Blog
How smaller publishers are adapting and responding to the open access landscape
Small presses offer unique perspectives and wide viewpoints, and should be valued, supported and encouraged.
byAnna HughesThere’s nothing technical about cyber security
How to persuade senior management to invest in cyber protection, from avoiding acronyms to building a community.
byDavid BathoAmplifying the voice of the further education and skills sector is key to improving software licensing terms
Collaboration between the FES community and Jisc is essential to enhancing our collective ability to drive transparency and fair pricing for the benefit of all
byLuciana PiccoliShining a spotlight on digital poverty
Analysis of the Digital experience insights survey highlights gaps in access to digital learning.
byClare KillenandDominic WalkerThe dos and don’ts of dealing with DDoS attacks
Vigilance and a complete understanding of what DDoS entails are critical to staying protected.
byClare StonebridgeandBen CrowtherOptimising the UK’s digital research infrastructure through the power of community
Reducing research bureaucracy, supporting international collaboration and growing net zero imperatives are all increasingly critical.
byVictoria MoodyOpen and transparent research is vital, but not easy - and it is reliant on research professionals
Openness and transparency are important components of rigorous and reproducible research and are fundamental to supporting a healthy research and innovation culture.
byTamsin BurlandandNeil JacobsExploring AI and assessment – avoid, outrun or embrace
A review of the three main approaches to generative AI in assessment.
bySue AttewellTransforming the learner experience by extending eduroam across the campus and beyond
Simply by opening their laptop, tablet or phone, users can now access online learning – wherever they are.
byTom HaymanThink like a hacker: improve your cyber security
Understanding how threat actors work makes it easier to make their lives more difficult
byNicole StewartNetworkshop 2024: Building the powerful connections needed to deliver the best learner experience
Explore next generation networking while also contributing to your continued professional development programme.
byJoy PalmerUK must step up to ensure access to digital learning is ethical, innovative and inclusive
Reflections from the State of the Net conference
byPaul McKeanBecoming anti-racist isn’t always easy or comfortable: but it’s the right thing to do
Outlining Jisc's journey from a non-racist to an actively anti-racist organisation
byGeorgios PappasWhat do students know about AI?
The updated Jisc discovery tool will help them find out.
byDr Becki VickerstaffandAndrew McFadyenUsing UKRI’s open access fund for long-form publications: a guide from Jisc
We’ve created a guide for librarians and research professionals who are applying for UKRI’s OA fund for long-form publications to ensure procedures can be followed with ease.
byAnna HughesSix ways FE colleges can help learners and teachers thrive in an AI-enabled world
A new set of guiding principles from Jisc and AoC makes it easier for colleges to use AI safely, responsibly and effectively.
byMichael WebbInternational Women’s Day: why STEM education remains male-dominated
Addressing the gender disparity requires a holistic approach, but virtual reality and learning through gameplay have the potential to make learning content more inclusive, accessible and engaging.
byFiona SteelUniversities should test their cyber defences - before someone else does
Academia is the top target for ransomware attacks, but there are practical steps that institutions can take to bolster their cyber security
byHenry HughesTechnology and lifelong learning can be a lifeline for adult students
This #CollegesWeek2024 we’re celebrating the impact blended and online education has on adult learners looking to upskill and improve their prospects for a better life.
byPaul McKeanMicrosoft translation tools can change teaching forever
Hull College has made learning more accessible and inclusive for over 1000 students in their City of Sanctuary by embedding Microsoft translation tools throughout the classroom and the wider campus.
byDeborah MillarHow we created an anti-racist curriculum that could transform the future of teaching
Wales’ innovative anti-racist curriculum aims to shape the world positively and break down barriers through the use of digital.
byYusuf IbrahimAI 2030 – navigating the future of artificial intelligence
As we stand at the crossroads of technological evolution, it is crucial we reflect on our journey so far in order to chart a course for the future.
byMichael WebbLet’s get ‘phygital’ – working out the future of work and education
Our mix of physical and digital workspaces is rudimentary and human skills will be as vital as future tech to making it work.
