Beyond the Technology

Kathryn Woodhead is joined by Josh Gregg and Paul Hibbard to explore the future of augmented and mixed reality in higher education. From research insights on cognitive load to real-world teaching applications, they discuss how these technologies can enhance learning, improve accessibility, and create more interactive experiences. They also examine key challenges, including privacy, scalability, an...

Chris Thomson speaks with Chris Wood, Learning Designer at the University of Portsmouth, about using reflective portfolios to rethink assessment in higher education. Chris shares how portfolios can replace traditional essays with more authentic, flexible approaches that support reflection, formative feedback, and student ownership. Drawing on successful pilots, he discusses improved engagement, hi...

Watch the video podcast on YouTube . We're joined by Rob McDermott and Suzanne Galloway from Forth Valley College to explore how digital technology is transforming further education in Scotland. From the concept of a fourth campus to new approaches in quality enhancement and student experience, they share insights into collaboration, evolving teaching practices, and the challenges and opportunitie...

In this episode of Beyond the Technology, recorded live at Digifest 2026, Catherine Evans speaks with Chris Melia and Phil Whitehead about community‑led approaches to developing digital skills. Chris and Phil share practical insights on peer support, recognition and collaboration, and how putting people at the centre can drive meaningful digital change across education. Show notes Listen to more J...

In this episode, Jim Keane, and Newcastle University mental health advisor Liam Snaith explore how Jisc learning analytics is transforming student support. Liam explains how engagement and attendance data such as VLE activity and in‑person participation helps wellbeing staff quickly identify students who may be struggling, guide sensitive conversations and make informed decisions about interventio...

In this episode, host Sarah Knight and guests Dr Jonathan Eaton, Dr Emma Heron, Dr Julie Blackwell Young and Sheila MacNeill explore how universities across the UK, and internationally, are transforming curriculum and learning design through Jisc's beyond blended resources. Together, they share rich insights from the first phase of Jisc's institutional research pilots and reveal how the beyond ble...

In this episode, Michael Webb, director of AI at Jisc, chats with Katy Gooblar, co-founder of Rebel Hive and future of work consultant, to explore how data and AI are reshaping higher and further education. Together, they dive into the critical questions organisations need to ask before adopting AI, the importance of purpose-driven strategies, and the human skills that will define leadership in an...

In this episode, Jane discusses her role as academic lead to implement support for staff and student capability as part of a university wide strategic change programme. Watch the video version Jane talks about the essential stages behind the programme launch and its ongoing success enhancing teaching learning and student experience. Jane covers stakeholder management and essential touchpoints in h...

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 teac...

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...

In this episode, Tom Moule speaks with Dr. Rebecca Feasey (Bath Spa University) and Eu Jin See (Manchester School of Architecture and Adobe Brand Ambassador) about how generative AI - particularly Adobe Firefly - is supporting creativity in higher education. They discuss how tools like Firefly can build creative confidence, encourage collaboration, and support iteration and idea development. From...

In this episode, Sarah Knight chats to Professor Susannah Quinsee, Professor Baba Sheba and Dr Julie Voce from City St George's, University of London about the latest updates on the university's digital transformation. The group reflect on the university's digital transformation journey, which has been driven by strategic leadership and supported by foundational IT projects, AI integration, and a...

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...

In this podcast recorded live at Digifest 2025, hear from University of Leeds and University of Northampton on how they are using Jisc's research on international students' digital experience, alongside building digital capability and insights from student survey data. Learn how they've shaped their support systems to better assist international students and foster a more inclusive digital experie...

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...

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...

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? P...

Andrew McFadyen and Dom Walker meet to discuss how the DEI survey reveals the evolving digital environment in education for students, learners and staff across FE and HE. The surveys take between 5 and 10 minutes to complete and are concise but comprehensive enough to offer insights so organisations can tailor their decision making and planning around digital investment and resource development. D...

Digifest 2025 may be over but here's your chance to hear one of the podcasts recorded live at the event. Host Iwan Lehnert welcomes Mark Andrews, principal strategic development manager at Adobe and Jonathan Hofgartner, head of learning and teaching - licensing at Jisc to discuss how integrating Adobe Express into curriculum design and delivery aligns with key themes in Jisc's digital transformati...

Simon Birkett is joined by Professor Phil Hanna, Stefanie Savage-Campbell, and Dr. Aidan Deery from Queen's University Belfast to discuss embracing AI, digital transformation, and the evolving role of education.   The team share how Queen's University Belfast (QUB) is taking a proactive approach to AI, focusing on innovation and student success while balancing risks and opportunities.     They go...

With Digifest 2025 on the horizon, in this episode of Beyond the Technology host Iwan Lehnert meets with Rob Wraith, head of learning technology and digital learning at NCG to discuss his breakout session at the event. Rob begins the conversation by giving a preview of his upcoming Digifest 2025 presentation on empowering employability with digital solutions to drive skills development, touching o...

We caught up with our head of analytics, James Hodgkin, at the launch of learning analytics. James talks about the new features available, the importance of people at the heart of data and future plans for the updated platform including student wellbeing. Show notes Watch the live recording Learn more about the  learning analytics platform Read our blog on the  future of learning analytics: make d...

In this episode of our further education and skills (FE) podcasts, host Andrew McFadyen talks to Phil Whitehead from DN Colleges Group. Throughout this series, hosts 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 an...

Exploring how we can bridge digital inequity for international and transnational students, with insights from experts across Nigeria, Pakistan, and the UK. We delve into the complexities of digital inequity faced by international and transnational education students, focusing on insights from experts and lived experiences in Nigeria, Pakistan, and the UK. We discuss the impact of infrastructure di...

In this episode of our further education and skills (FE) podcasts, hosts Louisa Stamatelopoulos and Andrew McFadyen chat to Beth Snowden from Craven College. 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 our tools, such as the digital elevation tool, building digital capabil...