During my time as a postgraduate and student representative at the University of Exeter, a persistent complaint I heard was that the needs and wants of the postgraduate community are often disregarded, marginalised and forgotten when the University seeks innovation and development. However, the Digital Team working on the University’s 2030 Digital Strategy aspire to change this, putting people at the heart of transforming education and research.
What exactly is the University’s 2030 Digital Strategy, though? In short, it aims to make the University the most accessible and connected university destination for any user by using digital approaches and technologies to enhance education and research. Learning from those who have already accomplished great things digitally, the Digital Team has created and is continuing to grow an advisory network of digital specialists and academics to design the strategy and support its delivery.
But they’re not the only ones who’ll shape it. With a user-centred approach, the strategy is based on insight precisely into what our students need and want. By surveying and interviewing students to map their educational journeys, we gain insight into what you love and want to keep the same, the issues you face and how you’d change them, and if digital approaches and technologies could help.
But what’s in it for the postgraduate community? As a largely distance-learning-based community, postgraduate students often feel isolated and disconnected from the University. The Digital Strategy intends to bring people together and reinforce a sense of belonging by connecting people and enabling communities to create safe environments for support, societies and learning through digital approaches and technologies. Plus, the strategy’s inclusive approach to physical and digital learning environments will ensure students can continue their studies at their chosen location. By becoming an exceptional digital data and content publisher, the University of Exeter will champion accessible content formats, enabling all our learners to succeed wherever they might be. What’s more, our team of digital experts are leading exclusive digital upskilling sessions for all staff and students, providing the opportunity to learn valuable digital skills quickly and apply them to real working situations giving you the cutting edge for whatever comes next. And when you graduate and leave us, you’ll still be connected to the University of Exeter because the Digital Strategy is designed to engage users for life by making your ongoing needs the core of what we do.
So, why not get involved and ensure the postgraduate community’s needs and wants are a focal point supporting the design and delivery of the University of Exeter’s digital transformation? Follow the link here to take part and have your say.