Beyond the Technology

Jane Rooney, Professor of Educational Development and Digital Capability, shares insights on leading the digital transformation at the University of Manchester. She discusses the essential stages of implementing innovative tools like the GIST Discovery tool to enhance teaching and learning. Jane emphasizes stakeholder engagement strategies and the necessity of collaboration across departments. She also explores how data can inform curriculum development and sustain digital capabilities over time, providing a roadmap for future educational enhancements.

In this episode of Beyond the Technology, host Andrew McFadyen chats with Zoe Tierney from Burton and South Derbyshire College to explore how the Jisc discovery tool and the newly launched essential digital skills question set are transforming digital confidence across further education. Zoe shares her journey from writing a college-wide digital strategy to leading a cultural shift in digital teaching and learning. Discover how targeted CPD, platform champions and inclusive onboarding strategies have helped staff embrace tools like Padlet, Canva, and Canvas, and how these changes are enhancing learner engagement and personalised learning. Tune in to hear how Zoe and her team are leading the way in digital transformation and what's next for the sector. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ76qP6uD8I Show notes: Learn more about the building digital capability service Read Zoe's Burton and South Derbyshire College digital capability tool case study Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you

This episode explores how digital storytelling enhances learning in UK higher education. Chris Thomson is joined by Teti Dragas from University of Durham, and Richard Beggs from Ulster University, to discuss digital storytelling as a multimedia tool that fosters reflection, engagement, and personal growth across disciplines. They share examples of integrating storytelling, from student assessments to professional development, emphasising the value of the creative process over polished outcomes. Challenges like time, technical skills, and emotional sensitivity are discussed, along with the role of AI. The episode ends with advice on seeking support, embracing the community, and using storytelling to transform education. Show Notes Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter with all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you Join the digital storytelling community Visit the Durham University Digital Storytelling site Book reference - Gravett, K (2023) Relational Pedagogies; Connections and Mattering in Higher Education, Bloomsbury, London

Rebecca Feasey, a Media and Critical Studies leader at Bath Spa University, and Eu Jin See, a Master's student and Adobe Brand Ambassador, explore how generative AI, especially Adobe Firefly, is revolutionizing creativity in higher education. They discuss its role in building creative confidence and facilitating collaboration among students. With real-world examples, they highlight how AI aids in iterative processes, helps address complex issues ethically, and fosters a modern perspective on student assessments and creative ownership.

Join Susannah Quinsee, Vice President of Digital and Student Experience, Baba Sheba, Professor of Digital Education, and Julie Voce, Head of Digital Education, as they delve into City St George’s digital transformation journey. They share insights on strategic leadership driving change and the integration of AI in enhancing student experiences. The trio discusses fostering an inclusive digital culture, the importance of upskilling for staff and students, and their collaboration with Jisc to promote effective organizational transformation. Explore their vision for a future-ready educational landscape!

In this episode, Simon Birkett chats to Jackie Potter, Helen O'Sullivan and Laura Milne from the University of Chester about their digital transformation journey, from beginning to work through Jisc's digital maturity model, to redesigning their VLE. The guests begin by reflecting on their recent demonstrating digital transformation event held at the university, showcasing their plans for learning development and the use of technology for learners. The conversation then turns to the importance of culture, people and process for successful digital transformation, with Jackie, Helen and Laura discussing the broad impact digital transformation can have all across the university. Next, the guests focus on their curriculum redesign project and the redevelopment of their VLE, bringing colleagues together for co-design sessions, daring to dream wild dreams about what was possible, gathering feedback and incorporating it into further rounds. Finally, the episode concludes with Jackie, Helen and Laura sharing their predictions for what the sector will look like in five years' time. Show notes: Read University of Chester's case study on their involvement in the research pilot of Jisc's digital transformation toolkit Learn more about Jisc's digital transformation toolkit Discover the 'How to approach digital transformation in higher education' report and case studies Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you

Dan Pullinger, Head of Learning Development at the University of Leeds, and Patrice So, Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching at the University of Northampton, dive into the challenges faced by international students in the UK. They discuss the importance of digital inclusivity, revealing how universities can enhance online learning experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for tailored support, cultural understanding, and pre-arrival guidance to foster belonging. They also highlight the impact of regulatory changes on student enrollment and the necessity for improved support systems.

This podcast, recorded live at Digifest 2025, will support your understanding and implementation of Esports curriculum through British Esports' endorsed programmes and why you should join this digital revolution in education. Guests Tom Dore and Andy Miah explain the growing global phenomenon of the Esports industry, how this coincides with Esports in education and how you can join the hundreds of schools and colleges that are already part of this revolution through qualifications with Leadership Skills Foundation, Pearson and through their participation in the British Esports Student Champs. How can Esports transform your digital strategy and innovate your pedagogical approach and curriculum design to support the future workforce, to address skills gaps and engage a tech-agile, digital generation of young people that are in our classrooms? If you haven't developed an Esports curriculum offer yet, why not? Watch a video version of the podcast. Show notes Sign up for Digifest 2026 updates Learn more about the British Esports Federation Visit the Media City Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub website Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you.

Recorded live at Digifest 2025, this episode features a discussion of previous participants from the digital leaders programme who have demonstrated and implemented their learning within their organisations as they reflect on the Digifest 2025 themes of data-informed education, student success, learning for the future, technology for good, and collaboration for impact. Watch a video version of the podcast. Show notes Sign up for Digifest 2026 updates Learn more about the digital leaders programme Book on to the digital leaders programme Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you.

If you missed the generative AI in education panel at Digifest 2025, here's your chance to hear our interview with panellist Philippa Armstrong, learning technology coach at Nottingham College, recorded live at the event. Philippa discusses the current uses, potential benefits and concerns associated with generative AI in education. What happens when generative AI moves from buzzword to reality? Philippa explores real-world lessons learned, opportunities and concerns as we cut through the hype to discover what it takes to move from promise to practice. Watch a video version of the podcast Show notes Sign up for Digifest 2026 updates Explore our work to support the adoption of generative AI Read our primer on generative AI Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you.