Beyond the Technology: The education 4.0 podcast

In this podcast we'll hear from colleges and universities about how they are implementing Education 4.0 technologies, the challenges faced, the successes, and where they had to re-assess.

62. Digifest 2025 – Using digital solutions to enhance employability 02/24/2025

61. Learning analytics: the people behind the data 02/14/2025

60. Further education and skills – Learn, unlearn and relearn 02/13/2025

59. Bridging digital inequity - International students’ digital experience 01/08/2025

58. Further education and skills – Promoting digital curiosity: new technologies, same passion 11/22/2024

57. Creative approaches to assessment: optionality 11/06/2024

56. Breaking down barriers - empowering students with better accessibility in digital and artificial intelligence 10/23/2024

55. Demonstrating digital transformation - It's all about shifting the mindset: a strategy for delivering flexible learning at the University of Manchester 09/03/2024

55. Demonstrating digital transformation - It's all about shifting the mindset: a strategy for delivering flexible learning at the University of Manchester 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 digital transformation as part of Manchester’s Flexible Learning Programme. The conversation begins with Dan sharing the University of Manchester’s definition of flexible learning and the origins of the Flexible Learning Programme. Dan explains how the university’s current strategy set them on a path towards increased student choice to enable their offering to be flexible by design and flexible by delivery. Jane follows this up by describing how Jisc’s resources, such as the digital transformation framework and maturity model which they have recently piloted, have supported them in the Flexible Learning Programme. Caroline discusses how their targeted approach to digital maturity allows them to focus the conversations in around specific areas of the model, so that they get really specific outcomes and next steps to follow up on. Dan talks about how the maturity model workshops were well received by key stakeholders and the executive level at the university, and touches on the special relationship with external civic organisations. Lastly, the team talk about why they wanted to host a demonstrating digital transformation event and what the success of the day meant to them. Read our accompanying Read our Read more about the Flexible Learning and and feel free to get in touch with the team via See our 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 Join our - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you /episode/index/show/jiscpodcast/id/32875478

54. Further education and skills – connections, opportunities and being a magpie 07/25/2024

53. Beyond the Technology: Demonstrating digital transformation – Macro and micro transformations – making digital happen 07/11/2024

52. Demonstrating digital transformation - People, place and partnership at the centre of Ulster University's digital transformation 06/27/2024

51. Award winners miniseries – Transforming STEM Learning: The power of Remote Labs 06/17/2024

51. Award winners miniseries – Transforming STEM Learning: The power of Remote Labs Join Professor Tim Drysdale from the University of Edinburgh, Jisc Association of Learning Technology awards ALT award winner for digital transformation in 2023, as he explores the groundbreaking Remote Laboratories project in our latest episode. In this episode of the Beyond the Technology podcast, we explore the University of Edinburgh's Remote Laboratories project, led by Professor Tim Drysdale. This award-winning initiative addresses the growing demand for practical engineering education by transforming unused campus spaces into innovative teaching labs. Remote Laboratories allow students to conduct over 100 different experiments across various engineering disciplines from anywhere, using just a web browser. This flexibility supports blended learning, making practical work more accessible to students with diverse commitments. Professor Drysdale highlights the project's collaborative nature and its potential to revolutionise global STEM education by integrating AI and digital tools. This approach not only enhances learning but also prepares students for a tech-driven professional world. Join us to hear about the practical benefits and future potential of remote labs in enhancing both student learning and educational outcomes. Discover how Remote Laboratories are reshaping engineering education and the transformative impact of digital education on students and educators. Subscribe to our newsletter for more stories, download our report on post-pandemic learning, and connect with Professor Drysdale to explore similar innovations for your institution. Tune in to the Beyond the Technology podcast to hear the full story. Show notes · Hear more about the University of Edinburgh’s story in our Beyond the Technology podcast series on award winners. · Join the conversation and with Tim and the team. · Download our report: · , which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you /episode/index/show/jiscpodcast/id/31769149

50. Demonstrating digital transformation - enabling culture to support digital innovation at Ulster University 06/13/2024

50. Demonstrating digital transformation - enabling culture to support digital innovation at Ulster University Sarah Knight speaks to Elaine Hartin and Andy Jaffrey, from Ulster University, about their agile and flexible approach to their strategic plan and the integration of digital technologies at the Belfast campus. In this podcast, Sarah Knight, head of learning and teaching transformation in the higher education and research directorate at Jisc, is joined by Elaine Hartin, chief strategy and finance officer, and Andy Jaffrey, head of the centre for digital learning enhancement, at Ulster University to discuss what Elaine, Andy and their teams are doing to support digital transformation. Andy begins by describing the hidden work that provides the infrastructure for digital innovation and how digital transformation has been happening at all levels of the organisation by breaking down silos and encouraging a culture to support innovative practice. We hear from Elaine on using digital transformation to enable strategy by getting the communication, culture and execution right. Elaine also speaks about having a plan and clear milestones in place to assist with the journey of digital transformation. Elaine and Andy take us through some of the initiatives that support digital transformation at the university, including a significant cyber security program, the use of Power BI to support academic planning and the integration of technology into the learning spaces at the Belfast campus, which have been embraced by both staff and students. Listen to the full episode for all of this and more, including the challenges of keeping up the momentum of digital transformation and how Ulster are supporting staff and students with the AI innovations in the sector. Show notes: Check out our 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 - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you /episode/index/show/jiscpodcast/id/31728692

