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Digital education reading group: July 2024
This month the digital education reading group will explore the digital experiences of international students studying in their home countries. We will focus on how these experiences impact their engagement in UK higher education, particularly in fully online distance learning programmes. Our goal is to better understand the technological infrastructure in their home countries and discuss how we can ensure an equitable and supportive learning environment for these students.
Larisa Grice is our curator this month and has prepared the following excellent resources with Catherine Luck. Please review the materials and come prepared to share your insights and suggestions. We look forward to a productive discussion on how we can enhance the digital learning experience for international students.
Questions for us to consider
To facilitate our discussion, consider the following questions:
- What challenges do international students face when transitioning to online learning in the UK, given the differences in digital infrastructure and experiences in their home countries?
- How can UoL’s online distance learning programs better support international students, ensuring an equitable and inclusive learning environment?
- What specific strategies or resources could be implemented to address the digital and cultural shocks that international students may experience?
- How can we foster holistic conversations with international students to better understand and support their unique needs and expectations?
Resources
1. Jisc and Portulans Institute (2024) Digital country profiles: international students’ digital experiences in relation to their home country’s civil digital infrastructure
Jisc has joined forces with Portulans Institute, a not-for-profit research and educational institute in Washington DC, to explore the varying online experiences of international students in higher education. This briefing paper highlights the technological infrastructure in Nigeria, India, Pakistan and China providing valuable insights into the online learning experiences of students from these countries.
2. Newman, T. & Gulliver, M. (2023) International students’ digital experience phase one: a review of policy, academic literature and views from UK higher education
A report published by Jisc. Explores the international student experience through a digital lens, highlighting alternative perspectives and considering issues that might impact the digital experience of international students.
3. Newman, T. et al. (2024) International students’ digital experience phase two: the experiences and expectations
A report published by Jisc. The voices of over 2000 higher education international students describe their digital border crossings and the digital shocks that impact the learning experience.
4. Newall, E (2024) Focusing on the digital experiences of international students can improve higher education for everyone
WONKHE article summarising key findings from the second phase of Jisc’s research on the digital experience of international students
5. Jisc (2024) Facilitating holistic conversations about the student experience with international students
Jisc briefing paper. Emphasises the importance of understanding and discussing international students’ experiences to support their transition.
6. Jisc (2024) Supporting international students’ digital experience: a checklist for providing an equitable and inclusive experience
Jisc briefing paper. A practical guide to ensure that international students receive an inclusive and supportive digital learning experience.
7. Jisc (2024) Beyond the Technology: International students’ digital experience
Podcast (40 min) Listen to insights and discussions on the digital experiences of international students. Elizabeth Newall and guests delve into the digital experiences of international students in UK higher education.
8. Portulans Institute (2023) The Network Readiness Index
View the latest data on global network readiness, which is crucial for understanding the digital landscape in various countries.
9. Jisc (2022) Researching international students’ digital experience
Website giving overview of Jisc’s ongoing research. Register your interest to receive updates on new reports.
List of topics discussed at previous meetings
