Using technology at Aber
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Utilising AI in the Library: a students guide
This Library Guide will focus on Generative AI. We will examine how students can effectively employ it to maximize their library experience. The guide will also address the limitations as well as the ethical considerations associated with its use.
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)
- You can access Blackboard via https://blackboard.aber.ac.uk with your Aberystwyth username and password
- More information: Blackboard
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)
- NVivo for qualitative data analysis.
- SPSS for quantitative data analysis
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:
Examples of courses in LinkedIn Learning (Please login with your AU email and password):
LinkedIn Learning
All students have free access to LinkedIn Learning, an online learning platform which features over 16,000 expert-led online courses (how do I get started?). These courses can support you to develop a range of skills, from personal development, design, creative activities, study skills, to learning new software. If you're interested in developing your digital skills, we suggest that you start by taking a look at the Digital Skills Collections in LinkedIn Learning.
The Students Digital Champions have also created a number of LinkedIn Learning collections to help students get started (Please login with your AU email and password):
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:
- including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Lync and Infopath to install free on your own computer
- Where can students and staff download Microsoft Office for their own computer for free?
- Microsoft support:
- Excel Tips and Tricks (LinkedIn Learning collection - Please login with your AU email and password)
- Microsoft Excel Tips and Tricks blogposts (Part 1; Part 2)
- Useful books on Excel - Library resources
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:
- including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Lync and Infopath to install free on your own computer
- Where can students and staff download Microsoft Office for their own computer for free?
- Microsoft support:
- Presentations and using PowerPoint (LinkedIn Learning collection - Please login with your AU email and password)
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 Teams : Information Services , Aberystwyth University
- Frequently Asked Questions (aber.ac.uk) - Teams
- Microsoft support:
- Teams training and guidance
- Microsoft Teams Quick Tips (LinkedIn Learning course - Please login with your AU email and password)
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:
- including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Lync and Infopath to install free on your own computer
- Where can students and staff download Microsoft Office for their own computer for free?
- Using Microsoft Word FAQs
- Microsoft support:
- Microsoft Word Tips and Tricks (LinkedIn Learning collection - Please login with your AU email and password)
- Microsoft Word Tips and Tricks blogpost
Microsoft Office 365 - e-mail, calendar and OneDrive
- Office 365 - general information
- Where can students and staff download Microsoft Office for their own computer for free?
- FAQs Aber Uni:
- Microsoft support:
- Outlook Quick Tips (LinkedIn Learning course - Please login with your AU email and password)
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
- EndNote 20 is available to download for free(Windows and Mac) for computers owned by staff and students:
- Visit the EndNote FAQs
Mendeley
- There is support documentation online. Mendeley allows you to import references into your assignments using a citation add-in for Word.
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.
- You can get started using Vevox by logging into https://aberystwyth.vevox.com/ with your Aberystwyth username and password.
- Vevox information
- Vevox FAQs
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.
- All students also have free access to LinkedIn Learning, an online learning platform with over 16,000 expert-led courses, enabling them to develop a range of skills - Please login with your AU email and password.
- The Digital Skills Collections in LinkedIn Learning will be valuable for students who are particularly interested in developing their digital skills (Please login with your AU email and password).
Student Hub
Our new Student Hub has replaced ApAber as our online portal for all students. Here you will find links to useful sites, webpages and information together in one place.
More information: https://prifysgolaber.sharepoint.com/sites/StudentHub/SitePages/About-the-Student-Hub.aspx
How do I access the Student Hub from my mobile device? (aber.ac.uk)