Edtech

Education technologies have revolutionised university teaching, facilitating immersive learning, gamification, hybrid education and AI-adaptive learning – find out how

Students role-playing a psychology appointment

What simulations bring to teaching soft skills

Role play and immersive VR experiences can bridge the gap between theory and practice as students acquire – and teachers assess – skills in communication and problem-solving

Daniel Brown, Krystal Schaffer, Kim Stewart

University of Southern Queensland

Laptop with warning sign

Higher education needs a united approach to AI

If universities’ response to AI and education is as fractured as the sector’s adoption of blended learning, we may well find ourselves in a similar position in 20 years’ time with duplicated costs and missed research opportunities, writes Sara de Freitas

Sara de Freitas

Birkbeck, University of London

A red toy robot sits on a pile of books

With AI at their fingertips, are students still learning?

The ubiquity of artificial intelligence may be affecting students’ cognitive development. Gareth Morris and Bamidele Akinwolemiwa consider how to address this

Gareth Morris, Bamidele Akinwolemiwa

University of Nottingham Ningbo China

A bird's eye view shot of a woman sat on a lawn, using several devices

Campus life is entering a new era, but don’t forget the human touch

With the acceleration of technology, the university experience is changing. As academics, it’s up to us to guide our students through this new normal of learning, navigating information and socialising, writes Nazlihasri Abdul Rahman

Nazlihasri Abdul Rahman

Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)

A hand holds a holographic lightbulb

‘You’re my only hope’: embedding holographic learning experiences into teaching

While there are barriers for using virtual reality in the university classroom, holographic experiences could light the way forward. Gary Burnett and Vikki Locke explain how

Gary Burnett, Vikki Locke

Loughborough University

A masked teacher leads a class

The pandemic taught me the benefits of flipped homework

In this extract from ‘Online Education During Covid-19 and Beyond’, Olga Amarie shares what she learned about flipped homework while teaching pandemic-era French lessons

Olga Amarie

Georgia Southern University

A robot and human hand put two jigsaw puzzle pieces together

Rather than restrict the use of AI, let’s embrace the challenge it offers

Using the AI assessment scale, we can equip students with the skills they’ll need for the future workplace. Mike Perkins and Jasper Roe explain how

Mike Perkins, Jasper Roe

British University Vietnam, James Cook University Singapore

A hand reaches for a wooden block displaying "AI"

We should be thinking about assessments and AI in a completely different way

Let’s embrace the benefits of AI rather than fearing its impact on academic misconduct. Dilshad Sheikh offers her tips on adopting new technology in pedagogy

Dilshad Sheikh

Arden University

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THE podcast: the future of XR and immersive learning

Immersive technology expert Monica Arés explains how the combination of artificial intelligence and extended reality in education has the potential to unlock curiosity and learning, the costs that come with these tools and what she thinks teaching technology will look like in 2034

Monica Arés

Imperial College London

AI concept

The ‘deep learn’ framework: elevating AI literacy in higher education

AI literacy is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a critical skill for university students. The ‘deep learn’ framework offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing literacy around artificial intelligence and application in higher education settings

Birgit Phillips

FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences

A robot drops papers as it's caught in a flashlight beam

Is it time to turn off AI detectors?

In this extract from their new book, ‘Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning’, José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson discuss the reliability of AI detection tools and how to combat cheating without them

José Antonio Bowen, C. Edward Watson

American Association of Colleges and Universities

A lecturer points to a computer screen while a student listens

How to develop a digital competency framework everyone can benefit from

It’s up to higher education institutions to teach students the digital skills they’ll need for the world of work. Steven Wong outlines the framework his team developed to educate students and staff

Steven Wong

Singapore Institute of Technology

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THE podcast: interview with Mark Thompson, professor of digital economy at the University of Exeter

Academic, practitioner and policy commentator Mark Thompson shares his concern that UK higher education is drifting from its true north of research, teaching and impact in the wake of complex digital change and the prisoner’s dilemma of whole-sector transformation

Mark Thompson

University of Exeter

Yellow crocuses growing through snow

In the cold, unforgiving environment of higher education, embrace the promise of spring

Just as the seasons transition from cold, harsh winters to vibrant springs, educators can navigate the challenges of higher education and find moments of growth and inspiration. John Sinclair shows how

John Sinclair

Colorado State University Global

Wooden blocks are linked together with an AI block in the centre

The three questions that will define the future of higher education

Generative AI is here to stay – how can higher education respond? Julia Chen poses three fundamental questions to explore a strategic vision for the sector

Julia Chen

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

data management concept

Data management strategy in higher education: a blueprint for excellence

By assessing data maturity, establishing data governance, creating centralised data teams and adopting a dynamic data reference model, institutions can remain agile in an evolving technological landscape, writes Nick Chaviano

