In this topic we will look at what digital skills and tools you will need to succeed in this programme.
In order to complete the assessments, you will need to be able to:
- Type or dictate your words into a document, for example Microsoft Word or a Google Doc.
- Use a word processor, like Word or Google Docs, to fill in a template.
- Scan or photograph documents so that they can be uploaded.
- Where necessary, rotate images to ensure they are oriented correctly.
- How to upload digital files into the Online Campus.
Some of this is covered in the Ready, Set, Go! course. If you need a reminder, head over there now.
In this topic, we’ll build on those foundational skills.
If you’d rather talk than type, you’re in luck. Both the current versions of Word (desktop and Office 365 online) and Google Docs give you the ability to say your piece and they’ll convert it into text.
You’ll need a microphone – if you have a webcam, you’ll have one built into that. Read the relevant help centre guide to learn how:
The text that the software spits out might be really close to what you said, or it could be quite different. It’s a good idea to dictate one or two paragraphs at a time then stop, check, and correct the text before you move on.
Sometimes you’ll be required to fill in a template that has been provided for you in the course materials.
To do this, download the template and save it to your computer. If you are using Word, you can open it from your computer. If you’re using Google Docs, you’ll need to upload it to your Google Drive and then open it. Please note, for your assessment work, you will be prompted to use Microsoft Word.
Once opened, pay close attention to which areas are for you to fill in.
During the modules of this programme that focus on landscape design, you’ll need to provide evidence of your drawings in your assessment. If you have a scanner that is large enough, you can scan your drawings and send it to your computer. Alternatively, you can take a photo of your drawing and email it to your computer. Another option would be to use a digital drawing tool.
For assessment purposes, you will be required to insert your images into the Word template provided. More instructions will be provided regarding assessment submission in the assessment instructions.
Taking clear photos
Here are some tips to help you get good-quality photos of your drawings:
- Lay your drawings out on a clean, flat surface, such as a table.
- Make sure the lighting is good. You don’t want major shadows across your work. If it’s nighttime, consider waiting until the morning so you can use indirect sunlight.
- Position your phone or camera so it is looking straight down onto the drawings, making sure you are far enough back to fit the whole drawing in the shot.
Getting the correct orientation
Before uploading any images, please ensure they are rotated correctly. How to do this depends on what device you are using. Here are some how-to guides you can refer to as required:
You may wish to keep a weekly journal to track your progress throughout the programme. At the end of the programme, you’ll be able to look back and see how far you’ve come!
A journal is useful for your own learning and can also be used as the starting point for a portfolio to show potential clients what you have produced in the past.
You might like to include:
- notes about the course-related activities you did this week
- reflections on what you learned
- photos of any sketches or designs you have started
- photographs of your landscape construction work on-site.
Your journal can be a physical or digital item. If you plan to share your work with others, Google Sites is an easy way to create a professional-looking website.
The following video by Simpletivity (15:14) gives a good overview of how to build a website using Google Sites: How to use Google Sites - Tutorial for Beginners.
