23 Things is an online program where you can develop the digital skills you need for success in your studies, work and life. The program is activity-based. We want you to have fun learning new things while trying out different tools and technology. You can join anytime, and do as much as you like, whenever you like.

The program is part of Curtin Extra. By completing certain requirements, you will receive an extra certificate when you graduate. See below for details about the minimum requirements.

Sign up to get started!  

We built the program with flexibility in mind to fit around busy student schedules. You can complete modules at your own pace and track your progress via your 23 Things profile.

There are 23 topics to choose from, all created by students. Modules include videos, activities, and free open software programs for you to try. Each module also has a creative challenge. Here’s where you can put your new skills into practice to create something using a new tool or technology. Making things is the best way to learn!

Modules are also sorted into different categories, which allows you to learn skills with a particular goal in mind. Categories include content creation, emerging technology and more.

It’s more fun to learn with other people and we want you to engage with fellow students. You can post your digital creations on the Curtin Makers Facebook Group or leave a comment on the 23 Things forum.

To earn a Curtin Extra certificate and receive an official acknowledgement of your participation on your academic transcript, you need to:

  • Spend at least 20 hours in total completing the program
  • Suscribing to the 23 Things email list
  • Registering on the 23 Things site
  • Completing the “Getting started” module, including the “digital profile” activity
  • Completing at least 12 additional modules, including accompanying reflections
  • At the end of the program, repeating the “digital profile” activity
  • At the end of the program, completing an overall reflection including a summary of your activities.

Requirement completion time frame

To qualify for a Curtin Extra certificate, you’ll need to complete the requirements before November 30 of the year you registered.

Submitting reflections

Module reflections are an important part of the program as they demonstrate your participation. The reflections need to show us that you have engaged meaningfully with the topic. Reflections can be completed on the 23 Things site via each module’s “Reflection” tab. We review reflections twice per semester and will email you with feedback if your reflections do not meet our requirements.

Achieving the Curtin Extra certificate

Once we confirm that you have met the completion requirements, we will inform Curtin Extra. They will update your official Curtin Extra eRecord and issue a Curtin Extra digital badge. Further information about this can be found under Receiving your Curtin Extra.

For any further enquiries, contact makerspace@curtin.edu.au

23 Things was developed as a “students as partners” project. Curtin Library employs students from diverse disciplines and backgrounds to create the content and assist in running the program.

The program was initially funded by the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program. It is modelled on and inspired by the many 23 Things programs that have been developed since the original program was run in 2006, including the University of Edinburgh 23 Things.

The content has been created using H5P and, except where otherwise stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons license for adaptation and re-use.

All characters appearing in the Curtin Library 23 Things program are part of Certitude, a fictional news-checking game developed by the Curtin University Library Makerspace. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, the program is open to anyone. Our modules, workshops, challenges, and activities are all available online. 

You are welcome to complete as much or as little as you like, anytime, anywhere – it’s all up to you! If you want to receive a Curtin Extra certificate, you will need to register with us and complete the minimum requirements.

No, this does not affect your academic performance.

If you do not finish the program, it simply means you will not receive a Curtin Extra certificate on your transcript.