byDr Nicola MillardWhen it comes to partnership in the Scottish colleges sector, love really is all around
This #LoveScotlandsColleges week we’re highlighting the importance of partnerships to achieve colleges’ ambitions.
byJason Miles-CampbellData, digital and technology will lead the way in reducing research bureaucracy
Recommendations for Jisc from the independent review of research bureaucracy aim to enhance efficiency and support researchers in their important work.
byVictoria MoodyImplementing AI with digital wellbeing at its CORE
Basingstoke College of Technology is supporting staff and students in the ethical use of technology, including AI, to augment learning and support staff wellbeing.
byScott HaydenArtificial intelligence (AI) can make learning more inclusive for all
Insights into how using AI in the classroom can make learning more inclusive for students of all abilities.
byChris Temple-Murraye-textbooks and the future of learning, teaching and assessment
The challenges of accessing e-textbooks are well known with cost continuing to be at the top of the list.
byLibby HomerandGavin PhillipsUKRI monograph open access policy coming soon: here’s what you need to know
Are you ready for the new UKRI monograph open access policy?
byAnna HughesWelcome to a new age of digital enlightenment
Artificial intelligence takes the spotlight at this year’s Association of Colleges conference.
byRobin GhurbhurunUniversity staff are in the digital transformation driving seat, and they need better directions
Digital transformation stands to improve higher education for everyone - here’s why it’s so important to listen to the staff implementing it.
byKathryn HeywoodElevating the FE and skills sector through digital transformation
The further education and skills strategy review outlines Jisc's key achievements in supporting the sector on it's digital transformation journey.
byRobin GhurbhurunWhy should libraries publish AI-ready collections?
From universities to commerce, law and entertainment, AI is already starting to revolutionise the world around us, and libraries and research are no exception.
byPeter FindlayMetaversity challenge: How can edtech help higher education leaders overcome their biggest obstacles?
A report with Emerge Education has found higher education leaders are juggling staying updated with cutting-edge trends while addressing urgent sector challenges.
byNic Newman'Cyber security: the task is significant and complex, but we are not alone’
Written by Universities UK (UUK) in association with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Jisc, new guidance for the higher education sector demonstrates the criticality of cyber security.
byProfessor Paul BoyleWithout intervention, AI could widen the digital divide for students
Access to education is a basic human right for all.
byPaul McKeanIt’s never too late to learn about AI and how it can improve education
First steps in AI: how Jisc is helping colleges and universities start their journey on the right foot.
bySue AttewellHow is Jisc supporting universities to make digital transformation achievable?
While it’s true that all universities are transforming digitally, the process is far from uniform.
bySarah KnightCreating a learner's digital passport to better wellbeing
Schools and colleges gather plenty of data about individual learners' wellbeing, but it is often lost when they move to higher education, impacting a university's ability to provide wellbeing support.
byRobin GhurbhurunandLiam EarneyInstitutions have the tools needed for sustainable change: the key is turning ideas into strategy
Environmental sustainability as a concept is not new. Colleges and universities have long considered how to minimise waste and make practices more efficient, not only for the good of the planet, but also to reduce costs.
byCal InnesResearch’s AI future is nearly here – are we ready?
The AI revolution is about to hit the research sector at scale. As we begin to explore the possibilities of AI in research and research management, it’s Jisc’s role to work with members, funders and stakeholders to develop ethical and practical ways of adapting it.
byVictoria MoodyWe need to reset the balance between the quality of research and impact storytelling
Problems outlined by a recent government report could be tackled by changing one element of research assessment.
byDr Alex FreemanDoes online learning deter university applicants?
Prospects has surveyed 2,000 UK university students to find out what they think about different modes of study. The results might be a little unexpected, but what can we learn from them?
byChris ReaUse one platform as your bridge to data maturity
Using a single data platform can create wide-ranging efficiencies for providers looking to build learning analytics into their organisational culture.
byJames HodgkinNew UKRI monographs policy is evolution, not revolution, of OA landscape
Monographs policy aims to boost longer forms of research
byCaren MilloyOn the edge: how a new approach to data handling can enhance teaching and learning
Why edge computing is a critical element in digital transformation for education and research
bySimon FarrGood, Better, Best – how small steps can drive higher education analytics success
Data analytics offer a way for providers to track and improve key metrics whilst supporting students, but how can they build an analytics culture?
byJim KeaneI love my job: pen testers are like the rock stars of IT!
