Technology for learning
As a member of the University of Salford, you have access to a wide range of software and apps. Listed below is a range of essential software and apps which you can use for your academic studies and may use in your teaching sessions, and how you can access them.
For a full list of apps go to the Student Portal.
Popular pages on the Skills website
Productivity
Microsoft Word
Create professional-quality documents like essays, reports, letters, and CVs with this powerful word-processing tool. Begin with a blank document or use a template to get started. You can use its advanced formatting tools for complex projects like long reports, dissertations or theses. As with other Microsoft 365 apps, it offers document sharing and real-time collaboration with others.
Access this technology via your Microsoft 365 homepage and programs list on your computer/laptop.
Support and training
Microsoft Excel
Use this spreadsheet application of rows and columns to save numerical and textual data. You can use its features to create complex calculations, organise, analyse, and manipulate data, and generate charts to create visual representations of data.
Access this technology via your Microsoft 365 homepage and programs list on your computer/laptop.
Support and training
Microsoft PowerPoint
Use PowerPoint to create and deliver slide show presentations containing information conveying ideas, facts or figures. Your presentations can combine textual information with visual elements, such as images, charts and tables. You can add animation effects and create a multimedia presentation by including sound and videos, all designed to inform, educate and engage your audience.
Access this technology via your Microsoft 365 homepage and programs list on your computer/laptop.
Support and training
Communication
Microsoft Outlook
Outlook is an email and calendar app which is available as part of your Microsoft 365 account. Use it to send and receive emails, share files, and to organise your calendar, contacts and meetings, All in one place. Everyone at the University of Salford is provided with an Outlook email account. Email addresses are formatted as initial.surname@edu.salford.ac.uk for students and initial.surname@salford.ac.uk for staff.
Access this technology via your Microsoft 365 homepage and programs list on your computer/laptop.
Support and training
Microsoft Teams
Teams enables seamless communication and collaboration between lecturers and students, through chat, video calls, and file sharing. Its virtual meeting tool is used for your online teaching. By integrating with other Microsoft 365 apps, such as Word and Excel, you can access and edit documents from within Teams. You can also access tools such as your Outlook calendar, OneDrive files, OneNote and Planner.
Access this technology via your Microsoft 365 homepage and programs list on your computer/laptop.
Support and training
Organisation
Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive offers 1 TB of cloud-based storage is the recommended storage solution for saving your documents, photos and other files. OneDrive is personal to you; only you will be able to view and edit your files unless you decide to share them with others. When you save your work to OneDrive, your files are automatically saved as you edit. Make ‘Favorites’ of frequently used files for easy access and recover earlier versions of your files using its Version history option. You can access your files via a browser, your desktop and mobile device wherever you have an internet connection.
Access this technology via your Microsoft 365 homepage and programs list on your computer/laptop.
Support and training
Microsoft OneNote
Think of the OneNote app as your very own digital notebook. Use it to capture and organise your notes, your ideas, plans and tasks. It supports handwriting and drawing, which is great for math or diagrams. Notes are easy to print, share with others and you can quickly find important information using Search. Your notes are saved online so you can access them on any of your mobile devices.
Access this technology via your Microsoft 365 homepage and programs list on your computer/laptop.
Support and training
Microsoft Planner
Use this task management app to organise your tasks and workloads, making it easy to track your progress. It's ideal for a group work project, but you can also use it for your own personal study schedules. You can create to-do lists, checklists and for project work, assign tasks to yourself or group members, set deadlines, and add detailed descriptions. Notifications keep you updated on due dates and task changes. It integrates with Microsoft Teams and other 365 apps, ensuring seamless collaboration.
Access this technology via your Microsoft 365 homepage and programs list on your computer/laptop.
Support and training
Creative tools
Microsoft Sway
Use this versatile online tool to create interactive and engaging presentations, reports, portfolios and newsletters. Create dynamic presentations that can include text, links, images, and videos. It's a great alternative to traditional slide-based presentations. Use its templates to quickly produce professional designs without needing advanced design skills. It also allows for easy sharing and collaboration, making it a powerful tool for both personal and professional use.
Access this technology via your Microsoft 365 homepage and programs list on your computer/laptop.
Support and training
ThingLink
Use this digital storytelling tool to create interactive posters, maps, presentations, and virtual tours. Upload an image of a project or from a field trip to ThingLink, and enrich it with annotations, informational text, image closeups, audio, narration, video clips, quizzes, or any other media that will make the experience more interactive and engaging.
Access this technology by signing up to the University’s full license of ThingLink via the ThingLink log in page. Sign in via using the Microsoft button.
Support and training
Engagement tools
Microsoft Forms
Forms is a web-based application that makes it easy to create an online form, survey or quiz. Different question types are available to suit your specific needs. You can invite others to respond to it using any web browser or mobile device, making it convenient to complete surveys or quizzes anywhere. Responses are collected instantly, allowing for immediate feedback and analysis. You can also export results to Excel for more detailed analysis.
Access this technology via your Microsoft 365 homepage.