Thread by @officestudents

First up, Chair @MichaelBarber9 introduces the #DigitalReview event and report (bit.ly/37JhLxq), which was commissioned by @GavinWilliamson and aimed to examine the rapid shift to digital teaching and learning in English universities at the start of the pandemic.

.@MichaelBarber9 explains the title of the report 'Gravity Assist...' is a metaphor that refers to the acceleration and advance in digital teaching and learning as a result of the pandemic #DigitalReview

Secretary of State for Education @GavinWilliamson appears via pre-recorded video to provide introductory remarks on the #DigitalReview

Gavin Williamson thanks @MichaelBarber9 for his work and explains how the explains how 'technology has come into its own and has been a cause for celebration' during what has been a difficult time.
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Gavin explains the government expects higher education providers to ensure that students of all backgrounds can access high quality teaching. An additional £70m hardship funding has been made available to support students during the pandemic.
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.@GavinWilliamson explains the Lifetime Skills Guarantee will allow students of all ages to retrain and gain new skills in flexible ways, including digitally.
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.@GavinWilliamson explains the introduction of the Turing scheme, which aims to provide opportunities for students to connect and study internationally, including those from less well-off backgrounds #DigitalReview

Outgoing Chair @MichaelBarber9 and our Strategic Policy Adviser, Lara Bird present key findings from the digital teaching and learning review #DigitalReview

'We have a very optimistic tone and have tried to be very practical [in the report]', Michael explains as a result of our enthusiastic interactions with universities when gathering evidence throughout the review.
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The report explains there are 6 components of success are to maximise the impact of digital teaching and learning 👇
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Lara explains how the student polling informed the recommendations. 1/3 of all students didn't have good enough internet access or appropriate study space in the first chart. A lack of technical support is also cited
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Training is required to support staff with digital teaching to build their confidence. This must start with pedagogy rather than the technology, Michael explains.

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The report defines digital access very clearly, including internet connectively, trained lecturers, appropriate work space, technical workspace and more
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Michael explains that the report is purposefully practical, with recommendations that can be used right now within universities and colleges - can students be assessed 1:1 based for their digital access so unis are able to support them?
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University President and CEO of Southern New Hampshire University @snhu, Paul LeBlanc @snhuprez is introduced to deliver a keynote

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Paul explains that the pandemic has accelerated trends that were already in place. He provides examples from American college students, explaining that food and housing provision and student debt are key concerns.

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Paul explains that mental health is also a concern, with student anxiety rising during the pandemic.

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Paul suggests that tailoring educational opportunities to individuals, which he refers to as the 'fluidity of [teaching] delivery' can provide students with more options to study

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Now for the panel discussion with:
- VP (Higher Ed) @nusuk @hillarygyebi
- Democracy, Operations & Community Sabb Officer @TheUnionUCL @DemOperaTunity
- VC & Chief Exec @UniofExeter Professor Lisa Roberts
- Pro VC (Learning & Teaching) @TeessideUni @Mark_Simpson73 #DigitalReview

'We've seen students rise to the challenge when they don't know what the future looks like'. @hillarygyebi explains she felt positive seeing the report's findings and thinks 'we have an opportunity to transform education [in a way that] embeds inclusion'
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VC & Chief Exec @UniofExeter Professor Lisa Roberts says we have a huge amount to be proud of in terms of what the sector has achieved during the pandemic. Students and teachers have adapted quickly to digital learning, in research as well as teaching
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Lisa explains she wants to explore what a holistic student and campus experience might look like in the digital world
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Democracy, Operations & Community Sabb Officer
@TheUnionUCL, Carol Paige @DemOperaTunity gives thanks and says students recognise the efforts of lecturers to adapt to digital teaching and raises accessibility of teaching, particularly for disabled students
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Pro VC (Learning & Teaching) @TeessideUni @Mark_Simpson73 explains that staff are very much in favour of moving to the digital space and this research will give a platform to develop teaching and training.

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Mark discusses how blended approaches rather than binary learning (online or on campus) will look like moving forward. He also raises digital poverty and how this will be addressed #DigitalReview

.@snhuprez argues there needs to be more safe spaces to test innovative approaches to learning so policy can follow after.

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Does a combination of a physical space with a tutor and online earning appeal? Hillary says students are concerned about the quality of teaching and blended learning can provide an interactive learning environment where you can ask questions and properly engage
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Carol says that the dramatic increase in welfare services and use of students' unions proves how vital the student experience is and informal peer-to-peer networks can support students to understand what is expected of them.

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Mark explains it's important to equip staff with the time to gain the skills they need and that digital learning may help to break down subject barriers so students work together. The opportunity is how we involve students throughout innovation.

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Mark explains how upskilling students can have a huge civic impact as it will affect their children in terms of homeschooling and potentially others in the community #DigitalReview

Carol explains there is a desire for students to have more face-to-face learning interactions, including extra-curricular activities, their students' union and employability opportunities, as well as formal learning

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How does the role of library services have to adapt? Mark says it has to start with pedagogy. Digital books can be used but it's important to remember that the majority of learners still buy hard copy books.

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Carol asks whether there is space within in-person resources such as libraries and that universities should think about how they're getting student feedback and what they're doing with the feedback. She says to speak with your Sabbatical officers who represent you

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Digitisation gives the gift of enhancing the physical library space and this can be aligned with larger student issues such as sustainability and decolonisation, says Hillary. Students must be central to this shift to digital learning

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Lisa says universities need to consider their estates plan as students feel connected by going to university libraries for study spaces. They shouldn't just be seen as a resource for books. She highlights the opportunity to connect internationally.

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Paul emphasises the need for study spaces for students to connect. We have to think about how we devolve universities out into the community to connect with those who need it most.

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.@MichaelBarber9 gives thanks to the panel and to attendees and reiterates the opportunity that this time has presented in terms of digital learning and inclusion. #DigitalReview

Thank you for joining our live tweet of the #DigitalReview and for attending the event! Please read the report at bit.ly/37JhLxq and get in touch if you have any questions or further reflections.