Four months into my journey as an intern for the University of Edinburgh, I move from my more visually-inclined endeavour of creating social media content towards a more reflective task as I write down this brief recounting of my experience. The warmth of the Caledonian sun coming in through Argyle House’s window is a reminder of the time that has passed since the relaunch of the 23 Things for Digital Knowledge course in midwinter. The new 23 Things course is aimed at students—undergraduate and postgraduate students alike—who would benefit from learning all about the myriad of free resources, software, and apps at their disposal.

From LinkedIn to Office 365, 23 Things for Digital Knowledge is a collection of invaluable information—regardless of one’s academic background. As a MSc Language and Intercultural Communication student with ample experience studying and working virtually during the pandemic, I still benefited from 23 Things’s many pocket-sized entries on digital citizenship and empowerment. Through this experience, I edited my first Wikipedia article!

This internship has allowed me to exercise part of my existing skill set as well as to acquire new skills, such as becoming acquainted with the inner workings of previously unfamiliar websites and educational resources. Among the things I most cherish about the internship, I would make a point to mention the equal opportunities for working both independently and collectively. The former has allowed me to dive into an artistic headspace (usually with the auditory assistance of my on-repeat playlist on Spotify or my latest psychology podcast find). In contrast, the latter allowed me to build fantastic connections and experience the benefits of engaging with colleagues’ ideas.

Being welcomed into a workplace that is a safe melting pot for ideas is something I would never take for granted. I feel immensely grateful for the friendly chats over coffee and the countless times I have been given a helping hand and new insights on possible ways forward.

23 Things for Digital Knowledge has led me to maintain communication lines with other departments, take in my colleagues’ expertise, and even visit the different university campuses spread throughout the city—from my dear Moray House to the impressive King’s Buildings. It has meant the world too, that the ideas I have shared and contributed have been met with excitement and support.

Above all, as both a teacher and a student, working on a project such as 23 Things for Digital Knowledge fills me with purpose. All 23 things have been carefully and thoughtfully curated to contribute to the learning experience of new students at the University, enabling them to thrive and grow both personally and academically.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students alike are invited to take part, as they are free to browse through the catalogue and focus solely on the specific areas they find most helpful.

All students who delve into this course will leave having learned something new, whether they choose to tune in for one of the small chapters or its entirety. Those who take on the challenge of completing all 23 Things will also earn a digital badge and, if among the first 40 to complete it, a £10 voucher to be redeemed at any of the University of Edinburgh library cafés.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Header Image: Akash, Roman. (2019). View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill [Photograph]. Unsplash, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. https://unsplash.com/photos/green-grass-field-WjsjUi-0G84.