Beyond the Technology

Watch the video podcast on YouTube.

In this college-focused podcast, Andrew McFadyen speaks with Somayyeh Clifton (Nescot College) and Nathan Orchard (South Hampshire College Group) about leading digital transformation in FE. Somayyeh and Nathan are our new digital transformation in FE community champions. They share how Jisc's digital elevation tool has helped shape strategy, spark meaningful conversations across their organisations, and support evidence-based decision making.

Show notes

View Nathan's LinkedIn profile

View Somayyeh's LinkedIn profile

If your college is using the digital elevation tool and you would like to join the community, please complete the linked form

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Watch the video podcast on YouTube.

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

Join our accessibility and assistive technology communities

Watch Nelly's accessibility community drop-in session

Read Helen's blog on exploring how AI can support deaf and hard of hearing students

Read Kellie's blog on inclusive innovation: designing the future together

Learn more about ELM: An AI Innovation Platform for Education

Discover more about University of Edinburgh's human corrected captioning service

Find out about LectureMate at the University of Edinburgh

Learn more about LOGOS: securing a human epistemic future

Discover more about the Glenlead Centre

Read more about the accessible digital futures project

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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

Join our extended reality (XR) community of practice

Read the ethical extended reality practice at York St John blog

Learn more about Smart Glasses in education

Discover more about opportunities and challenges for Smart Glasses in teaching, learning and assessment

Read our Smart Glasses: game changing assistive technology or just more wearable tech for gadget lovers? blog

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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

Listen to the digital storytelling and assessment podcast with Teti Deagas and Richard Beggs

Hear the creative approaches to assessment – optionality podcast with Miriam Firth

Listen to the creative approaches to assessment in media and communications podcast wih Dr Rebecca Feasey

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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 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 building digital capability service

Find out more about the digital elevation tool

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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 Jisc communities podcasts on Soundcloud
• Access the activating community-led digital skills guide
• Register for the powered by people: community-led transformation in education event
• Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you

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.

Watch the episode on YouTube

Show notes

• Discover more about Jisc learning analytics
• Access the Newcastle University Health and Wellbeing Service website
• View the Newcastle University 24/7 support site
• Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you

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.

Watch the episode on YouTube.

Show notes

• Hear more about beyond blended at Digifest in the Taking learning beyond blended: integrating place, platform and pace in curriculum design session, in Hall 8A at 11:35 on day one
• Learn more about the beyond blended: researching institutional approaches to blended learning in higher education pilot
• Access the beyond blended: rethinking curriculum and learning design guide
• Read the beyond blended in action: transforming curriculum and learning design in a shifting landscape report
• Read Jonathan's university profile
• Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn
• View the Abertay Learning Enhancement (AbLE) Academy website

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 leaders, educators, and anyone navigating the evolving workplace.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges assumptions and inspires a reimagining of how we work, learn, and lead in the age of AI.

Show notes:

• Book now for Data Matters 2026
• Watch the live podcast recording: https://youtu.be/J4HVKV6Cxpo
• Our new Leading AI in colleges: a strategic framework provides college leaders with guidance for embedding AI safely, effectively, and sustainably, simplifying the challenges into manageable dimensions
• Unlock practical tools to lead data-informed change - reserve your place on Foundations of leading with data starting 3 Feb
• Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you

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.

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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 on their digital capabilities and to identify current strengths and areas for development.

Show Notes

· Watch the University of Manchester embraces flexible learning video

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