The Jisc Podcast

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 Matter

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 Welcome Week posters to architectural prototypes, the guests share practical examples of how AI is being used to communicate ideas effectively and ethically. The conversation also touches on creative ownership, authentic assessments, and how AI skills are becoming key to future-ready creative work. Show notes: Read the report from Jisc’s pilot of AI for image generation Visit Jisc’s AI page, where you can find further AI-focused guides and resources Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you

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 commitment to enhancing the student experience through digital tools and analytics. The discussion covers their participation in Jisc’s digital transformation pilot, in which they focused on organisational digital culture and the importance of senior management support to embed ‘people focus’ into ongoing digital change programmes. The team also discuss the importance of student engagement, digital upskilling for staff and students, and how to take forward inclusive curriculum design. Show notes: Visit the City St George’s, University of London website Access the City St George’s, University of London digital

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 pr

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 experience for all. Watch a video version of the podcast. Show notes Sign up for Digifest 2026 updates Read phase one and phase two of Jisc’s international students’ digital experience report Learn more about Jisc’s building digital capability tool Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you.

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

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.

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. Dom talks about this year’s launch on 9 April of a centralised national survey for FE. This is open to individual teaching staff and professional services staff across the UK directly, to do the survey even if their colleges aren't making the survey available locally. This is your chance if you’re involved in FE to share your voice and digital experiences. Listen to the full episode to hear about previous DEI survey themes and emerging trends in AI. You’ll also find out how with your help we can build our picture of FE digital experience to feedback and advise the FE sector and wider community.   Show notes Lea

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 transformation framework for higher education. Discover how insights on digital culture and curriculum development are shaping the partnership between Jisc and Adobe to support institutions who have invested in Adobe Express via Jisc's software licensing. Watch a video version of the podcast. Show notes Sign up for Digifest 2026 updates Learn more about the Transforming Together: Leading and Learning programme Read about Jisc’s framework for digital transformation in higher education Visit the Chest website to learn about the Jisc Adobe ETLA agreement with new Adobe Express option Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter

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 on to highlight the university’s focus on values, behaviours, and adaptability in digital education discussing how fostering a supportive culture enables students and staff to experiment with new technologies and approaches to learning.   Looking ahead, the team discusses the future of digital transformation in education. From curriculum design to the integration of AI in teaching and assessment, they explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for institutions adapting to an ever-changing digital landscape.   Listen to the full episode to hear insights on leadership in digital transformation, strat

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 on the adoption of virtual reality and virtual environments, as well as making use of technology that is already embedded in the classroom. Next, Rob shares NCG’s approach to using digital learning to enhance the student experience, and the importance of ensuring that any software is as inclusive and accessible as possible. Listen to the full episode to also hear what Rob is looking forward to at Digifest, advice on integrating digital tools and more. Show notes Connect with Rob on LinkedIn Visit the NCG website Register for Digifest 2025 Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech new

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 data your organisation’s priority Listen to our tech takes podcast, delivering learning analytics fit for the future Read the Office for Students (OfS) mental health analytics project - an evaluation Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you

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 and digital experience insights surveys. Phil starts by sharing his journey from secondary school teacher to Director of Academic Services and Digital Learning, and finding success with his YouTube channel, Teachblend. Next, Phil discusses his current project, immersive rooms, and how they can foster collaboration with other colleges as well as reducing travel for learners. Phil explains how he’s used the Jisc building digital capability tool to underpin their DN Digital Skills program, building staff digital capability and resilience. Listen to the full episode to also hear how Phil connects with peers in the sector,

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 disparities, cultural shifts in digital learning, and the importance of preparing students for technological transitions before arriving in the UK.  Elizabeth Newall, senior sector specialist at Jisc, invites Doctor Rafael Escalon Reynoso, CEO at the  Portulans Institute, Doctor Sonia Saleem, founder and CEO of Socio Engineering Technologies, and Ikechukwu Okoye, secretary general for the Nigeria Esports Federation and the director of Afri Start Innovation Hub, to share their insights on bridging digital inequity.   The conversation highlights the growing investments in digital maturity, the challenges of integrating t

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 capability service and digital experience insights surveys. Beth begins the discussion by sharing details of her dual operational and strategic role at the college, from investigating licenses to co-writing the digital learning strategy, as well as the scale and scope of Craven College. The conversation then turns to the college’s focus on embedding digital further into the staff development system, and how their recently launched digital learning strategy has been instrumental in the developments and decisions that are being made. Beth highlights the success of the college’s first ever staff development day on digital CPD,

In this episode of the Beyond the Technology podcast, Jisc’s Chris Thomson is joined by Dr Miriam Firth from the University of Manchester. They discuss the work Miriam has been doing with the QAA, and colleagues across a number of other HE institutions, to examine practices of optionality in assessment. During the episode, Miri dives into the rationale for the research project, what they discovered and what lessons can be learned for assessment designers.   Show notes Find out more about the optionality in assessment project Review the Jisc guidance on the Principles of Good Assessment and Feedback Listen to the creative approaches to assessment in media and communications podcast

In this episode, Jisc’s Kellie Mote welcomes Dr Ann Kristin Glenster from the Glenlead Centre and Bouquette Kabatepe from Imperial College London for a discussion on digital accessibility and the accessible digital futures project. The group reflect on how they met and how a shared passion for accessibility sowed the seeds of the accessible digital futures project, a series of events bringing together digital leads from UK HE to explore the potential of accessible digital and AI technologies for all. Bouquette speaks about hosting a workshop and the importance of having representation from all levels at the university, raising awareness that digital accessibility is a must, not just a nice to have. Ann Kristin delves into some of the findings from the project, highlighting feedback from the edtech sector further emphasising the need to build accessibility into products at the earliest stages. Listen now to hear about accessible procurement, AI in accessibility tools and assistive technologies, the impact of t

Host Elizabeth Newall welcomes Professor Dan George, Professor Jane Mooney and Professor Caroline Bowsher from the University of Manchester to discuss the work they have been doing to support digital transformation as part of Manchester’s Flexible Learning Programme. In this episode of our mini-series on demonstrating digital transformation, Elizabeth Newall, senior sector specialist in the higher education and research directorate at Jisc, is joined by representatives of the Flexible Learning Programme (FLP) at the University of Manchester: Professor Dan George, associate vice president for blended and flexible learning, Professor Caroline Bowsher, university academic theme lead for the digital learning environment and Professor Jane Mooney, university academic theme lead for digital skills and literacy. Jisc recently hosted a demonstrating digital transformation event at the University of Manchester, and in this podcast we’ll hear more about the work that Dan, Caroline and Jane have been doing to support di

We’re joined by James Kieft, teaching and learning development manager at Activate Learning, to discuss bringing people together through digital technologies, developing skills and having the courage to try something different. In the fifth of our further education and skills (FE) focused podcasts, hosts Andrew McFadyen and Louisa Stamatelopoulos chat to James Kieft, teaching and learning development manager at Activate Learning. 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. The conversation begins with AI and how James has brought colleagues together through breakfast meetings to raise the profile of all technologies, not just AI, and explore support opportunities for students and staff. Next, James shares his experience of running an EdTech blog and YouTube chan