Core Digital Skills
for College

A computer is an electronic device that helps you do tasks like writing, searching the internet, or sending emails.
Watch this video to learn the basics of what a computer is, the different forms or devices they can be (e.g., PC, laptop, or smartphone), and understand some components and concepts involved in the Digital World.

• VIDEO: What is a computer?

• VIDEO: What parts make up a computer?

Computer applications or 'Apps' are programs that perform a specific function e.g., 'Microsoft Word' is a word processing application, and Edge or Chrome are types of Web Browser applications. 

• VIDEO: What is an application?

• VIDEO: Understand similarities between applications

• VIDEO:  Work with mobile applications

The internet is a global network that enables you to find information, connect with others, and access services such as email or shopping.
The World Wide Web (Web)  is a part of the internet that contains websites and webpages.  A browser is a tool (such as Chrome, Edge, or Safari) that allows you to view websites. 

• VIDEO: Connecting to the internet 

• VIDEO: What is the World Wide Web? 

Google and Bing are specific tools in Browsers called search engines that can be used to search the internet.   

• VIDEO: Using a Search Engine

• VIDEO: Search more effectively

Online videos are often part of web pages, like in Canvas, or found on video platforms such as YouTube or ClickView.
To watch a video, click the play button (a triangle) in the middle of the screen. You can pause, adjust the volume, or make the video full screen using the buttons along the bottom.
Clicking “CC” turns on Closed Captions, which show subtitles for what’s being said.

Top Tips to Stay Safe Online
Avoid sharing personal info - keep your full name, address and other personal information private online.   Only share details like your address or bank info on trusted sites.  Example: Look for a padlock 🔒 before entering details.

• VIDEO:  Communicate safely online 

• VIDEO: Avoid oversharing online

Use strong passwords - create complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. And don't use personal info like DOB, pets name or maiden name. 

•  VIDEO: Create Strong Passwords

Spotting Scams and suspicious messages
Scams trick you into giving away money or personal info.  Example: Ignore messages saying you’ve won a prize but must click a link or pay to claim it.
Don't click unknown links, pop-ups or accept social media requests from people you don't know.  

• VIDEO: Protect yourself from phishing and online scams 

Device Safety - Keep your devices updated and use antivirus software.  Use the lock features on mobiles and take a note of your IME information.  

• VIDEO: More on Protecting your mobile and financial data 

• Browser (Web Browser) – A program (like Chrome or Edge) that lets you look at websites on the internet.

• CC / Closed Captions-  Usually found at the bottom of an online video, clicking will enable a text version to match the speech. 

• Cyber Security - Protecting technology and data from attack

• Desktop Computer – A computer that stays on a desk, with separate parts like a screen, keyboard, and mouse.

• Download - Copying files from the internet to your device.

• File – A single item of data e.g. a photo, document, or video. 

• Folder – A place to store and organise your files, like a digital filing cabinet.

• Hyperlink – Text or image you can click on to go to another webpage or document.

• Keyboard – The part of the computer you type on, with letters, numbers etc.

• Laptop – A smaller portable computer.

• Monitor- The screen you use to view your computer’s output.

• Mouse & Keyboard - Input devices used to interact with your computer.

• Software- Programs or applications that run on your computer, like Microsoft Word or Zoom.

• Upload - Copying files from your device to the internet.

• Wi-Fi - a wireless technology that allows devices like phones and laptops to connect to the internet without using cables.

• URL (Uniform Resource Locator) The web address you type into the browser to visit a website (e.g. www.bbc.co.uk) 

In college, you login to computers with your username and password to access all college systems.  First time login process can be viewed here.  You must follow these steps to set up your student IT account, before you can access any systems.

• Your username is your student email address, and is of the form
  YourStudentNumber@ cityofglacol.ac.uk

• Your password will be the one created when you initially set up your college IT account.  

Once logged in, you can access all college systems via CityLife, the student online portal.
If you have any issues logging in to college systems, go to the IT helpdesk on the 4th floor at City Campus, or Reception at Riverside.