Nick Chaviano

Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities

Digital butterfly emerges from cocoon

Ideas that make a difference for the digital transformation of universities

In a series of Campus resources, UK digital adopters explore what has worked (and what has not) as universities go digital and where investment in technology can be most effective

Sarah Dyer, Craig Walker, Lisa Harris, Arunangsu Chatterjee, Niamh Downing

University of Manchester, HEdway Group, University of Exeter, University of Leeds, Canterbury Christ Church University

A group of people sitting round a laptop

Give educators the skills to bring assessment into the future

How can academics get to grips with the most cutting-edge of assessment tools? Matthew Courtney details how to educate STEM experts on modern assessment systems

Matthew Courtney

Nazarbayev University

Illustration of people in silhouette with cityscape

Harnessing the humanities for transformative tech leadership

Amid a growing awareness that humanities students and faculty need data literacy, Rishi Jaitly, a longstanding champion of the humanities in technology, explains why data and technology leaders also need an education in the liberal arts

Rishi Jaitly

Virginia Tech

An illustration of a woman with a laptop sitting on a bar chart

Prepare the workforce of tomorrow by integrating data literacy into your curriculum

Data literacy skills are increasingly important in the modern workplace. Ermal Haranlli, Nedelin Velikov and Kehara Warnakulasuriya offer their advice on readying your students for the future

Ermal Haranlli, Nedelin Velikov , Kehara Warnakulasuriya

The London School of Economics and Political Science

A laptop displays a lively Zoom call

Welcome aboard! Tips for building an online community of learners

Building an online learning community can help students form social bonds and boost their motivation, but requires specific efforts to be successful. Karin Avnit and Prasad Iyer show us how

Karin Avnit , Prasad Iyer

Singapore Institute of Technology

what's your story speech bubble

How authentic stories can empower the ‘unheard voices’

Storytelling can be a powerful change agent. When proposing change – such as the digital transformation in universities – leadership needs to communicate in ways that cut through the noise and inspire action, write three digital adopters

Lisa Harris, Sarah Dyer, Craig Walker

University of Exeter, University of Manchester, HEdway Group

digital transformation concept

Why the ‘machine says no’: how asking for less can get you more…

Under-investment and lack of future proofing of core digital systems have left many universities with creaking legacy infrastructure that cannot support increasing demands. Here, three digital adopters suggest that incremental improvements could be a way forward

Craig Walker, Lisa Harris, Sarah Dyer

HEdway Group, University of Exeter, University of Manchester

A robot hand takes a survey using emoji faces

How AI can revolutionise the way we analyse student surveys

Student surveys provide a potential goldmine of data. Kirsty Bryant suggests deploying AI to maximise your insight

Kirsty Bryant

University of Westminster

Digital marketing concept

Transforming marketing lectures with AI and simulations

How do we teach students marketing theory while preparing them for an evolving professional landscape? Rohim Mohammed looks at how artificial intelligence and simulations foster practical, interactive learning

Rohim Mohammed

University College Birmingham

A man holding a laptop top gazes at a screen displaying a graph

The what, why and how of data visualisation for higher education

Wondering how to get started with data visualisation? Andrew Moles lays out the basics and offers his advice

Andrew Moles

The London School of Economics and Political Science

Webinar graphic

Campus webinar: Can universities keep pace with digital transformation?

Three Australian digital education experts from the Campus+ network explore the benefits and risks of AI and VR in teaching and learning, and gauge higher education’s pace of digital transformation

Edward Palmer, Julie Lindsay, Karen Blackmore

The University of Adelaide, University of Southern Queensland , The University of Newcastle, Australia

Podcast title card

THE podcast: microcredentials are knocking. Will higher education answer?

Tips from 10 years of Moocs at the University of Edinburgh and a call to arms to embrace technology for greater equity and financial sustainability

Melissa Highton, Michael D. Smith

The University of Edinburgh, Carnegie Mellon University

A hand holds a tiny globe wearing a mortarboard

Tips for mastering the Global Shared Learning Classroom

The Global Shared Learning Classroom can help extend internationalism beyond traditional exchange programmes. Jorge Alvarez offers advice

Jorge Alvarez

Monterrey Institute of Technology

Pupil in a class

How to use YouTube videos in a flipped classroom system

With students’ attention spans decreasing, it’s important to find engaging ways to help with pre-class preparation, writes Aravind Reghunathan

Aravind Reghunathan

Loughborough University

A small figure kicks over the first in a line of towering stone dominoes

How small universities can make big digital changes

Even tiny institutions can punch above their weight when implementing changes. Chris Porter shares the lessons learned from overhauling library digital services at Birmingham Newman University

Chris Porter

Birmingham Newman University

Saddle pressure mat used to teach horse riding

Get off your high horse: using technology to make equine courses more inclusive

A group of educators at Scotland’s Rural College have reached more diverse students by using wearable technology to update traditional methods of teaching horse riding

