Digital learning (for self-development)

A colleague engaging with online learning and professional development resources to build digital skills. Image created by Copilot, 2026

Digital learning is the ability to use digital tools, platforms and resources to support personal and professional development. It helps colleagues take ownership of their growth, identify skills gaps, access learning flexibly and keep developing as technology and working practices evolve.

Topics and practices within this capability include:

Personal learning plans
Reflective practice
Learning to learn
Career development
Digital skills pathways
Professional development

Accessibility and Inclusivity within this capability

This capability should be developed in ways that recognise different levels of confidence, access, experience and support needs.

Provide learning in multiple formats.
Offer captions, transcripts and accessible materials.
Support self-paced learning.
Create clear pathways for different roles and confidence levels.
Avoid assumptions about digital experience.
Make learning easy to find and navigate.
Recognise different working patterns and time pressures.

You can view more information relating to digital capabilities and accessibility & inclusion on the dedicated page.

How AI can enhance this capability

AI can support this capability by helping colleagues work more confidently, creatively and efficiently, while keeping human judgement, context and responsibility at the centre.

Identify development goals.
Create personal learning plans.
Summarise learning materials.
Explain concepts at different levels.
Generate practice questions.
Support reflection on progress.
Find relevant resources and turn learning into action.

University tools to support this capability

There are several tools are available within the University supported tool ecosystem to support this capability.

Tool	Description
MyDevelopment	Access University learning, development opportunities and resources that support continuous professional growth and digital skills development.
Jisc Discovery Tool	Identify your digital strengths and skills gaps to help create a personalised development journey.
Microsoft Copilot	Use AI to explore new topics, explain concepts and support self-directed learning and professional development.
Viva Learning	Discover, access and manage learning content from multiple providers in one place, making it easier to learn when and where you need to.