VIDEO: How  to Access CityLife and college systems 

The easiest way to access college systems from home or outside the college, is to log in through the college website.  At the very top of the website, click 'Students' and then 'CityLife'.  You will then be prompted to log in using your student email and password and may be asked to verify it's you by receiving a text alert. (See MFA below)
Accessing CityLife via the college website will give access to tools like Canvas and Microsoft 365 apps, like Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint, to complete your coursework.
You can also download the Canvas or 365 apps to mobile devices.
If you have any issues logging in to college systems, go to the IT helpdesk on the 4th floor at City Campus, or the Reception at Riverside.

VIDEO: How to Access CityLife and college systems

When you log in to college systems from outside the college, sometimes you’ll be asked to 'authenticate' or prove its you by doing an extra step.  This is called Multifactor Authentication (MFA). 
When you initially set up your college account, you will have chosen how you want to do this, by getting a text or WhatsApp message or using an app.
When this happens, you will be prompted to enter the code sent to your mobile phone.
This extra step helps prove it’s really you and keeps your account safe.
RESOURCE: What is Multifactor Authentication and how does it work?

CityLife is the college’s internal student website. It helps you find everything you need for your studies in one place — like your timetable,  courses and results, Canvas, induction materials, college news, and student support.  You can use CityLife: 

• At college or away from home.

• To access from home, go to the City of Glasgow College website and click CityLife at the top of the page.

• Log in once to access all your college info and systems.

VIDEO: How to Access CityLife and college systems 

There are several options for accessing and using college computers:

1.  You can use any of the computers on the 2nd floor at City. 

2.  Libraries at both campuses have a mix of Mac, high-spec PCs, and thin client computers students can use, no booking required.

3.  Library Laptops - These laptops can be borrowed from the library self-check-out lockers (City 3rd floor and Riverside Library service point) but must be returned by the end of the college day.  

4.  Student Association laptops - CitySA have a limited number of laptops available for 48-hour use. These are available from self-check-out lockers in CitySA (2nd floor City). 

VIDEO: How to use the self-check-out laptop lockers

For full instructions, see the library website for Computers and software | City of Glasgow College Library 

Wi-Fi is the way we can connect devices like phones and laptops to the internet wirelessly.  In college you will connect to 'Eduroam' Wi-Fi using a username and your college password.  Follow these links for instructions:

• Connecting to WiFi in college

• Connecting to WiFi in college (Diagrams)

Printing and Scanning
Photocopying creates a paper copy of a document, while scanning creates a digital copy that can be saved to a computer.
There are several printers throughout both campuses and libraries.  We operate a 'follow-me' printing scheme whereby you can print off your documents from any printer.  Simply top up your account from the library service points.  For full instructions and costs see; 

• Printing, Scanning and Photocopying 

Microsoft 365 (MS365) is a suite of software apps you can access via a web browser and/or download apps to your own device. It includes apps like  Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.   Your college IT account gives you access to use all of these apps using your student login.
There is lots of information about accessing and using MS 365 on this website. 

VIDEO: How to access Microsoft 365

Your college IT account includes a college email account using Microsoft Outlook.  You can access Outlook via CityLife or download the app to your own device (logging in with college email address and password)

• Watch this video to see how to access Outlook and send and reply to emails.
  VIDEO: How to Access and use Outlook Email

• Follow the link below to access the MS Outlook support on using Outlook features.
  RESOURCE:  Add pictures or attach files to emails in Outlook

Your college IT account provides access to cloud storage called OneDrive, part of Microsoft 365.  'Cloud storage' means file storage that you can access anywhere and is therefore ideal to access all your college files in or outside college. 

