Connection, inspiration and research
A couple of weeks ago I was invited to go along to the 57th Student Experience Experts Group on the 13th May 2026 held at the Jisc offices in Bristol. It's actually the first one that I have been to, but I have been hearing great things about it for a long time now. It certainly lived up to expectations. The event skillfully brought together sector leader, practitioners and researchers to explore how digital transformation will shape and enhance the student experience across higher education. We met in our newly refurbished offices on the ground floor of the Jisc offices in Bristol which proved to be a really nice venue. Sarah Knight opened the day in her usual lovely warm and friendly manner and set the tone for a day of connection, inspiration and sharing. It was a really slick experience with clearly a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes from many colleagues including Elizabeth, Paola and Tabetha. The fabulous support from colleagues at the Bristol office and some of our relationship managers, Stuart, Mike, Kelly and Ben also smoothed the way for an easy registration experience and we were generally very well looked after. I have to say there were also some rather lovely breakfast pastries on arrival and sandwich goodies for lunch including some very nice cakes ! I really enjoyed all the talks and presentations, as well as the opportunity to network and talk to people. Here are just a few of my highlights ...
Key Themes
The day was themed four different but interelated areas :
- Understanding and improving the pre-arrival student experience
- Enhancing equity for transnational education (TNE) students
- Using beyond blended resources to improve teaching quality and student engagement
- Encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing across the sector sharing
Lightning Talks and Presentations
The morning session covered Jisc's Beyond blended resources and how it can support the quality of teaching and learning. This included hearing from Dr Stacie Gray, academic practice lead (delivery & data), University of Northampton and Dr Stephanie McDonald SFHEA, associate professor, faculty of science digital learning director, University of Nottingham who have both been part of the Beyond Blended research pilot. Hearing directly from our members who have used the Beyond Blended resources in practice really helped to bring things to life for me, particularly in terms of both the learner perspective and staff experience in relation to Six pillars for designing beyond blended learning. We also heard from from Professor Helen King director of learning innovation, development & skills, Bath Spa University who gave an enlightening and inspiring talk about the use of AI in supporting academics with assessment and feedback.
Beyond Blended
The fabulous Shelia MacNeill, Independent Consultant, gave a comprehensive overview of the Beyond Blended project.
- Four aspects of learning
- Four different modes of participation in learning
- Six pillars or precepts for curriculum design in the four modes
Afternoon Session
The afternoon session included talks on the pre arrival experience at the University of East London and an overview of the Office for Students funded national PAQ (Pre Arrival Questionnaire) project which explores student experiences and study engagement challenges. Jonathan Neves, head of research and surveys at Advance HE and Carolyn Moir, head of performance and insight, University of Worcester provided valuable insights into the practical application of this wprk.
The next couple of sessions offered a fascinating insight into the Jisc research pilots looking at how to enhance the digital experience for transnational students and staff. My lovely colleague Elizabeth Newall, senior sector specialist, digital transformation, and Dr Tabetha Newman, CEO, Timmus Research gave us an entertaining double act which set the context for some great shared experiences from members who have been using data gathered from the research :
- Prof. Sarah Flynn, deputy director of education, University of Hertfordshire
- Husna Ahmed, senior learning technologist, Royal Agricultural University
- Dr Crystal Tsay, deputy head of executive business centre, University of Greenwich
- Aimee Jones, head librarian - academic services, Cardiff Metropolitan University
This was followed by a Member showcase sharing practice in digital learning, teaching and assessment. My fabulous colleague Paola Marchionni Head of engagement introduced members from across the UK who shared their experiences of enrolment week, integrating AI as a critical friend in assessments, pre-arrival approaches and Hyflex delivery.
- Pre-induction support and student success: insights from the explore programme at Hartpury - Beth Leo, Hartpury University
- Integrating AI as a critical friend in assessments at Lincoln International Business School - Dr Lyn Collier-Greaves, University of Lincoln
- Pre-arrival isn't a phase. It's a relationship - Rachel Lamb, Southampton Solent University
- Hyflex at Manchester Met - Alicia Owen, senior digital education specialist, Manchester Metropolitan University
Meeting New Friends
It was lovely to catch up with some members that I have actually known for years and find out what they are doing now. However, I found myself sitting at a table with some lovely new friends, Crystal, Catherine and Eva. We had some really great conversations covering all aspects of both the student and staff experience. Crystal was also one of our speakers so it was great to hear about her experience with transnational student support. Catherine and I walked to the train station together and she very kindly agreed to let me have a quote about her experience of the day so you don't have to take my word for it !
“I really enjoyed attending the Jisc meeting – it was a great chance to connect with others across the sector and hear about the different ways people are supporting the student experience. It was especially nice to meet people in person and learn more about the research led by JISC, taking place. With thought-provoking discussions and ideas around learning design I’m looking forward to sharing these with colleagues to see what we might take forward for our own students.” ~ Catherine Tolmie
Catherine Tolmie Faculty International Student Support Tutor University of Portsmouth
If you would like to join the Student Experience Experts Group you can find more information here
Credits:
Images by Deb Baff