It’s up to us to find weaknesses in systems before the bad actors do. Our work helps members to build better defences against cyber-attacks.
byAlex PostbechildThe Janet Network: delivering mission-critical services for UK education and research
An in-depth look at how Jisc provides the power to connect, collaborate and improve the student experience.
byNeil Shewry‘Jisc can play an instrumental role in making the technology sector a place women want to work’
How Jisc is using gender pay gap data to help encourage more women into technology roles
byHeidi Fraser-KraussLaying the foundations for an intelligent campus
How universities and colleges can plan for the campus of the future.
byJames ClayNew automated cyber service from Jisc takes the heavy lifting out of threat monitoring
As criminals find new ways of infiltrating and disrupting networks and stealing data, cyber security has become an ever-more complicated and time-consuming problem.
bySteve HowardHow Jisc drives innovation: turning great ideas into reality
Helping the education and research sector leverage technology as a force for good.
bySimon FarrThe sky’s the limit: extending connectivity for learning across the campus and beyond
How eduroam can increase accessibility, reduce IT workload and help close the digital equity gap.
byTom HaymanFirst steps towards a smarter campus and healthier buildings
How institutions can improve learning environments while cutting their carbon footprint.
byVictoria AtherstoneTechnology is fundamental to success of Government’s vision for lifelong learning
Last week, the Department for Education (DfE) announced the details of its response to the consultation on the design of the new Lifelong Loan Entitlement (LLE), due to come into effect in 2025.
byHeidi Fraser-KraussWhy campuses need 5G
The power and speed of 5G open the door to new ways of teaching and learning.
bySimon FarrEvery teacher can be an innovator, so let’s talk about digital confidence
During the pandemic lockdowns, thanks to remote teaching, everyone became an innovator - but many did not realise it.
byRachel BancroftandRosemary PearceWhy digital soft skills are crucial to graduate success and HE digital transformation
Jisc higher education senior consultant Dr Becki Vickerstaff describes how higher education providers can prepare students more effectively for the workplace by focusing on broader digital skillsets.
byDr Becki VickerstaffHow learning analytics can finally deliver on its promise
James Hodgkin, Jisc’s head of learning analytics, believes understanding data is more than a dashboard: it can improve data governance across higher education.
byJames HodgkinWhy university leaders need to know their digital
We are seeing different approaches to tackling digital transformation, and it’s inspiring to read such a vast array of examples from around the sector in our latest report.
byLiam EarneyInnovation in education – there's much to love about Scotland's colleges
From the excitement of cutting-edge industrial simulations to helping single parents reskill for a new job, our colleges continue to innovate, providing workforce and industry support for Scotland’s future.
byJason Miles-CampbellIndustry and education must work together to boost digital skills
What are the digital skills employers need for National Apprenticeship Week 2023?
byRobin GhurbhurunSurvey: professional services still operating under pre-pandemic conditions
The new digital experience insights professional services survey shines a light on the teams which form the backbone of the sector.
byHeidi Fraser-KraussThe case for a new data-driven approach to student support
The potential for HEPs to use new approaches to data presents an opportunity for us to understand more about our students and how to support them.
byEdward PeckCollege offers a clear pathway into high-end careers
Many companies are seeing the benefits of using virtual and augmented reality experiences for training employees, particularly those in hazardous or dangerous industries such as construction, logistics and manufacturing.
byDan PearsonHow higher education leaders are putting digital at the heart of institutional strategy
Higher education institutions (HEIs) have long invested in technology to change business processes and deliver efficiencies. But can the sector use digital to change business models to look for growth and increase income?
byNick SkeltonAn educators' guide to the metaverse
What is the metaverse, and what might it mean for the future of education?
