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
Kay Grieves, deputy director learning, teaching and research, student and library services, Teesside University
Breathwork 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.
Chair: Simon Birkett, senior sector specialist, digital transformation
Speakers:
- Dr Alison Purvis, associate dean learning, teaching and student success, Sheffield Hallam University
- John Brindle, learning design manager at Edge Hill University
- Sheila MacNeill, educational consultant
A staged transition framework for international students: integrating universal and programme-specific support
This presentation introduces a comprehensive transition framework designed to support international students through three critical phases: pre-arrival, on-arrival, and during studies. The model employs a multi-layer approach that combines universal support materials addressing common challenges faced by all international students with programme-specific guidance tailored to disciplinary requirements and professional contexts. By integrating generic institutional resources with targeted academic and professional preparation, this framework ensures both broad accessibility and specialized relevance, creating a scalable model that can be adapted across different programmes while maintaining consistent core transition support.
Chair: Simon Birkett, senior sector specialist digital transformation, Jisc
Speaker:
- Lina Petrakieva, academic development tutor, learning development centre, Glasgow Caledonian University
Using AI tools with Purpose
This session explores how we can integrate AI into the teaching and learning process, from a library and academic writing perspective, with a particular focus on criticality.
Chair: Simon Birkett, senior sector specialist digital transformation, Jisc
Speakers:
- Julie McCall, head of academic liaison (colleges)
- Thomas Clifton, lecturer in academic writing, Coventry University
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