Beyond the Technology

In this episode of the Beyond the Technology podcast, Fiona Steel, graduate teaching assistant at Leeds Beckett University, joins Heidi Fraser-Krauss, Jisc's CEO, to discuss using virtual reality (VR) to tackle the gender disparity in STEM education. Fiona is delivering a lightning talk session on this topic at Digifest. So, if you enjoy this conversation, be sure to attend her talk at 11:30 on Wednesday 13 March at the Digifest event, taking place in Birmingham and online. Fiona begins by looking at the complex issue of gender disparity in STEM education and careers and why they still remain male-dominated. She tells us about her hopes for encouraging more women, girls and non-binary learners to engage in STEM subjects, without alienating anyone else, to move society forwards. Fiona explains how VR can be used in the classroom to tackle gender disparity by making learning content more inclusive, accessible and engaging, showcasing diverse role models and perspectives and challenging stereotypes. Listen to the full episode now, and if you enjoy this episode, look out for Fiona's lightning talk at Digifest on 13 March. Show notes Find out more about Digifest 2024 and imagine the future of education and research Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you Get in touch with us at podcast@jisc.ac.uk if you'd like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series

Host Simon Birkett is joined by Helen Cocks from the University of Exeter to discuss how their agile culture is paying off for digital transformation. In this episode of the Beyond the Technology podcast, Helen Cocks, Head of Digital Strategy and Engagement, joins us to discuss the approach powering digital transformation at the University of Exeter. The university is already reaping the rewards of the digital strategy they implemented less than two years ago, with a vision of becoming the most accessible and connected university destination for any user. Helen touches on subjects ranging from recruitment and data infrastructure to digital initiatives and a motto of 'practice what you teach'. She tells us about the lessons learned along the way, explaining why data in particular has been so crucial to their progress. We also hear about the user-led approach taken to try and make processes easier and more responsive for a user base of digital natives wanting to replicate the polished experience they get with the likes of Netflix and Amazon. Listen to the episode in full for all this and more, including Helen's best advice for other higher education leaders looking to make progress on their digital transformation journeys. Show notes: Read University of Exeter's Strategy 2030 Exeter's Digital Strategy Access Exeter's Digital Team site, covering products and services, roles and responsibilities, blogs and much more Check out our framework for digital transformation in higher education and explore a comprehensive perspective on how the digital environment can support positive work, research and learning experiences, and promote a sense of belonging and wellbeing Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you Get in touch with us at podcast@jisc.ac.uk if you'd like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series

In the third of our further education and skills focused podcasts, we're joined by Stevie Emmanuel and Yusuf Ibrahim from Cardiff and Vale College. This is the third in a series of podcasts focused on further education and skills (FE), hosted by Andrew McFadyen and Louisa Stamatelopoulos. Throughout this series Andrew and Louisa are joined by experts from further education colleges to shine a light on how they support digital development through the use of Jisc tools, such as the digital elevation tool, building digital capability service and digital experience insights surveys. In this edition our hosts welcome Stevie Emmanuel, head of technology enhanced learning, and Yusuf Ibrahim, Assistant Principal, from Cardiff and Vale College to the show to discuss how new technologies are driving their digital strategy. Stevie begins by talking about the move from a TEL strategy to a full college digital transformation and how the Jisc digital elevation tool has helped to craft that strategy. Next, Stevie looks at the impact on staff and learners of embracing change in a digital world and how a student-led project, TEL Talks, has increased engagement. Yusuf and Stevie give an example of how their student digital leaders have collaborated to gain future-ready skills. The guests also share their advice for teachers looking to use new digital technology in the classroom and look to the future at how the role of the FE teacher may change over time. Finally, Yusuf discusses how Cardiff and Vale College are removing the barriers from equity, quality and diversity through the use of technology. Show notes · See how our digital capability service can help you · Find out more about how the digital elevation tool can elevate FE and skills providers' digital ambitions · Discover how the digital experience insights service works · Explore our further education and skills hub · Subscribe to our Headlines newsletter, which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you · Get in touch with us at podcast@jisc.ac.uk if you'd like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series

