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.
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.
- Find out more about Activate Learning and their award-winning learning philosophy
- Discover our framework for digital transformation
- Find out more about the Association of Colleges Beacon Awards
- Read our member story sharing Activate Learning’s journey
- Subscribe to our Headlines newsletter, which has all the latest edtech news, guidance and events tailored to you
- Get in touch with us at podcast@jisc.ac.uk if you’d like to come on the show or know someone who might suit the series
Episode guests, hosts and producers
Episode guests

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

Fumiko Pescott
Faculty manager of online faculty, Activate Learning

Jonathan Hofgartner
Head of learning and teaching - licensing, Jisc
Episode host

Sophia Speakman
Marketing and communications officer, Jisc
Podcast links
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