Jennifer Fitzpatrick

Scotland's Rural College

VR can be used to improve students' mental well-being

How the shores of a VR island promote student well-being and social connections

Virtual reality environments can create safe and relaxing spaces for students, offering them mindfulness meditation and social connection, says Pete Bridge

Pete Bridge

University of Liverpool

A hand adds the final building block to a small tower

How to help students get the best out of blended learning

What are students looking for in their hybrid classrooms? Bavani Divo, Miriam Wun and Eric Chua discuss their recent findings from student focus groups on the subject

Bavani Divo, Eric Chua, Miriam Wun

Singapore Institute of Technology

A woman sits in front of a laptop with a Zoom meeting taking place onscreen

Want to advance students’ self-learning? Look at your course design

Building self-learning into your blended learning courses will help students grow in confidence. Tan Chin Pei outlines the structures and support needed

Tan Chin Pei

Singapore Institute of Technology

A yellow toy robot waves hello

How hard can it be? Testing the dependability of AI detection tools

Students are using artificial intelligence to write essays and other assessment tasks, but can they fool the AI detection tools? Daniel Lee and Edward Palmer put a few to the test

Daniel Lee, Edward Palmer

The University of Adelaide

AI concept

Learning the machine: shaping the future of creative education

Educators should engage with artificial intelligence and other technologies not just as users but as influencers, write Ed D’Souza and Sunil Manghani

Ed D'Souza, Sunil Manghani

University of Southampton

Metacognition with AI

How to strengthen your metacognitive skills to collaborate effectively with AI

To follow their previous piece on why metacognition is crucial for collaborating with Generative AI, Sidra and Claire Mason reveal how to boost those specific metacognitive skills

Sidra, Claire Mason

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Artificial intelligence represented by a digital image of a human head

Artificial intelligence and academic integrity: striking a balance

A look at how universities can encourage the ethical and transparent use of artificial intelligence tools to support learning while guarding against misconduct

Georgina Chami

The University of the West Indies

online buttons

Why buttons press our buttons

A design system can underpin consistency and content standards in university website and digital services, but it does not replace good design decisions. Here, Ayala Gordon offers guidance to content design teams

Ayala Gordon

University of Southampton

A robot acting as a lecturer

ChatGPT and generative AI: 25 applications to support student engagement

In the fourth part of their series looking at 100 ways to use ChatGPT in higher education, Seb Dianati and Suman Laudari share 25 prompts for the AI tool to boost student engagement

Seb Dianati, Suman Laudari

Charles Darwin University

Two colleagues working together at a computer

ChatGPT and generative AI: 25 applications to support administrative tasks

In the third part of their series looking at 100 ways to use ChatGPT in higher education, Seb Dianati and Suman Laudari share 25 prompts for the AI tool to assist with administrative duties

Seb Dianati, Suman Laudari

Charles Darwin University

AI robot checking writing

Enhancing manuscript clarity and ethical credibility with ChatGPT

Ikenna Uwanuakwa shares experience and tips for using ChatGPT to improve academic writing without falling foul of ethical considerations

Ikenna Uwanuakwa

Near East University

A robot holds up a sign showing two people talking

Harness human and artificial intelligence to improve classroom debates

A guide to using artificial intelligence to support nuanced class debates that train students’ critical thinking and communication skills

Elmar Kutsch

Cranfield University

Robot and human connecting over light globe

Universities, AI and the common good

Higher education must find paths for meaningful engagement with artificial intelligence, to leverage its potential, explain the problems and mitigate the hazards, writes Rajani Naidoo

Rajani Naidoo

University of Bath

Human brain and metacognition

Collaborating with artificial intelligence? Use your metacognitive skills

Metacognition in humans holds the key to ‘collaborative intelligence’ – making the most effective use of the complementary strengths of human and artificial intelligence

Claire Mason, Sidra, Andrew Reeson, Cécile Paris

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

young smiling woman using laptop

Nudge technology can help students re-engage

Early-intervention initiatives to tackle student disengagement can be challenging to implement. A centralised, targeted approach using a communication nudge can encourage students to re-engage with online learning

Ellie Kay

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury

Medical student in virtual reality headset

Using VR to change medical students’ attitudes towards older patients

A five-minute virtual reality exercise has the power to dramatically shift students’ understanding of and empathy for dementia patients’ experience

János Kollár

Semmelweis University

Universities on Fire climate change podcast

THE podcast: the AI university is coming

AI expert Ashok Goel is back on the podcast to help us understand the implications of ChatGPT for higher education and what will happen next

Ashok Goel

Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities

hands using laptop

Digital accessibility is real and tangible

A workshop using real-life examples and first-hand experience of how assistive technology works can result in a deeper understanding of accessibility needs

Tharindu Liyanagunawardena

University of Reading