Event

Student experience experts group meeting

In the 56th in person meeting of the student experience group, we will explore the lived experiences of transnational students and staff in UK higher education

  • One day
  • Free

This event will be held on

  • 14 October 2025

    • Online
    • 09:30 – 15:45
    Book now

About

Drawing on new research from Jisc and Timmus Research, based on over 5,000 survey responses across 30+ countries, we will unpack the digital realities behind transnational education (TNE), challenging assumptions and offering sector-wide recommendations.

Participants will gain insights into four key digital challenges:

  • Connectivity and device ownership
  • Access to digital learning materials
  • Cultural expectations
  • Digital capabilities

The session will also provide space for reflection and discussion, helping institutions consider how to better support their international communities and create more equitable digital learning environments globally.

In addition, the meeting will showcase Jisc’s newly launched Digital Transformation Library Lens, offering a strategic view of how library and archive services can drive institutional change.

The final session, Beyond Blended, will share findings from Jisc’s pilot programme on blended learning design, with practical recommendations for supporting staff in evolving pedagogical approaches.

With expert speakers, sector collaboration, and actionable insights, this meeting promises to be a rich opportunity for shaping the future of digital student experience—locally and globally.

Our student experience experts group continues to play a vital role in informing and influencing the direction of future Jisc student experience work, as well learning, teaching and assessment. For more information about the group or to find out how to become a member, visit https://www.jisc.ac.uk/get-involved/learning-and-teaching-experts-group

At this meeting, participants attending will gain:

  • Deepened understanding of TNE digital challenges and opportunities
  • Strategic insights into digital transformation across library services
  • Actionable recommendations for blended learning design and staff support
  • Strengthened sector collaboration and shared commitment to inclusive digital
    education

Programme

Registration and tea/coffee pastries on arrival

Welcome and introduction to the meeting

Sarah Knight, director of digital transformation, Jisc

Digital assumptions versus global realities: understanding transnational experiences of UK higher education

Global education and technology: insights into transnational student and staff digital experiences, with key recommendations is Jisc's second research publication on the digital experiences of TNE students and staff, and launches on 9 October. In this session, we will reveal the main findings, along with sector recommendations, based on our research with 19 UK HE institutional partners that generated 5000+ survey responses (4,802 students and 471 staff) from 51 global instances of TNE in over 30 countries. Insights will be given into the TNE student and staff lived experience of the four key digital challenges first identified in Jisc's earlier report - connectivity and device ownership, access to digital learning materials, cultural expectations and digital capabilities - and what these mean for institutions striving to provide equitable learning experiences, globally.

The second part of this session will provide opportunities for participants to consider the implications of the research on their own organisations, and what actions they can take back to better support TNE (and international) students and staff.

Elizabeth Newall, senior sector specialist, Jisc and Dr Tabetha Newman, CEO of Timmus Research

Tea and coffee break

Lunch and networking time

Digital transformation library lens

This session will provide an overview of the newly launched lens which offers a focused view of Jisc’s framework for digital transformation from the perspective of university library and archive services. Some library services include broader functions that traditionally may not be seen as library operations or services (such as student services or scholarly communications) so this lens offers a broad perspective that includes these aspects. This lens was produced with input from a working group of senior librarians and representatives from the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL), Research Libraries UK (RLUK) and CILIP: the library and information association.

Paola Marchionni, head of engagement (digital transformation), Jisc

Breath work taster

Learn how controlled breathing can help you reduce stress, build resilience and improve focus. Experience power of breath in a short taster breathwork journey.

Joanna Wild, breathwork practitioner, founder of Viva Breath

Beyond blended – supporting institutions with their approaches to designing blended learning

In this panel session we will share the findings from our synthesis of the phase 1 beyond blended pilots, together with recommendations for how to support staff with designing blended learning.

There will also be opportunities for participants to discuss what the recommendations mean for their organisations.

Sheila MacNeill, consultant, Jisc and Sarah Knight, director of digital transformation, Jisc

Members showcase sharing practice in digital learning, teaching and assessment

We will hear from colleagues across higher education who share their practice.

Chair: Simon Birkett, senior sector specialist digital transformation, Jisc

Close of meeting

Who should attend

  • Leaders who are responsible for digital transformation of learning, teaching and assessment
  • Staff with a role of supporting the student experience within their college or university
  • Staff who have a role in supporting international and transnational education students
  • Open to staff and leaders with a role in technology-enhanced learning (TEL) or digital learning, teaching, and assessment

Contact

For further information, please contact events@jisc.ac.uk