byPaul BaileyHow to teach your cat to code
AI-based tools like ChatGPT can now write plausible essays – even if they’re based on untruths. What will this mean for education?
byMichael WebbDigital skills and teacher professional development are an essential investment to stay ahead of the curve
The 2022 digital experience insights higher education teaching staff survey provides a fascinating insight into a sector in transition to a more sophisticated digital learning and teaching experience.
byAlison JohnsTime and skills are vital to building resilience against future cyber security threats
It’s most often the case that IT and security staff are too busy dealing with the here and now to think about future threats, let alone how to flex their organisation to ensure its long-term resilience.
byAlison WakefieldHow multi-factor authentication can boost cyber security
We may not be able to eradicate cyber-attacks completely – but we can certainly minimise their impact. As part of a wider cyber security strategy, one way to do that is multi-factor authentication (MFA).
byAlf MoensFirst steps towards effective use of AI in education
Institutions should take time to decide on the best way to make artificial intelligence (AI) work for them. Jisc’s AI maturity model can help.
byMichael WebbThings to consider when setting up a Mastodon ‘instance’
With the recent changes to Twitter’s ownership and possible future direction, some users are considering moving to other micro blogging platforms.
bySteve BaileyWhen the bytes go out: preparing digital education for power outages
The coming winter is predicted to bring with it unprecedented challenges for the UK in terms of energy supply. To date, most headlines warn of the spiralling cost of energy and how it is impacting businesses and the cost of living.
bySteve BaileyHow IPv6 is helping in the search for dark matter – and why that’s important to UK research and education
The world is moving to a new internet communications standard: IPv6.
byTim ChownImproving HE student wellbeing services with good data governance
How can higher education leaders create responsive wellbeing services without being intrusive?
byAndrew CormackandJim KeaneHow to protect your organisation with identity management in the cloud
As educational organisations shift systems to the cloud, cyber security professionals must also shift their focus to identity-based protection.
byRichard JacksonA recession could be coming. What does that mean for graduates?
A series of shocks have hit the UK economy, and economic volatility is rising. The Bank of England is already concerned we may be in a recession or at least looking at one.
byCharlie BallIn the ‘Goldilogs Zone’: using GDPR to get logging just right for incident response
Two of the most common complaints in cyber security incident response (IR) are that the volume of alerts makes it difficult to pinpoint ‘real’ incidents and that missing information hinders investigations.
byAndrew CormackJisc works with the National Cyber Security Centre to protect UK education
Intelligence sharing is key to making the UK the safest place to learn online.
byJoe PittSupporting the shift to open access
Alongside the UK Government’s commitment to open research , more and more major UK funders stipulate that funded research is available to all, as open access.
byAnna VernonCollaboration is key to eliminating data poverty and levelling-up opportunities for disadvantaged learners
While data and digital poverty have been around for as long as the internet, it’s taken a pandemic to expose this unnecessary inequity to a wider audience.
byHeidi Fraser-KraussThe Cyber Security Book of Knowledge will improve skills and help make education and industry more secure
Lessons contained in the Cyber Book of Knowledge project will help the education sector and businesses improve the hiring and training of cyber security professionals.
byYulia CherdantsevaIs UK education ready for the big analogue phone switch-off?
How to future-proof your telephony system with Jisc’s session border control cloud service.
bySimon FarrClosing the technical skills gap is a collective responsibility
Businesses as well as education have a role to play in solving the UK’s technical skills gap.
byClare JohnsonStudents want blended learning, but we still have a long way to go
During the pandemic, universities and colleges showed resilience in adapting to uncertainties and changing contexts with the expansion of online learning.
bySteve WestWhat does a university need to be digitally successful?
