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 channel, which has created connections worldwide. James highlights the collaborative and sharing nature of the FE sector and how in his role he’s been able to observe a wide range of teaching, picking ideas up as he goes, like a magpie.

James rounds out the discussion by sharing advice for teachers looking to use digital technology and how he can see the role of the FE teacher changing over time.

Show notes

• Check out James’s EdTech blog
• Visit James’s YouTube channel
• Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you

Simon Birkett talks to Lucy Everest, global chief operating officer, and Fraser Muir, global director of information services, from Heriot-Watt University about their global approach to digital transformation to enable continuous evolution and improvement.

In this episode of Beyond the Technology, host Simon Birkett is joined by Lucy Everest, global chief operating officer, and Fraser Muir, global director of information services, from Heriot-Watt University to discuss digital transformation and the importance of embedding a digital mindset.

Lucy begins the conversation by detailing what digital transformation looks like at Heriot-Watt, as an enabler of growth, effective ways of working and efficiency.

Fraser and Lucy continue by looking at the essential building blocks of digital transformation, understanding the imperative to change and using micro transformations to drive small efficiencies that can scale.

Fraser goes on to talk about the digital student experience and use of data and insights, and Lucy reflects on their approach to engaging a broad set of stakeholders on a global level.

Lastly, Lucy and Fraser discuss the challenges of implementing transformational projects and predict where the sector may be in five years’ time in terms of digital transformation.

Listen to the full episode for all of this and more.

Show notes:

• Check out our framework for digital transformation in higher education 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 our digital transformation in higher education guide
• Join our Digital transformation in higher education working group - Digital transformation in higher education working group - Jisc
• Subscribe to Headlines - our newsletter which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you