Embedding Adobe Express to transform creative learning and digital fluency

As a leading specialist arts university in the UK, Arts University Plymouth was already well-versed in Adobe tools, with many students using advanced Creative Cloud software. So, what additional value could Adobe Express add to a campus where creativity is already embedded in everyday learning?

The ambition

In its 2025-2030 strategy ‘Creative Education for a Changing World,’ Arts University Plymouth outlines an ambitious vision to align its curriculum with emerging technologies and evolving industry needs. While creative arts students often use advanced Adobe tools, the demand for remote access and equitable use has grown since COVID-19. Adam Levi, senior learning technologist at Arts University Plymouth explains:

“Many students commute long distances or juggle personal commitments, so remote access was essential, especially for our growing cohort of mature students. Even in courses using advanced software, Adobe Express provides a simple, effective option for creating presentations, social media content and displaying work digitally.”

The solution

While the university was keen to utilise the full Adobe Creative Cloud, the complexity of the programmes and budget constraints made it infeasible. The full student coverage option for Adobe Express, which was introduced through the Jisc Adobe enterprise term licence agreement (ETLA), offered an interesting solution. Adam explains:

“The Adobe Express option available via the Jisc Adobe ETLA offered an affordable, flexible tool to boost our digital infrastructure. Accessible both on or off campus, it supports digital literacy among all students and staff. Crucially, it also expands assessment possibilities across all courses and supports our broader digital capability goals.”

Making it work

Simply having Adobe Express wasn’t enough: Arts University Plymouth needed to tailor its use to fit its unique context to drive digital transformation and maximise impact.

The university’s unique Common Unit Framework spans all subjects with shared learning outcomes across all disciplines, so assessment points are also naturally aligned.

“Authentic assessment for our students means designing assessment tasks that reflect real-world creative industry scenarios. For example, asking students to pitch an idea or design helps them to practise industry-relevant skills. Adobe Express provides easy-to-use, flexible tools to support this kind of work.”

Success, relied on academic buy-in, including from disciplines where digital tools are not traditionally prioritised or utilised widely. They needed to show the tool’s value beyond creativity, showing how it could support and promote the creation of physical art in a range of media. Adam explains:

“Adobe Express sparked wider conversations around digital pedagogy, curriculum innovation and employability. Students often start with fixed career goals, but their paths are rarely linear. Strengthening digital literacy builds transferable skills and boosts adaptability in a competitive jobs market.”

With Adobe’s support, two student-engagement champions were appointed to promote the platform and encourage sign-ups. While there were plans to expand the initiative, competing priorities, like the new learning management system (LMS) roll out, redirected focus and resources which meant the expansion wasn’t as widely felt as intended.

Learning from collaboration

Joining the Jisc Adobe ‘transforming together’ programme - available exclusively to members who purchase their Adobe licensing via the Jisc ETLA - was pivotal for Arts University Plymouth:

“As a small institution still developing digitally, it was invaluable to connect with Jisc, Adobe, and other universities - to share ideas, gain support, and raise Arts University Plymouth’s digital profile in a digital education space.”

While the programme sparked many ideas, capacity to implement them was sometimes limited. Adam reflects:

“Involving senior staff earlier would have helped secure buy-in. In hindsight, rolling out Adobe Express required more institutional commitment than we anticipated and had capacity for. Other ‘transforming together’ institutions took a staff-first approach whereas we decided to focus directly on students and strengthening their engagement.”

Presenting at Digifest opened valuable conversations and Adam continues to connect with peers, highlighting the power of collaboration across diverse institutions.

Reflections and next steps

If he had his time again, what would Adam have done differently?

“I would have liked to have time to plan before the roll out. Once the ball was rolling it was hard to pause and adjust. Initially, we focused mainly on students, but engaging academics early is vital to show how the tool enhances teaching, learning, and assessment.”

Now Arts University Plymouth is creating teaching guides for each unit, giving staff practical examples, along with guidance on digital input and output. Adam observes:

“Small pockets of students are now engaging with Adobe Express more creatively. Previously, many over-relied on Google Docs and Slides. Express has unlocked new creative ways for students to make video reports and digitally showcase their physical work.”

And advice for others going down the Adobe Express route?:

“Plan before you buy. Involve a multi-disciplinary team with clear time commitments bringing people in as needed. Regular meetings help – but only if stakeholders see the tool’s value.”

Looking ahead, he adds:

“With a new LMS, evolving assessments and Jisc’s digital capability discovery tool, our next phase brings exciting opportunities - I’m eager to see where our digital transformation leads.”

Find out more about licensing at Jisc.