On this episode of Beyond the Technology, Sophia Speakman hosts Professor Niamh Nic Daeid, Vincenzo Rinaldi and Heather Doran from the University of Dundee, winners of the innovative use of technology award at the Herald Higher Education Awards, to discuss the exciting project surrounding virtual reality (VR) being carried out at the Leverhulme Research Centre. Niamh and Vincenzo outline how the team aims to revolutionise crime scene investigations and court proceedings using VR. Having already worked with the Danish police, the project is focused on creating a systematic approach to turn crime scene images into a VR environment, providing a more immersive decision-making tool. The team envisions a future where VR brings crime scenes to investigators, reducing the need for physical travel. Heather discusses how the pandemic limited engagement of the tool with public audiences due to the tactile nature of the VR technology and also how the university's widening access team hope to work with them to share VR with students. Vincenzo addresses the high costs associated with advanced forensic technologies and how the project aims to focus on cost-effective solutions by repurposing existing tools such as traditional cameras and commercial-grade VR devices. To close, Vincenzo and Niamh offer advice to other universities seeking to explore innovation in technology. Show notes Read more about the University of Dundee's ground-breaking project in our member story Find out more about the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee Subscribe to our Headlines newsletter, which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you Get in touch with us if you'd like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series

In our second further education and skills focused podcast, Sheena Murphy-Collett, Petroc College's Vice Principal of people, organisational development and engagement joins us to discuss digital growth, from seed to flower. This is the second in a series of podcasts focused on further education and skills (FE), hosted by Andrew McFadyen and Louisa Stamatelopoulos. Throughout this series Andrew and Louisa are joined by experts from further education colleges to shine a light on how they support digital development through the use of Jisc tools, such as the digital elevation tool, building digital capability service and digital experience insights surveys. Sheena Murphy-Collett, Vice Principal of people, organisational development and engagement at Petroc College, begins by revealing her unconventional route into FE and how her suite of transferable skills benefit her current role. Next, Sheena discusses the digital focus at Petroc College, orienting herself into three new teams and using Jisc's digital elevation tool to give structure and priorities to those teams. Sheena also talks about the excellent contacts she has made through Jisc community events and the opportunities they have opened up. To close, Sheena shares her advice for teachers looking to utilise digital technology, her views on how the role of the FE teacher may change over time and a look at Petroc College's digital three year plan. Show notes See how our digital capability service can help you Find out more about how the digital elevation tool can elevate FE and skills providers' digital ambitions Discover how the digital experience insights service works Explore our further education and skills hub Subscribe to our Headlines newsletter, which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you Get in touch with us at podcast@jisc.ac.uk if you'd like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series

In this podcast episode, Elizabeth Newall welcomes Helen Beetham and Sheila MacNeill, who discuss rethinking learning and curriculum design in higher education. Helen Beetham, a researcher in digital education and Sheila MacNeill, an independent consultant with experience in curriculum design talk about the importance of rethinking learning and curriculum design in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to adapt to new challenges. The conversation explores the evolution of curriculum design pre and post pandemic, emphasising a shift towards a more holistic approach. They introduce the concept of "beyond blended," which focuses on blending of different modes of learning, particularly synchronous and asynchronous, and the impact of technology on time and place within the curriculum. The discussion also touches on the student experience during the pandemic, highlighting issues related to new technologies such as generative AI, accessibility, and the need for flexibility. Helen and Sheila share that different students have different preferences for learning modes, and the pandemic has highlighted the importance of catering to diverse learning needs. Helen and Sheila share their work on the six pillars of blended learning. They emphasise the importance of understanding the pedagogic differences between in-place and online learning, the role of pace in learning, and the need to balance flexibility with the specific needs of students. They also introduce the idea of using "lenses" to examine the curriculum from different angles, both at the curriculum and strategic levels. The conversation concludes by highlighting the need for a robust curriculum design process and the potential for new technologies like generative AI to be accommodated within flexible curriculum design process. Show notes · Beyond blended: Post-pandemic curriculum and learning design: lessons from the higher education (HE) sector. Available to download from: https://beta.jisc.ac.uk/reports/beyond-blended · Sign up to receive advance notice of the Beyond blended web guide: https://emails.jisc.ac.uk/k/Jisc/beyond_blended · Read the report on Approaches to curriculum and learning design across UK higher education · Read our member story on blending digital and physical at the University of Northampton · Check out our framework guide for digital transformation in higher education, and explore a comprehensive perspective on how the digital environment can support positive work, research and learning experiences, and promote a sense of belonging and wellbeing · Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you · Get in touch with us at podcast@jisc.ac.uk if you'd like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series

University of Northampton experts discuss rethinking learning and curriculum design in higher education. Campus sustainability, AI group for academic integrity, staff challenges in digital processes, students' role in curriculum design

Join the discussion on reimagining assessment and feedback at UCL, addressing challenges like consistency and utilizing technology effectively. Learn about the diverse experiences of students, involvement in assessment processes, and the range of tools used. Explore AI integration, senior leadership support, and the future of AI tools in academia.

