Global Education and Technology: Insights into Transnational Student and Staff Digital Experiences

How can higher education institutions better support the digital experiences of international and transnational education (TNE) students? As Jisc enters its third year of research in this area, we explore what institutions can do to bridge the gaps in digital access, expectations, and learning cultures. In partnership with over 25 UK higher education institutions, our research aims to ensure equitable learning experiences for international students while identifying where additional understanding and support benefits both students and staff. Our findings show that the challenges extend beyond access to technology and infrastructure. International students also face"‘digital shock" due to differences in how UK institutions integrate digital tools into teaching and learning. To address this, we have developed sector-wide recommendations, supported by two research reports and five briefing papers. For 2024/25, our research has shifted its focus to TNE students, working with over 20 institutions to better understand their digital experiences and the challenges institutions face in supporting them. A fundamental question drives this work: do TNE students also cross digital borders when engaging in a UK higher education?  This session will answer this question by revealing the data insights gathered from over 50 instances of global TNE provision in 16 countries, including China, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.