Jisc has brought together sector bodies and professionals to support universities in plotting the path to the future of higher education. The initiative, learning and teaching reimagined, will provide university leaders with inspiration for what the future might hold, guidance on how to get there, and practical tools to develop their plans as the new academic year approaches. 

An interim report, launched today, kicks off with some helpful findings in relation to the changing needs of students and staff as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Titled “learning and teaching reimagined: change and challenge for students, staff and leaders“, the report explores how best to support students in a digital context, by highlighting the need for university leaders to think about their digital strategy, senior staff skill base and investment plans. 

Neil Morris, dean of education, University of Leeds, writes in the report:

“The months to come are the critical test for educational technology. If we get this wrong, then we could set this whole area back years because if people take away the perception that this is what we’ve been talking about in terms of online learning, and it goes badly, you can’t recover from that.”  

The report addresses the mixed feeling many students have about starting university this year in an online environment, and suggests setting out advice and guidance on how to better communicate the potential richness of technology-enhanced learning. 

Digital skills of staff and students are also on the agenda, as many have struggled to match their assumed level of expertise. 

The report also looks at the wellbeing of students and staff post-lockdown, digitally disenfranchised learners, the future of assessment, and how to protect students and staff online. 

David Maguire, interim principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Dundee and Jisc chair said:

“Celebrating universities’ significant achievements during the rapid shift to online learning, the report acknowledges that organisations can move quickly, covering huge distances when needs must, and that there is much to be proud of in this current phase of digital transformation. It’s now time to learn from that rapid change, identify what learning and teaching transformed looks like and determine a tangible route map for the future.” 

The future is uncertain for education, as it is for many other sectors during this time. Learning and teaching reimagined aims to support universities in sharing best practice, creating the best possible experience for students both now and in the years to come.  

• Learn more about learning and teaching reimagined    
• Read the interim report learning and teaching reimagined: change and challenge for students, staff and leaders