Reimagining HigherEd

This week, Professor Judyth Sachs is joined by Professor Diana Laurillard, Professor of Learning with Digital Technologies at UCL Knowledge Lab, who early in her career made it her mission to understand the intricacies of exactly how learning works, and how teachers can help students to learn.
They discuss:
Designing learning to empower educators and students to be active participants
Advocating for a more collaborative approach to teaching, where educators share and build upon pedagogical ideas
The importance of curiosity and student agency with emerging digital tools.

Professor Dame Heather McGregor DBE FRSE, Provost and Vice Principal at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, joins Professor Judyth Sachs to reimagine higher education through Heather’s global perspective, passion for education, and commitment to making a positive impact.
Listen in as they discuss:
Journalism, financial markets, and entering academia later in life - how education has been Heather’s passport to each opportunity
Aspiring to accomplish things you don’t succeed with straight away
Why bespoke learning journeys are the future of education
Articulating your purpose in uncertain times and Heather’s personal impact statement.

This week’s episode: Prof Rose Luckin, Founding Director of EDUCATE Ventures Research at University College London (UCL) and Professor at UCL Knowledge Lab, joins Prof Judyth Sachs to explore a human-centric approach to AI in education - including transparency, accountability, and human dignity - and the readiness of the sector to adapt.

This week Dr. Bridget Burns, Founding CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA), joins guest host Prof. Sally Kift, a leader and researcher in student success and equity, to reimagine higher education. This trans-national conversation between two trailblazing leaders offers valuable perspectives on enhancing student success and advancing equity in higher education. They discuss:
Systemic change to redesign institutions around student success
UIA’s focus on setting the conditions for change, via evidence-based work that brings community, inspiration, and purpose
Morale, motivation, and respecting people and their ability to advance change
Data as the “North Star” for student success
And a "magic wand" wish for the sector.

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone DBE, FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at University of St Andrews, and President of Universities UK, joins host Professor Petra Wend in this episode.
They discuss the hallmarks of a great student experience, notably research-informed teaching and small classes; the impact of sisterhood and formative experiences that shaped Sally’s career; rebalancing the relationship between individual and government funding of the sector; and Sally brings along a cherished book collection, highlighting the ever-evolving experience of learners.

Join Professor Pal Ahluwalia, VC and President of The University of the South Pacific, in conversation with Professor Judyth Sachs all about the unique challenges and quirks of leading a university spanning 12 Pacific countries.
The two professors discuss:
Pal’s experiences - culturally, politically, practically - living, learning, and working across Africa, Canada, UK, Australia, and the Pacific
Rethinking delivery of the student experience, with flexibility key for Pasifika students
The impact of depopulation on campus life and the future of quality education
Pal's observations on Australia's changing higher ed landscape, multiculturalism, and optimism
How USP is helping students embrace AI with ethics, to be career-ready.

Panel session recorded on 21 October 2024, at 1PM ET, with over 150 registrations and over 100 participants, hosted by Dr. Noreen Golfman, Former Provost and Vice President Academic at Memorial University, and Studiosity Academic Advisory Board member.
Student wellbeing is top-of-mind going into the new school year, accelerated by the rise of AI and the increased isolation of students due to technology and online learning.
Join Dr. Ainsley Carry, Dr. Anne Duffy, and Dr. Andrea Levinson in this open symposium session to explore crucial topics including student support; work, life, and school balance; as well as social connectedness.

A must-listen episode, as Dr. Noreen Golfman sits down with Gabriel Miller, President and CEO of Universities Canada. Together, they dive into the role of higher education in shaping not just individuals, but society as a whole.
What’s in this episode?
The power of philosophy: Discover the life-changing skills Gabriel gained from his studies and how they apply to today’s educational landscape.
The student experience: Is the ‘essence’ of being a student fading? What do today’s learners need?
Accessibility for all: Explore the importance of keeping higher education open to everyone.
Public support: How can we rally support for universities and their missions?
HE Canada’s educational triumphs: Gabriel reflects on Canadian HigherEd successes - and what lies ahead.
 

This week, Dr Yousef Al-Assaf, President at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai joins Prof Judyth Sachs for a vibrant conversation centred on how smart, connected, and responsive universities are delivering quality education.
They discuss the birth of the Silicon Oasis; bridging education and industry to create future-ready students; developing unique programs linking community challenges with student solutions; teaching ethics alongside AI; and Yousef uses his 'filter of wisdom' to evaluate university rankings.

Prof Stephen Parker AO, recently appointed interim VC and President at University of Canberra, sits down with Prof Judyth Sachs to reflect on the sector, including whether the ‘golden age’ has passed for universities.
The two professors discuss the adaptability of universities and whether they can ever really be relevant to industry; domains of knowledge vs disciplines and why young people are specialising too early; the challenges for research due to AI and technology; and Prof Parker gives his advice to non-academic leaders coming in to the sector.
Note: at the time of recording Prof Parker had not yet announced his interim role at UC.