A Digital Edge: Essentials for the Online Learner (FutureLearn)

A Digital Edge: Essentials for the Online Learner (FutureLearn)

Thrive at university in the ‘new normal’ and build the skills you need to get the most out of online university learning. This course is designed to give students the digital edge to succeed as an online learner at university and set you on the path to achieving your learning goals.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Take the first step in your online learning journey
On this interactive course, you’ll discover what successful online learning looks like, and reflect on how you can contribute collaboratively online, and find your own online support groups.
You’ll identify the tools and resources you need to get the most out of your independent learning and studies.
As you learn how to develop and professionalise your online identity and safeguard your online presence, you’ll pick up the skills required to thrive as a lifelong learner in today’s rapidly changing digital world.

Study with online learning experts
Designed by leaders in online learning, drawing on UNESCO’s Learning Compass 2030 and the European LifeComp Framework, this course is co-facilitated by students. You’ll have the chance to learn about the challenges and opportunities of online learning from students who have experienced it themselves.

What topics will you cover?

  • Taking charge of your learning
  • Setting goals and establishing good learning habits
  • Creating the right places and spaces for learning
  • Managing collaboration and effective online relationships
  • Developing your online support network
  • Harnessing digital tools and online resources
  • Looking after your digital well-being and flourishing online
  • Managing and professionalizing your online identity

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Reflect on and apply different ways of thinking.
  • Develop good study habits and create your space for learning.
  • Engage more effectively with instructors and online content.
  • Contribute successfully to online collaborations with peers.
  • Identify digital tools and online resources relevant to your learning.
  • Identify and make the most of your wider support network.
  • Improve and manage your online identity.
  • Discuss your well-being and know how to flourish online.
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Next Steps to University: From Choosing A Course to Your First Assessment (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of York

Next Steps to University: From Choosing A Course to Your First Assessment (FutureLearn)

Learn what to expect from going to university in the UK and how to make the most of your university experience. From making friends to independent study, get helpful tips for university life. Going to university might be one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. On this course, you’ll explore what higher education is all about and learn tips for making the most of your university life and study.

Jun 3rd 2024
2 Weeks
Teacher Training: Choosing the Right PGCE for You (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Coventry University

Teacher Training: Choosing the Right PGCE for You (FutureLearn)

Find the right path into teaching for you and get the chance to build the confidence and skills you need for working in teaching. Explore what it takes to become a teacher – and the skills you need to get there. This course aims to develop your understanding of the teaching sector and identify and improve upon the skills you need to become a great teacher.

Sep 2nd 2024
2 Weeks
Preparing for a PGCE (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
The University of Warwick

Preparing for a PGCE (FutureLearn)

Introduce yourself to the PGCE programme and learn what the rewarding life of a teacher looks like. Get a headstart in the world of teaching with this introductory course. The PGCE is a postgraduate certificate in education that proves your credentials as a teacher in England, and can also allow you to teach abroad.

Jun 1st 2026
4 Weeks
Learning Online: Learning and Collaborating (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Leeds

Learning Online: Learning and Collaborating (FutureLearn)

Become an effective online learner and develop your online communication skills when working with others. You are probably used to learning online on a daily basis, including turning to your phone for information rather than referring to books. More formal online learning is likely to be important for you in the future, either at university or in the workplace.

Feb 16th 2026
2 Weeks
Live Smart: Your Essential Guide to Living at University (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Reading

Live Smart: Your Essential Guide to Living at University (FutureLearn)

Prepare for the transition to higher education and think about the life skills for living at university and beyond. Get ready for university life and make the most of your time as a student. What do you think university life is like? You probably have many questions about what to expect. This course will help you prepare for the best possible start, wherever you go.

Sep 26th 2022
3 Weeks
Teaching Digital Skills for Sustainable Education (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
The Mind Lab

Teaching Digital Skills for Sustainable Education (FutureLearn)

Improve your teaching capabilities by exploring digital and collaborative teaching practices for more future-focused education. Delve into future-focused digital and collaborative learning. With the demands of an increasingly digitised world, there is a growing awareness among educators that teaching and learning need to evolve to better prepare teachers and students for this changing world.

Jun 27th 2022
2 Weeks
Interdisciplinary Learning: Working Across Disciplines (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Leeds

Interdisciplinary Learning: Working Across Disciplines (FutureLearn)

Thinking of doing an interdisciplinary degree? Learn how to study and work in an interdisciplinary environment. Harness the benefits of interdisciplinary study and work. Real life problems are too complex to be solved by a single field of study. That’s why learning to work across different disciplines is a vital skill in our modern society.

Feb 16th 2026
2 Weeks
Exploring Inclusive Pedagogies (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
British Council

Exploring Inclusive Pedagogies (FutureLearn)

Ensure you’re meeting every learner’s needs, including those most at risk of exclusion, by developing inclusive teaching skills. Examine the impact of inclusive pedagogies in primary and secondary education. Inclusive pedagogies can help create a fair and thriving learning environment for every student. On this three-week course, you’ll delve into the pedagogical practices of inclusive education and discover how you can ensure all students have the chance to fulfil their potential within your school.

Oct 7th 2024
3 Weeks
Transforming Education in Challenging Environments (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University College London,Centre for Lebanese Studies

Transforming Education in Challenging Environments (FutureLearn)

Discover practical ways teachers can transform the education of children and young people living in conflict-affected contexts. Build the knowledge needed to teach children affected by difficult contexts. Teachers play an important role in supporting vulnerable children affected by mass displacement, crisis, and conflict. Refugee children may also be victims of violence and other issues that impact their emotional wellbeing and ability to learn. Teachers need to be prepared to deal with these difficulties.

Jul 4th 2022
4 Weeks
Edward Jenner: 0 - An Introduction to Personal Development (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
NHS Leadership Academy

Edward Jenner: 0 - An Introduction to Personal Development (FutureLearn)

Learn how to maximise your learning experience and make time in a busy schedule for personal development. Prepare for the NHS Leadership Academy’s Edward Jenner Programme. When working a full-time job, it can be difficult to make time for learning and development. On this two-week course, you’ll learn how to make space in your schedule for personal development and develop skills to enhance your learning.

Jan 2nd 2023
2 Weeks
Global Education for Teachers (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University College London

Global Education for Teachers (FutureLearn)

Discover key issues in global citizenship education and learn how to prepare your students for the global challenges of tomorrow. Incorporate global learning and global citizenship education into your teaching. Teachers today must prepare their students for a global future. Young people will need to learn how to positively engage with people from all over the world and build the skills and knowledge to become a global citizen.On this course, you’ll increase your confidence and ability to introduce global issues into your teaching. You’ll get CPD training in how to address global issues in your teaching and support global citizenship in your school.

Mar 9th 2026
3 Weeks
Preparing to Learn Online at University (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Leeds

Preparing to Learn Online at University (FutureLearn)

Need advice on how to study online? Discover study techniques and skills for learning online as part of your university studies. Improve your online study skills and get academic online learning tips. Learning online is very different from learning in an on-campus classroom and often involves independent study. On this course, you will explore and learn about various different approaches to online learning.

Feb 16th 2026
3 Weeks