Registration opens for latest ‘Supporting our Learners to Thrive’ event focusing on the impact of digital poverty on learning

The cost-of-living crisis is requiring Scotland’s learners to balance competing demands on their time. Managing part-time employment and financial pressures on top of family and caring responsibilities can come at a cost to their ability to engage effectively with their studies. 

Hosted by Professor Alastair Robertson (Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Glasgow Caledonian University), the third event in QAA Scotland’s ‘Supporting our Learners to Thrive’ discussion series takes place on 21 March and focuses upon the impact of digital poverty on the learning experience, with practical advice for addressing this complex issue based on the latest research. 

Student representatives from across the tertiary sector will open the session, sharing their experiences of digital poverty and its impact on their learning. This will be followed by a presentation from Clare Killen and Dominic Walker from Jisc, the UK’s leading digital, data and technology agency focused on tertiary education. Clare and Dominic will introduce us to findings from their digital experience insights survey, exploring the impact of digital poverty. Dr Kevin Merry, internationally recognised expert on the Universal Design for Learning model from De Montfort University, will close the session by sharing some practical guidance. 

By attending this event, practitioners will learn about actions and adjustments providers are making to support learners during these challenging times, and that they can take back to their own institution. 

Colleges can register to be part of this important discussion on the event webpage.