You can access OneDrive to create/store/share files when you log in either at home or in college.  Learn more using these links:

• VIDEO: How to access and use OneDrive at College

• VIDEO: Manage files in OneDrive

• RESOURCES: OneDrive at City of Glasgow College

• RESOURCES: OneDrive video tutorials - Microsoft Support 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology that can help with tasks like writing, organising, and finding information.  At college, you can access Microsoft Copilot (AI tool) through CityLife > College Systems > Microsoft 365.  It can support your learning by helping you understand topics, summarise notes, and create drafts.
If you are going to use AI, use it wisely:

1. Don’t copy its content directly—always write your own work.

2. Check facts carefully, as AI can sometimes be wrong.

3.  Use it to learn, not to cheat.

Treat AI tools as a helper, not a replacement.  More info:

• Artificial Intelligence in your Digital Learning.

• City of Glasgow College AI Guidance for students.  

• Find out about Academic Integrity at City of Glasgow College.

There is lots of information on using MS365 on this site and other websites. Here are five easy ways to find support:

1. Use this website– We’ve included helpful resources and links for using Microsoft apps.

   • Outlook (email)

   • OneDrive (Cloud file storage)

   • Word/Excel/PowerPoint

   • Forms, Stream and Sway

   • Copilot (AI tool) 

2. Search online – Use Google or Bing to find information, videos and troubleshooting advice.

3. Watch videos – YouTube and the Microsoft website, have lots of step-by-step videos to show you how things work.

4. Visit Microsoft Support – The official site has detailed help articles and FAQs.  Microsoft: Quick Start Guides for MS Outlook, OneDrive, Word, PowerPoint  

5. Use Copilot in Microsoft Edge – Just type your question (e.g. “How do I add a table in Word?”) and Copilot will guide you.

Canvas is the college 'Virtual Learning  Environment (VLE)'. Its  where you can access online course materials and assignments. Your lecturer will direct your learning and point you to the appropriate materials. 

The simplest way to access Canvas is through the big (RED)  button in City Life.  It can also be accessed directly via this link https://cogc.instructure.com/ or by downloading the Canvas App.  More help on Canvas:
VIDEO:  Canvas at COGC
Resources: Canvas 

When you access Canvas, the first page you will see is called your 'Dashboard' - your personalised Canvas home page, detailing all the separate Courses/Units that you are studying this semester. 

On the left-hand side there is a global navigation, and on the right-hand side, a To-do list highlighting any Canvas assignments you have due or have been graded.  

The Introduction to Canvas course is also on your Dashboard and we encourage you to learn and try out some canvas concepts.

NB Not all Canvas courses look exactly the same, but if you are having trouble accessing or understanding how to use a Canvas course, please speak to your lecturer and/or come to the Skills Development teams for help. 

The video links below will open in ClickView video platform, where you can see all college student help videos: 

• VIDEO:  Accessing and Navigating Canvas

• Resources: Canvas 
  
  

Your lecturer will set how they want an assignment submitted. It’s usually one of these two methods:
Method 1: Upload a File from Your Device

• Open the assignment in Canvas.

• Click the “Submit Assignment” button.

• Choose the “File Upload” option.

• Click “Choose File” or “Browse”.

• Find and select the document from your computer or device.

• Click “Submit Assignment”.

Method 2: Submit a Link from OneDrive

• Open the assignment in Canvas.

• Click the “Submit Assignment” button.

• Choose the “Website URL” option.

• Go to your OneDrive, right-click the document, and choose “Copy link”.

• Make sure the link is set to allow viewing.

• Paste the link into the box in Canvas.

• Click “Submit Assignment”.
  
  VIDEO: How to submit an Assignment 

There are many ways you can learn more about using Canvas:

1.  Try out Introduction to Canvas  on your Dashboard, where you can learn and try out some concepts. 

2. There is more information on this website - Canvas 

3. Look through the videos listed below.  They will open in ClickView video platform, where you can see all college student help videos: 

• VIDEO:  Accessing and Navigating Canvas

• VIDEO: Using Immersive Reader in Canvas

• VIDEO:  Notifications and  Account Settings

4.  Use the resources for students on the Canvas website 

NB Not all Canvas courses look exactly the same, but if you are having trouble accessing or understanding how to use a Canvas course, please speak to your lecturer and/or come to the Skills Development teams for help.