriate technology to achieve different tasks

Level 1 - I know about the different devices, systems and apps that are available to me and am comfortable to select appropriate technology to achieve the tasks I need to. I only use tools that are approved by my organisation, and I understand some of the risks involved with their use (e.g. possible data breaches through sharing sensitive information with artificial intelligence tools). 

Explore these computer essentials technology guides to understand the different devices, systems and apps which you may use within your work or personal life: Digital Unite - Computer Essentials

To learn more about the functionality of different Microsoft apps in order to select the best technology to achieve your tasks, have a look at these support webpages from Microsoft:

• Microsoft - Word Help & Learning
• Microsoft - PowerPoint Help & Learning
• Microsoft - Excel Help & Learning
• Microsoft - Outlook Help & Learning
• Microsoft - Teams Help & Learning
• Microsoft - Forms Help & Learning

Consider which communication tool is most appropriate for different situations by comparing the advantages and disadvantages of email and instant messaging: Spike - Email vs Instant Messaging - What's the Difference?

Develop your awareness of the risks involved when choosing and using artificial intelligence tools. Learn why it is important to protect sensitive information, consider privacy and security, check AI-generated content and make sure the tools you use are appropriate and approved for your work: Open University - AI Fluency: Using AI responsibly - Best practices

Explore different online file storage options and consider which solution is most appropriate for the information you need to store or share. Always follow your organisation's policies and use approved systems when handling work information: Digital Unite - A Guide to Online File Storage

For further resources, visit the Using Technology page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub. 

Selects appropriate technology to achieve different tasks

Level 2 - I am familiar with a range of different devices, systems and apps and I have good knowledge of the risks involved with their use (e.g. biases in artificial intelligence software). My use of these tools is always ethical and responsible. I can evaluate their functionality and mitigate risk to determine the most appropriate to achieve a task or desired outcome. I can also identify when the use of these tools is not appropriate. 

Develop your knowledge of the functionality offered by different Microsoft apps and consider which tools are most appropriate for different tasks. Browse the support pages to explore features, guidance and video demonstrations for the apps available to you: Microsoft - Microsoft Products and Apps Support

Build your ability to select the right technology for a task. Work through 'The right tool for the job' to consider what different apps and digital tools can do, how they use information and what you should take into account when deciding whether a tool is appropriate for your needs: Open University - The Right Tool for the Job

Develop this further by exploring the risks and ethical considerations associated with generative AI. Work through the three sessions to learn about issues including inaccurate outputs, bias and data privacy, and how risks can be reduced through responsible use and human oversight. Consider when an AI tool may not be appropriate for the task you are trying to achieve: Open University - Ethical and responsible use of Generative AI

For further resources, visit the Using Technology page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub. 

Selects appropriate technology to achieve different tasks

Level 3 - I have detailed knowledge of different devices, software and apps and I proactively look for new technologies that can help in the work environment. I fully understand the potential risks and am able to explain these to other people, supporting them to select appropriate technology to meet their needs. I actively promote the safe and ethical use of technology and share my knowledge with colleagues to support good practice. 

Keep your knowledge of current and emerging technology up to date by exploring new functionality across Microsoft apps and tools. Consider how new features could support different tasks and how you could help colleagues select and use them effectively: Microsoft - Microsoft Products and Apps Support

Develop your understanding of the risks associated with artificial intelligence and how these should be managed. Use this guidance to build the knowledge you need to explain AI risks to others and promote the safe, fair and responsible use of AI within your organisation: Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) - Artificial Intelligence

Develop your ability to assess whether a new AI technology is appropriate for your organisation. Work through this learning to consider the problem the technology is intended to solve, its suitability, data and privacy risks, testing, organisational policies and ongoing monitoring. Use the implementation checklist to help you make informed decisions and support others to do the same: Open University - Key considerations for successful Generative AI adoption

For further resources, visit the Using Technology page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub.