59. Bridging digital inequity - International students’ digital experience
Release Date: 01/08/2025
83. Rethinking accessibility in education
Beyond the Technology
. Jisc’s Kellie Mote and Helen Nicholson-Benn explore how AI is improving accessibility across higher education. Joined by Nelly Iacobescu from the University of Edinburgh and Professor Ann Kristin Glenster from the University of Cambridge, they discuss AI-powered captioning, student-led innovation, digital inclusion, and the future of accessible learning. Show notes - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you
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82. The future of augmented and mixed reality in education
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, and ensuring meaningful educational impact, offering a balanced look at the opportunities and limitations of these technologies in education. Show notes - our newsletter which has all the...
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81. Reflective portfolios and assessment reform
Beyond the Technology
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, higher-quality work, and strong student preference for portfolio-based assessment. Show notes with Teti Deagas and Richard Beggs with Miriam Firth wih Dr Rebecca Feasey - our newsletter which...
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80. Digital transformation in Scottish colleges
Beyond the Technology
. 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 opportunities of digital change. Tune in for an inside look at how colleges are adapting to meet the needs of modern learners. Show notes Learn about the Find out more about the - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news,...
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79. Powered by people: building digital together
Beyond the Technology
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 Access the Register for the - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you
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78. Using Jisc learning analytics to support wellbeing
Beyond the Technology
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 interventions. They discuss how having a single, accessible view of student engagement reduces delays, supports decision making and enables more consistent, proactive support across the university. Show notes...
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77. Beyond blended in action: voices from the sector
Beyond the Technology
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 blended lenses, pillars, and activity cards are reshaping staff development, curriculum design, student engagement, and assessment practices. . Show notes Hear more about in the Taking learning...
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76. Leading in the age of AI
Beyond the Technology
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 AI-integrated world. From tackling misconceptions about AI as a ‘magic fix’ to addressing the risks of creativity erosion and generational divides, this conversation offers practical insights for...
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75. Digital transformation and lasting change at the University of Manchester
Beyond the Technology
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. 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 her approach, making this a must-listen for anybody approaching a transformation programme at their organisation. Find out more about the discovery tool and how it can help staff and students at your organisation to reflect...
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74. Empowering digital confidence in FE
Beyond the Technology
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...
info_outlineExploring 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 technology into education, and the pivotal role of public-private partnerships and collaboration in fostering equitable access to digital tools and resources for students worldwide.
Show notes
- Views shared by beyond the technology guests do not necessarily represent the views of Jisc
- Subscribe to our Headlines newsletter, for all the latest news, guidance and events tailored to you
- If you want to come on the show, or have any questions, get in touch with us by emailing podcast@jisc.ac.uk
- Find out more about the researching international students' digital experience project. Dive deeper into the Portulans institute reports
- Learn more about the Nigeria E-sports Federation
- Download Briefing paper - Portulans (BP 4) Digital country profiles: international students’ digital experiences in relation to their home country’s civil digital infrastructure (pdf)