Using technology at Aber

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

LibGuide on AI

The following Library Guide will focus on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and examines how students can effectively employ it to maximise their library experience. The guide will also address the limitations as well as the ethical considerations associated with its use.

Librarians' Blog:

Help and support page on Artificial Intelligence:

The University’s recommended AI tool is Microsoft Copilot. This is built into our Microsoft Licence.

Students - if you have queries around acceptable AI use for your assignments, contact your tutor or module co-ordinator.

Aspire - reading lists

A module reading list is usually a list of books and other information resources compiled by the module co-ordinator to support your study of a module. You can find your reading list on Aspire.

Assistive technology

Blackboard - Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Blackboard is Aberystwyth University's virtual learning environment (VLE). Blackboard is an online site for each module that offers a range of materials for supporting learning.

Cysgliad - Welsh grammar and spelling software

Cysgliad is a software package that includes the Cysill Welsh-language grammar and spelling checker as well as the Cysgeir collection of dictionaries.

 For information on how to install Cysgliad on your PC go to https://faqs.aber.ac.uk/index.php?id=696

Data and statistical analysis software

The University gives you access to programs for data analysis. Staff and students can download the software for free for your own computers from the site Software Available from AU (Logon required - enter your Aberystwyth University username and password)

R

For students and staff who want to install R on personal computers, you need to download and install R first then download and install RStudio which are both free:

  1. https://cran.r-project.org/
  2. https://posit.co/downloads/

Microsoft Excel

Excel is a spreadsheet application that lets you create and analyse tables of data. It includes the means to perform complex calculations and create impressive graphs to visualise your data.

Office 365 gives access to Microsoft Office:

Microsoft PowerPoint

PowerPoint is an application that lets you create slideshows to support your presentations. It allows you to combine text, images, animations, and other media.

Office 365 gives access to Microsoft Office:

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a team collaboration system that is part of Office 365. It's really useful for communication, collaboration, planning and project development with colleagues across the university.

Microsoft Word

Word is a word-processing application that can be used for writing essays, reports, and range of other types of document.

Office 365 gives access to Microsoft Office:

Microsoft Office 365 - e-mail, calendar and OneDrive

Panopto - lecture capture

Aberystwyth University uses Panopto software to record lectures. Students can view these recordings via Blackboard. 

Primo - library catalogue

Primo is Aberystwyth University's library catalogue and discovery tool that gives you access to print, e-books, magazines and journals, online databases, newspapers and many more all in one place. You can search for everything the library has to offer from a single search box

Referencing software

Software for referencing is sometimes called bibliographic management software or reference management software. It enables you to keep a database of the sources you use (books, journal articles, websites etc.) when researching your assignments. 

Endnote

Mendeley

Student Hub

The Student Hub makes it easier for you to access the information and systems you need together - all in one place.

There are pages for each academic department so that you can view department-specific information for students along with all the other information we make available for you. When you log into the Student Hub it will recognise which department(s) you study in and show you the relevant link to the section(s) for your department(s).

In order to access the new Student Hub on your mobile devices we recommend that you install the Microsoft SharePoint app on your device. Alternatively, if you use Microsoft Teams on your mobile device this can also be used to access the Student Hub. Another option you may choose is to visit the Student Hub in your preferred web browser and then add this to your device’s Home screen. 

How do I access the Student Hub from my mobile device? (aber.ac.uk)

TurnItin - e-submission

Aberystwyth University uses Turnitin and Blackboard Assignment for Electronic Submission. In line with the University's E-submission policy, all students must submit all text-based and word-processed work electronically. 

Vevox - polling software

Vevox is Aberystwyth University’s polling tool. Polling can be used in learning and teaching activities as well as meetings to make the session interactive and collaborative with many different possibilities for use. 

Developing your digital skills

Students have access to numerous resources to support them in developing a broad range of digital skills.

  • Explore resources from the Digital Skills Festival 2023, including sessions on using AI for good, developing a LinkedIn profile, and Excel workshops.
  • The Digital Skills Library contains six collections of resources to help students make the most of technology; from mastering familiar software such as Excel, to utilising digital tools for personal wellbeing.

More information about digital skills