A new Jisc report looks at what the future holds for higher education and the components for digital transformation.
bySarah KnightandNick Skelton‘Together we can reduce the risk of cyber attacks’
For more than two years, Jisc has been supporting the sector to deal with a sustained increase in ransomware cyber attacks.
byHenry HughesUsing cross-campus expertise to reduce the impact of technology on climate change
Sustainability and caring for the environment are becoming top agenda items for universities and colleges alike, although the approach to tackling these challenges varies across the sector.
byFiona Goodwin‘Lack of investment in cyber security is a false economy’
A new government report highlights that senior leadership teams don’t always take cyber security seriously until their organisation suffers a serious attack.
byDr John ChapmanWhat to expect at the ALT conference, 6-8 September
Jisc will be sharing a number of new developments in teaching and learning with technology that will support colleges and universities in their journey towards digital transformation.
bySarah KnightTackling digital carbon emissions in the FE and HE sectors
Following Jisc's recent exploring digital carbon emissions report, how can FE and HE institutions reduce their digital carbon footprint?
byRobin GhurbhurunIt’s time to normalise women in tech
It’s 2022 and women are still a minority when it comes to the world of IT. Why does this imbalance persist, and how can we redress it?
byHeidi Fraser-KraussAchieving Cyber Essentials: options for colleges and universities
In 2014, the UK government introduced a scheme to help organisations, whatever their size, protect themselves against a range of the most common cyber attacks – Cyber Essentials (CE) and Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+).
byJon HuntHelping further education colleges unlock the potential of artificial intelligence
Chatbot pilot gives colleges the opportunity to explore how they can use artificial intelligence (AI) to address key sector challenges around staff workload and learner satisfaction.
bySue AttewellWhy Jisc members shouldn’t pay ransomware demands
This week, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) have warned against paying ransomware demands . We wholeheartedly support this stance and offer the same advice to Jisc members – colleges, universities and research centres.
bySteve KennettDigital transformation strategies should maximise use of AI
The Government has identified artificial intelligence (AI) and data as one of four ‘ grand challenges ’ that will shape our future. It is already helping drive digital transformation in all sectors, including education.
byPaul McKeanPlacing employability at the heart of further education
How can technology support employability within further education?
byRobin GhurbhurunOctopus set to make sea change in research culture
I can’t believe it’s been five years since I first had the idea for Octopus. Finally, it’s come to fruition, thanks to funding from Research England and a partnership with Jisc, and it launches on 29 June 2022.
byDr Alex FreemanArtificial intelligence in education: what issues do we need to start considering now?
New Jisc report highlights successes and provides insight into upcoming developments.
byMichael WebbInfrastructure is key to supporting the sector’s shift towards open access for monographs
In a little more than 18 months, the new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) open access (OA) policy for monographs, book chapters and edited collections will take effect. Jisc is considering the implications for this policy and how to support the sector through this in an affordable way.
byCaroline MackayThe hidden cost of digital: small changes can make a big difference
How doing nothing for five minutes could save over 300 tonnes of carbon emissions.
byScott StonhamIs esports a valid addition to the FE curriculum?
Esports has the power to improve learner outcomes in more ways than you might think.
byRobin GhurbhurunFE leaders inspired by cutting edge industry practice
One reason for the UK’s well known, longstanding technical and digital skills gap is the mismatch between curriculum delivery and what businesses require to thrive during the fourth industrial revolution (industry 4.0).
byRobin GhurbhurunNew agreement gives Jisc members access to app that uses creative content to maximise engagement
Student engagement is a critical focus for most lecturers in higher education: when we see students engaged we feel alive as we observe them learn and transform.
byJames GardinerandDr Ivan MitchellThere’s a new challenge about to hit your network: it's called esports
Whether it’s on the curriculum or not, any college or university can find themselves experiencing the impact of students playing and watching esports.
byNeil ShewryFrom mainstream scepticism to a place in the Olympics: it’s time to rethink your views on esports
Esports is big, and it's getting bigger. Which is why it’s a major theme of Jisc’s 50th annual Networkshop event (8-10 June) at Nottingham Trent University’s new ConfettiX esports venue.
byPaul McKeanLatest cyber impact report underlines ransomware as a huge threat, but financial cost of attacks is still unclear
Cyber security is never ‘done’. It’s a continuous process of checking and scanning, patching and updating, upskilling and investing.
