Podcast

Beyond the Technology: award winners' miniseries – Activate Learning empowers adult learners

Fumiko Pescott and Savneet Bains from Activate Learning join us to discuss their award-winning approach to digital technology in further education.

Beyond the technology podcast graphic

This mini series celebrates award winners for their innovative use of digital technology and shares standout practices from tertiary education.

In this episode, Savneet (Savi) and Fumiko (Miko) discuss Activate Learning’s unique learning philosophy which moves away from focusing solely on the traditional methods of teaching. Miko shares with us the emotion and motivation in the online and remote learning process that is needed to change the nature of the teacher role in an online setting to one that is coaching focused to sustain learner motivation.

The team addresses student challenges such as device access, personal commitments, the pandemic and financial constraints with practical solutions to ensure inclusivity.

Jonathan Hofgartner, the lead assessor for the Jisc Beacon Awards, emphasises how Activate's strategy aligns with criteria like innovation, impact, and sustainability.

Finally, Savi and Miko share the critical role that feedback has in driving learner success. By providing timely feedback within 48 hours, even on evenings and weekends, Activate Learning keeps adult learners engaged and motivated to complete assignments. This commitment to rapid feedback, combined with a coaching-focused teaching model, distinguishes Activate Learning's approach and contributes to its success.

Episode guests, hosts and producers

Episode guests

  • Headshot of Savi Bains

    Savneet Bains

    Faculty manager online provision (access and distance learning), Activate Learning

  • Headshot of Fumiko Pescott

    Fumiko Pescott

    Faculty manager of online faculty, Activate Learning

  • Headshot of Jon Hofgartner

    Jonathan Hofgartner

    Head of learning and teaching - licensing, Jisc

Episode host

  • Sophia Speakman headshot

    Sophia Speakman

    Marketing and communications officer, Jisc

Get in touch

If you want to come on the show, or have any questions, you can get in touch with us by emailing podcast@jisc.ac.uk