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 news, guidance and events tailored to you.

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

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, advice for using digital technology in the classroom, and how he feels the role of the FE teacher might change over time.

Show notes

• Visit the DN Colleges Group website
• Connect with Phil on LinkedIn
• View Phil’s YouTube channel, Teachblend
• Follow Phil on Bluesky
• Read more about the immersive rooms
• Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you.