49. Award winners miniseries - Activate Learning empowers adult learners 05/09/2024

49. Award winners miniseries - Activate Learning empowers adult learners In the next episode of our award winners podcast miniseries, Sophia Speakman interviews Miko Pescott and Savi Bains from Activate Learning, alongside Jonathan Hofgartner from Jisc, discussing Activate Learning's award-winning approach to digital technology in further education. This episode, hosted by Sophia Speakman, celebrates award winners for their innovative use of digital technology and sharing standout practices from tertiary education exploring Activate Learning's approach to supporting adult learners through remote education. In this episode, Savi and Miko discuss Activate Learning’s unique learning philosophy which moves away from focusing solely on the traditional methods of teaching. Miko shares with us the emotion and motivation in the online and remote learning process that is needed to change the nature of the teacher role in an online setting to one that is coaching focused to sustain learner motivation. The team addresses student challenges such as device access, personal commitments, the pandemic and financial constraints with practical solutions to ensure inclusivity. Jonathan Hofgartner, the lead assessor for the Jisc Beacon Awards, emphasises how Activate's strategy aligns with criteria like innovation, impact, and sustainability. Finally, Savi and Miko share the critical role that feedback has in driving learner success. By providing timely feedback within 48 hours, even on evenings and weekends, Activate Learning keeps adult learners engaged and motivated to complete assignments. This commitment to rapid feedback, combined with a coaching-focused teaching model, distinguishes Activate Learning's approach and contributes to its success. Show notes · Find out more about Activate Learning and their award-winning . · Download our . · Find out more about the . · Read our . · , which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you. · Get in touch with us at if you’d like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series. /episode/index/show/jiscpodcast/id/31209637

48. Further education and skills - College of West Anglia 05/01/2024

47. AI and empathy 04/18/2024

46. International students' digital experience 03/25/2024

45. Using VR to tackle the gender disparity in STEM education 03/07/2024

44. Demonstrating digital transformation – how the University of Exeter are practicing what they teach 02/20/2024

43. Further education and skills - the digital edge in education at Cardiff and Vale College 01/15/2024

43. Further education and skills - the digital edge in education at Cardiff and Vale College 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 can help you · Find out more about how the can elevate FE and skills providers’ digital ambitions · Discover how the works · Explore our · , which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you · Get in touch with us at if you’d like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series /episode/index/show/jiscpodcast/id/29489133

42. Award winners miniseries - University of Dundee transforming the crime scene with VR technology 12/12/2023

41. Further education and skills - digital development at Petroc College: from seed to flower 10/23/2023

40. Demonstrating digital transformation - beyond blended - post-pandemic curriculum and learning design 09/05/2023

40. Demonstrating digital transformation - beyond blended - post-pandemic curriculum and learning design 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: · Sign up to receive advance notice of the Beyond blended web guide: · Read the report on · Read our on blending digital and physical at the University of Northampton · Check out our , 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 · - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you · Get in touch with us at if you’d like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series /episode/index/show/jiscpodcast/id/27943065

39. Demonstrating digital transformation - rethinking learning and curriculum design at the University of Northampton 08/30/2023

39. Demonstrating digital transformation - rethinking learning and curriculum design at the University of Northampton In this episode of the Beyond the Technology podcast, Elizabeth Newall, senior consultant in the Digital transformation of learning, teaching, and assessment at Jisc, welcomes a panel of experts from the University of Northampton. They discuss their innovative approach to rethinking learning and curriculum design in higher education. The conversation begins by discussing the University of Northampton's unique setting. Shân Wareing, deputy vice chancellor, and Rob Howe, head of learning technology, share how their Waterside campus allowed them to consolidate facilities into a more sustainable space. This campus was designed for blended learning, offering laptops to eligible students, and featuring various learning spaces. Shân discusses the university's evolving digital strategy with the creation of an artificial intelligence group to address academic integrity concerns and to explore AI's educational potential. The podcast delves into the challenges of supporting staff in learning and curriculum design. Jim Harris, a learning designer, highlights the fear of change as a significant hurdle. Jim emphasises the importance of considering staff members' various levels of understanding and comfort with digital processes and learning design, ranging from basic introductions to advanced publishing. Kate Coulson, head of learning and teaching enhancement, discusses the pivotal role of students in curriculum design and learning. Kate advocates for a "give and take" model, where students become co-creators of the curriculum rather than passive recipients, emphasising the importance of investing time and resources. Lastly, Shân shares her vision for digital transformation at the University of Northampton, highlighting that the focus should remain on how students learn. Shân underscores the importance of culture, creativity, and patience in the process, as well as the need to prioritise people over technology. Show notes · Check out our , 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 · - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you · Get in touch with us at if you’d like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series /episode/index/show/jiscpodcast/id/27889809

