As a country, we are a globally recognised centre of excellence for education, and UK institutions have long held much-deserved top spots in university league tables. We at Jisc are determined to do all that can be done to help the sector maintain its stellar position. We are also committed to helping the higher education sector better serve individual learners, thus news that student retention rates remain low despite best efforts comes as a disappointment.
Addressing these and other challenges facing our higher education sector opens up the important discussion around the solutions available.
Digital technology has a major role to play in the development of our education system. Jisc’s Janet network is unique in its agility and scope, facilitating international collaboration in research and learning on a scale unmatched anywhere in the world. Continued investment in Janet is just one way that the UK can ensure its position as a global research and education hub.
Jisc has also invested in a major three-year development project to design and implement the world’s first national higher and further education learning analytics service. The benefits of a national learner analytics system will be substantial and, with more than 100 universities and colleges already intending to participate, far-reaching. It is a unique opportunity for the UK to lead the world in developing a platform that will have a hugely positive impact on teaching quality, student retention, university budgets and more.
Collaborative technology is key to unlocking potential and opportunity. Here the opportunity is to lead the way on an issue that affects all universities globally. Working together, alongside students, we can implement a solution that will be truly world-class.
Paul Feldman
Chief executive, Jisc
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