Policy Connect and the Higher Education Commission recently launched their latest report, ‘Digitally Enhanced Blended Learning: Leveraging the Benefits of Technology in Higher Education’.

Chaired by Lord Norton of Louth, the launch event in Parliament featured contributions from parliamentarians, academics, and sector stakeholders.

Digitally Enhanced Blended Learning provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of Blended Learning in Higher Education, outlining how the practice can be advanced to widen participation, enhance student outcomes, and modernise educational deliveries.

The report, following an inquiry by the Higher Education Commission, presents a holistic approach for the successful implementation of digitally enhanced blended learning. It sets out twelve recommendations to refine and elevate current approaches, covering the following important themes:

• The importance of leadership and strategic oversight.
• Digital capabilities of staff and provision of support.
• Equitable access to technology for learning and student experience.
• Employability for the modern workforce.
• Use and procurement of educational technology.
• Regulation and quality assurance of emerging practice.

The launch event in late April opened with a keynote speech from Professor Kathryn Mitchell, University of Derby Vice-Chancellor, and remarks from report author Alyson Hwang on the approach outlined in Digitally Enhanced Blended Learning to advance digital components of learning and teaching.

Panellists and guests discussed an array of topics including digital skills, student access and outcomes, AI, Edtech procurement, digital inclusion, and staff support.

The launch featured insightful contributions from:

• Professor Susan Orr – Pro-Vice Chancellor, De Montfort University.
• Liam Earney – Jisc.
• David White – University of the Arts London.
• Alyson Hwang – Policy Connect.

Thanks to our inquiry sponsors ACCA and Jisc. For more information on Digitally Enhanced Blended Learning, please contact alyson.hwang [at] policyconnect.org.uk (alyson[dot]hwang[at]policyconnect[dot]org[dot]uk).