Writing is almost completely digitized (you will probably write on a computer). Most of the work for a text production process takes place in an electronic space. There are digital tools available to help you with your writing tasks including: reading and editing PDFs, managing literature, taking notes, formulating and writing the texts, and preparing and evaluating data. These tools may be "classic" programs such as word processors, spreadsheets, literature management programs, etc., special software for data collection and analysis (SPSS, MAXQDA, f4, etc.) and AI-based applications (ChatGPT, Elicit, etc.). These tools influence the way we work, read, and write. In addition, the boundaries between software types are becoming increasingly blurred, which is creating digital working environments are emerging that are nearly incomprehensible to more and more users. Therefore:
Understanding the principles associated with different programs, tools, or apps will help you decide which tool to select and use.
Example: Functions (such as 'Save as PDF') work differently depending on the software, i.e. where the command is located, differs from program to program and sometimes also from program version to program version (or even from operating system to operating system). However, anyone who knows that, in order to automatically generate a Table of Contents, you must first assign Headings, will be able to work with different softwares.
AI makes it even more difficult to understand how a software functions in the background. Therefore, it is even more important to understand 'why' and 'for what purpose' you are using specific software.
Remember: If you understand the software principles, you can consciously choose between one program or tool or another. Do not allow the software to determine how you work. choose the best software so that you are optimally supported in your work process.
Nevertheless, whether a software's impact on your work is positive or negative depends crucially on the awareness and knowledge with which you use digital tools. In the following links, we would therefore like to give you some tips that can help you to further develop your digital literacy.
More information regarding the following tools may be found my clicking the links
- (draft) Reference management software
- (draft) Word processing programs
- (draft) Plagiarism Detection Software
- (draft) AI-based tools