Education leaders explore digital futures at Jisc’s MediaCity immersion tour

The tour brought together leaders from colleges and universities for a day of insight, discussion and inspiration on digital transformation, AI, and the future of learning environments.

The University of Salford provided valuable insight on their approach to digital transformation which sparked wide-ranging discussion on learning space design, licensing, accessibility, and the ethical use of AI.

Jisc colleagues shared how its group negotiation strategies were helping members to make the most of their software licensing budgets. This included details of software agreements currently in place, which last year contributed to a £500m saving for the education and research sectors.

Guests also heard from the BBC’s Cerys Griffiths, creative director BBC Education, who shared how BBC Bitesize is evolving to meet the needs of learners in a digital-first world. The conversation highlighted the importance of ensuring equitable access to AI tools and the need for stronger links between education and industry.

The first stop on the site visit was the content creator studio – a cutting-edge facility supporting local businesses, student interns and influencers with podcasting, green screen, and other creative technologies. The second was the BBC Blue Room, a consumer R&D space showcasing emerging technologies and the future of broadcast media.

Robin Ghurbhurun, Jisc’s managing director for further education and skills, commented:

“The power of Jisc lies in our ability to convene and empower our communities. This latest immersion tour brought together further and higher education leaders with a world-class partner, the BBC, to explore the future of digital learning. These experiences are not just inspiring, they’re essential for shaping inclusive, digitally confident institutions that can meet the needs of every learner.”

Sector voices: reflections from the day

Jamie Purser, principal and CEO at Newham College, highlighted the value of peer exchange:

“A fascinating insight into creative media, digital modernisation and how Manchester's learning ecosystem is creating a pipeline of world-class talent in broadcast and creative media, wealth building for the local community.”

Professor Jane Mooney, chair in educational development and digital capability at The University of Manchester:

"In addition to connecting with colleagues attending and sharing approaches and challenges across the sector, hearing how the BBC's Blue Room consumer technology showcase had been established was the highlight for me. Translating horizon-scanning to practice is a critical organisational capability and it was impactful to see its potential realised through this facility, with the result that the team have been able to 'speed up those 'penny-drop' moments' with colleagues."

Paul Fanshawe, executive of business intelligence, growth and skills at City College Plymouth, emphasised the importance of media literacy:

“The opportunity to listen and learn from leading professionals across the sector was invaluable. It’s driven conversations about AI access, learning space design, and how we equip students to navigate a digital world.”

Mark Emerson, vice-principal at Colchester Institute, reflected on the human side of digital transformation:

“The immersion tour was a fantastic opportunity to step outside the day-to-day, experience high-quality industry environments, and reflect with colleagues on what really drives digital change: our people, and how we develop both staff and learners for the future.”

PJ Hemmingway, CIO at the University of Manchester:

“The real highlight was the opportunity to spend time with Jisc and peers from across the sector, openly discussing the challenges we face in higher education. These spaces for collective reflection are incredibly valuable.”

Meral Ali, student at the University of Salford, shared their perspective of the tour:

“Visiting the BBC Blue Room was an honour too as I didn’t know such a space existed. It was eye-opening to see how the BBC showcases new and emerging technologies in one space to help teams stay up to date.

“I used to think AI would be something teachers pushed back on, something too linked to cheating. But this experience showed me the opposite; many academics are actively working to help students learn how to use AI with the right skills and mindset. It gave me hope for a more inclusive, future-ready education system.”

Sector voices: reflections from the day

Further reading