When we talk about the impact of community for digital skills, we often point to activities completed: events attended, tools explored, resources shared, accreditation gained. But the full value of a community can be difficult to capture with data alone. By collecting stories, we showcase the experiences people have, the confidence they build, and the […]
This is a guest blog from Patrick Turner, IT Systems Trainer at Leeds Trinity University, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a member of the community-led skills development project group. In today’s higher education landscape, digital capability has moved far beyond being a ‘nice to have’. It now underpins all aspects of the […]
Networks are more than just connections, they are catalysts for sector-wide transformation. This reflective blog explores how collaborative spaces can accelerate digital skills development, and has been provided by Chris Melia, as part of his continuing work with Jisc on the ‘community-led digital skills development’ project. Working with the HE Digital Practice and Innovation Network […]
We are getting ready to grow our community champions cohort and celebrate more trailblazers who are furthering education and research. Every year we are blown away by the communities, activities and programmes our community champions support. With Digifest 2026 fast approaching, here are recent achievements, highlights and ways our champions are creating connection. Creative reflection […]
This is a guest blog from Chris Melia, who is the Collaborative and Digital Practice Lead at the University of Lancashire, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a Jisc Community Champion. When was the last time you learned something that truly made a difference to the way that you work with […]
On 14 – 16 May 2025, I helped host Connect More. Packed with sessions on how educators are navigating today’s challenges, here are my takeaways from the fantastic free, three-day event. Future-ready educators Digital and AI literacy are in-demand skills so how can teachers make time to adapt? Chris Melia, collaborative and digital practice lead […]
After welcoming our new cohort of community champions to Digifest, we brought them together to learn about their communities. We discussed what makes them proud, their challenges and, this year, we were keen to find out our how they make change happen in their institutions and beyond. We reflect on the themes that came out […]
This year’s Digifest at the ICC in Birmingham was bigger and better than ever. A big part of our team’s experience of Digifest involves hosting our Community Champions – with the programme now in its fifth year. Each cohort of Champions are celebrated with a VIP experience at Digifest, with travel and accommodation, and a […]
Collaboration in community is key. As Jisc’s group of community champions grow, we love learning how they continue to support collective progress. Since Digifest 2024, we have watched the recent cohort of champions develop more opportunities to work together and connect people with the knowledge and support they need. What has been happening? Showcasing a […]
With plenty inspiring education and research communities, the community hub at Digifest 2024 introduced a podcast area to capture conversations about what motivates them. In this blog, learn how with the support of Jisc community champions, we prepared the podcasts and tips so you can try your own. The podcast buzz Hosting podcasts during the […]