byDr John ChapmanSupporting the transition to open access publishing - an update
One of our key priorities over the last two years has been to strike agreements that accelerate the UK’s transition to open access (OA), reduce and constrain costs, and capitalise on the potential of OA to break down some of the barriers to collaboration and excellence in research practices.
byAnna VernonNew policy changes aim to boost cyber security across the UK research and education sector
Jisc has implemented policy changes designed to strengthen cyber security measures across the research and education sectors.
byDr John ChapmanSupporting UKRI-funded researchers, universities and research organisations to navigate available open access publishing options
Open access (OA) allows the findings of publicly funded research to be accessed, shared and reused.
byLiz BalWhat’s stopping innovation in higher education?
Students expect a flexible and personalised approach to course delivery. They want education on demand, which mirrors how they use tech and consume content in their social life.
byHeidi Fraser-KraussIt’s do or die for the planet – and education is the answer
We are in code red: everybody has to get behind keeping climate change below 1.5 degrees by the end of this decade, or we will be in a zone of absolute catastrophe. Every single credible scientist on earth recognises this. It's do or die.
byCindy FordeStaff training and development is key to retaining and enhancing the workforce
Among the most profound long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could be in the changes to the way that work is done.
byCharlie BallFlexibility will be key to finding and retaining professional services staff for colleges
The pandemic has demonstrated to us all that business can, in general, be effectively conducted by employees who are remote from the workplace. Professional services teams in further education colleges are no exception.
byAlice ColbanWhat is the future of assessment and feedback?
Universities tell us that changing assessment practice has become a key priority. So, what could the future of assessment and feedback look like?
bySarah KnightHow to create a safe, inclusive, equitable learning environment
Education is changing. The huge shift to remote education made it more accessible to some people and less accessible to others. But it also got many of us reimagining what education should look like – and creating inclusive, equitable learning environments has to be at its very heart.
byGori Yahaya‘Technology doesn’t always make education better’
What are the key questions that educators should ask when assessing new edtech?
byAudrey WattersA new approach to supporting scholarly communications: announcing the open access community framework (OACF)
Supporting the transition to open access (OA) requires a multi-pronged approach. A key consideration for Jisc and UK institutions is how to put into practice the commitment to a diverse scholarly communication ecosystem.
byHelen DobsonBuilding the foundations of a digital culture
Creating a digital culture is increasingly a vital component to staff and student success, yet culture can only be nurtured and developed over time. The ability to build those foundations that encourage culture to evolve are the skills of a digital leader.
byJohn SumpterSurvey results will help sector understand impact of data loss
Jisc is partnering with the Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) to produce a report that should help the sector face challenges around - and improve - methods of digital data preservation.
byPaul StokesEsports helps women to prepare for roles in the workplace
Britain has one of the highest proportion of female followers of streamers, YouTubers, and gaming influencers in the world, with 36% of esports followers being female.
byKylie KendrickWorking together, universities can connect diverse research assets, for the benefit of all
Like many universities across the nation, the 12 members of the Yorkshire Universities (YU) group supported the COVID-19 response, working with the NHS, government, industry and local authorities to act swiftly.
byMonika AntalWhy online learning is not online learning
Many universities this term have reportedly moved away from in-person teaching back to delivering online because of the rise in covid cases. But is the return to teaching online synonymous with pre-pandemic online learning?
byJames ClayHow do we bring together a responsible, ethical and reproducible approach to research analytics?
One output of research is data - massive amounts of it. As well as the data created from conducting research, significant volumes are also created through the process of managing research.
byVictoria MoodyMae Jisc yn arwain prosiect i nodi arferion buddsoddi a rheoli TG cynaliadwy ar gyfer colegau Cymru
Ysgogodd y symudiad gorfodol i weithio ac astudio o bell yn ystod y pandemig gynnydd yn y galw am offer TG ac, o ganlyniad, prinder byd-eang.
byAlyson NicholsonJisc leads project to identify sustainable IT investment and management practices for Welsh colleges
The enforced shift to remote work and study during the pandemic prompted a hike in the demand for IT equipment and, consequently, a global shortage.
byAlyson Nicholson