38. Demonstrating digital transformation - Reimagining assessment and feedback at University College London 07/31/2023

38. Demonstrating digital transformation - Reimagining assessment and feedback at University College London Join Sarah Knight, head of learning and teaching transformation at Jisc, who is joined by Marieke Guy, Head of Digital Assessment at University College London (UCL) and Mary McHarg, Activities & Engagement Officer at UCL Student Union to discuss the reimagining of assessment and feedback at the institution. Marieke provides insights into the university's broad scope, with 11 faculties and over 60 departments. UCL supports around 43,000 students and over 14,000 employees, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. They discuss how the institution faces the challenge of maintaining consistency and utilising technology effectively due to its scale and diversity. Mary highlights the challenges students face in relation to assessment and feedback. With a vast institution like UCL, students experience different assessment methods, frequencies, and feedback quality across departments. The podcast explores the importance of consistency, quality feedback, and supporting student well-being. The episode emphasises the involvement of students in the assessment process. UCL actively engages students through panels, partnerships, and programmes such as ‘student changemakers’. Marieke discusses the wide range of assessment tools used at UCL, such as Moodle, Wiseflow, Mahara, WordPress, Crowdmark, and Turnitin. The conversation moves on to how UCL is addressing the need for assessment practice and curriculum redesign. Marieke mentions ongoing work with the academic practice centre and academic communication centre to support staff in rethinking assessments. The discussion delves into AI's role in assessment and the need to educate staff and students about its capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations. UCL is incorporating AI into assessments and actively involving students in discussions about its use. The episode concludes with the importance of senior leaders supporting the institutional approach to rethinking assessment and feedback. It emphasises the need for clear communication, involving students as partners, providing resources and support for staff, and investing in experts. Show notes Read more about Check out our , 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 Read the for valuable insights and updates on innovative digital assessment practices at UCL - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you Get in touch with us at if you’d like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series /episode/index/show/jiscpodcast/id/27612273

37. Demonstrating digital transformation - Developing digital strategy at University of Greenwich 07/17/2023

37. Demonstrating digital transformation - Developing digital strategy at University of Greenwich 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 Join us for our 18 July 2023 Check out our , 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 - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you Get in touch with us at if you’d like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series /episode/index/show/jiscpodcast/id/27483597

36. Hybrid teaching: learning from staff and student experiences 07/07/2023

36. Hybrid teaching: learning from staff and student experiences In this episode Lis Parcell is joined by Matt Turner and Gabi Witthaus at the (HEFi), 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 (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 (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 . · Goria, C., Witthaus, G., Turner, M., Hanford, S., Bhend, M., Wray, A., Wahyudi, M., & Gibson, A. (2022). QAA. (Accessed 2 June 2023) · about the work of the Higher Education Futures Institute, University of Birmingham. · , which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you. Get in touch with us at if you’d like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series. /episode/index/show/jiscpodcast/id/27397401

35. Demonstrating digital transformation - Using immersive rooms at Staffordshire University 06/22/2023

34. Demonstrating digital transformation - Using simmersive learning at Staffordshire University 06/14/2023

34. Demonstrating digital transformation - Using simmersive learning at Staffordshire University In this episode, we are joined by Raheel Nawaz from Staffordshire University, where we learn about the exciting and innovative work Raheel is leading on in the digital transformation space. Raheel Nawaz is a professor of artificial intelligence and a professor of digital education working at Staffordshire University as pro vice-chancellor for digital transformation. Raheel explores his vision for digital transformation at Staffordshire University including the new digital at core strategy and the four main pillars that underpin this vision. Raheel talks about the essential building blocks needed within a university to enable digital transformation to happen in the form of three main components : strategy, culture and governance of the strategy including the process Raheel and his team took when creating their digital transformation strategy. He then goes on to explain the three projects the university are most excited about in the world of digital transformation. The first of the three being simplifying the student experience with the launch of the first ai assistant in any university with the aim of bringing course, community and career together in a single integrated student interface. Secondly, the self-coined ‘simmersive’, a support mantra of simulation and immersive and how Staffordshire is integrating this concept into the DNA of buildings and the student experience. And finally, a project around building minimum expectations around staff and student digital capabilities. Raheel talks about what senior leaders can do to encourage a culture of digital transformation including what we can do for the culture of our university experience. And finally we look to the future of the sector and where we see the university experience evolving since the pandemic and the rapid increase of ai. And finally posing the question to senior leaders ‘how do we make the most of technology?’ Show notes Check out the events happening within our digital transformation series: - Join us at University of Northampton for rethinking learning and curriculum design on 6 July. . - Taking place 18 July, join us at University of Greenwich for developing and implementing a digital strategy. . Check out our , 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. , which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you. Get in touch with us at if you’d like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series. /episode/index/show/jiscpodcast/id/27117678

33. Further education and skills - supporting digital development at Boston College 05/15/2023

Beyond the Technology: The education 4.0 podcast

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