In this episode, Simon Birkett, senior consultant for digital transformation at Jisc is joined by Jodie Wetherall, Associate Director - Office of the CIO at the University of Greenwich to discuss the university's digital strategy and its impact. Jodie shares insights into the University of Greenwich's vision for 2030, aiming to be the best modern university in the UK. They discuss the strategic priorities that focus on transformational shifts in learning and teaching, research and knowledge exchange, as well as the four cross-cutting priorities of student success, inclusivity and culture, impactful research and knowledge exchange, and connected and sustainable campuses. The conversation delves into the development and evolution of the university's digital strategy. They talk about the importance of aligning the strategy with the overall corporate strategy, gaining executive sponsorship, and involving the entire university community. Several initiatives and projects are highlighted, including the Student Lifecycle Management programme, which aims to provide a digital student centre for self-service access, improving the student experience. The Classroom Enhancement Programme is discussed, which focuses on upgrading and enhancing classroom environments to support flexible delivery models. Jodie also mentions the new programme focusing on research and knowledge exchange, exploring ways to streamline processes and empower researchers with technology. In terms of the wider sector conversation, Jodie discusses the significance of time, opportunities coming out of COVID and long-term planning in digital transformation. They emphasise the importance of having a high-performing team, strong executive leadership, and a positive reputation for delivering change. Looking to the future, Jodie acknowledges the challenges posed by the current financial climate and discusses the university's digital strategy for the future. Show notes Read more about Greenwich's five steps to digital strategy success Join us for our developing and implementing a digital strategy event, University of Greenwich, 18 July 2023 Listen to a podcast about demonstrating digital transformation at Staffordshire University Check out our framework guide for digital transformation in higher education, and explore a comprehensive perspective on how the digital environment can support positive work, research and learning experiences, and promote a sense of belonging and wellbeing Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you Get in touch with us at podcast@jisc.ac.uk if you'd like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series

In this episode Lis Parcell is joined by Matt Turner and Gabi Witthaus at the Higher Education Futures institute (HEFi), University of Birmingham to talk about a hybrid teaching project involving two universities. Gabi and Matt were part of a research team made up of staff and students from University of Nottingham (project lead) and University of Birmingham (project partner) which investigated experiences of hybrid teaching and learning in academic year 2020/2021. The principal investigator was Cecilia Goria (University of Nottingham) and the project was supported and funded by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). "…the term 'hybrid teaching' is used to refer to lectures/seminars/classes in which some students are physically present in a classroom and others join online simultaneously from remote locations" Lis begins by talking to Matt and Gabi about the origins of the project and their definition of hybrid teaching. They look at how hybrid teaching rooms were developed at the two participating universities to enable all students to continue studying as some returned to campus and some remained online as Covid restrictions were lifted. Importantly, the research involved collaboration between students and staff and they touch on how this was achieved. The project gathered a fascinating array of quantitative and qualitative data from over 500 students and nearly 50 staff (teaching and audio-visual/IT) across the two universities. Gabi and Matt offer an overview of the main themes which emerged, interspersed with quotes from staff and students. Whilst the project's recommendations make particularly valuable reading for anyone contemplating hybrid teaching, we also hear how they might inform digital transformation of learning and teaching more generally. Gabi and Matt finish with reflections on some potential areas for further investigation. Show notes · Read the full report published on QAA website. · Goria, C., Witthaus, G., Turner, M., Hanford, S., Bhend, M., Wray, A., Wahyudi, M., & Gibson, A. (2022). Hybrid teaching: a futurist model or a realist model for the future? QAA. (Accessed 2 June 2023) · Find out more about the work of the Higher Education Futures Institute, University of Birmingham. · Subscribe to our Headlines newsletter, which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you. Get in touch with us at podcast@jisc.ac.uk if you'd like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series.