Connect More: a journey of connection, creativity and change
Connect More returns this December to explore how digital tools and approaches can enhance teaching, learning, and student support.
Things never stand still in the world of education and that’s also true for our Connect More events. They have always been events that look to the future of learning and teaching with practical sector-leading ideas, and this December’s instalment is no exception.
Connect More now runs twice a year, with the next one taking place over two half days on 2–3 December 2025. Registration is open and free to all Jisc members. We’re inviting educators, learning technologists and digital practitioners to join us online to explore how we transform education through practitioner-led, ethical digital innovation.
We know your schedule is busy, so the programme offers flexible drop-in sessions with recordings available if you can’t join live. Packed with practical ideas and inspiration, the programme is structured around three core topics:
- Empowering educators amid disruption
- Enhancing educational experiences for all
- Embedding ethical and inclusive digital practice
Bringing the outdoors online
One exciting session planned for the December event will be led by Richard Treves, training officer at the River Restoration Centre. His presentation, simple virtual field trips via online learning, explores how 360-degree photospheres can be used to enhance students’ observational skills in real-world scenarios without the need for complex VR setups.
From interpreting river forms to identifying safety issues in industrial settings, Richard’s approach is particularly interesting, as he offers a flexible, accessible alternative to traditional fieldwork, especially valuable for students with mobility challenges or when physical visits are impractical.
This session is a great example of our theme enhancing educational experiences for all, showing how technology can remove barriers and open up new possibilities for inclusive learning.
From disruption to discovery
Another session I’m looking forward to is from disruption to discovery: Empowering educators in the digital age led by Louise Woodhouse, head of digital education at Weston College.
In a time of rapid change, Louise will explore how disruption can become a catalyst for growth, curiosity and innovation. Drawing on initiatives like the DigiWest Festival, this session will share practical strategies for engaging with digital tools, upskilling, and building communities of practice that inspire transformation.
It’s a perfect fit for our theme of empowering educators amid disruption and aims to leave attendees with actionable ideas for embracing change and reimagining their roles in a digital-first world.
Supporting student success
I’m also pleased to see Dr Lina Petrakieva from Glasgow Caledonian University leading the session: A staged transition framework for international students. Supporting international students isn’t just about welcoming them on day one, it’s about guiding them through every stage of their journey to ensure a smooth, inclusive experience.
The approach spans three critical phases; pre-arrival, on-arrival and during-studies, bringing together universal institutional support with programme-specific guidance. It’s a smart, layered model that gives students both the broad resources they need and tailored content that reflects their discipline and professional context.
What I find most impressive is its scalability: it can be adapted across different programmes while maintaining consistent core support, making it a powerful tool for enhancing the student experience.
It’s a session that truly embodies our theme of enhancing educational experiences for all.
Looking back: inspiring ideas from May’s event
Over the years, Connect More has sparked conversations that push boundaries. One of my standouts from last May’s event was Gary Burnett’s session on The hologram lecturer: rethinking immersive experiences (YouTube). With the new Jisc innovation hub at the University of Stirling showcasing cutting-edge tools like the Proto M holographic unit, Gary explored what holographic technology could mean for communication, collaboration and the student experience.
Another highlight was AI in education: strategy, implementation, reflection (YouTube) from Queen’s University Belfast. Colleen Murray and Philip Hanna shared how they adapted our digital transformation framework to shape a strategic approach to generative AI. Their honest reflection on successes and challenges resonated deeply with attendees and sparked a flurry of questions, showing just how far we’ve come since AI was niche and distant from learning practice.
Join us this December
In the lead up to December’s event, I’ve been reflecting on where education and research might go next and how innovations showcased in these inspiring sessions can bring those futures a little closer. That’s exactly the kind of thinking Connect More is designed to spark.
This December, you can expect sessions that challenge assumptions, showcase bold ideas, and offer practical strategies you can take straight back to your own practice. Whether it’s building digital confidence, designing inclusive learning experiences, or making ethical choices about emerging tech, the Connect More programme will be packed with opportunities to learn, share and gain inspiration for future learning and teaching enhancement.
About the author
I have responsibility to ensure outstanding service for Jisc members and communities in both Northern Ireland and Scotland. For this dual role I split my time between both our Stirling and Belfast offices.