Distant Yarnings

Ep. 8: Weaving the Future of Digital Education - A Cross-Stitch with the University of Leeds

This episode features a collaborative discussion with the digital education leadership team from the University of Leeds, exploring the intersection of pedagogy, space, and technology. The conversation centers on the "cross-stitch" of human connection and digital infrastructure, highlighting initiatives like Helix, an on-campus innovation space designed to foster creative collaboration and "safe failure" among students and staff. The participants emphasize that intentional learning design must lead the way, ensuring that technology serves as a partner in education rather than a mere set of tools. * Hosts: Julie (Australia) & Jim (UK) * Guest: Digital Education and Learning Innovation leadership team from the University of Leeds, UK * Date: 20 March 2026 * Length: Approx. 68 min * Themes: Designing Barrier-Free Spaces for Innovation, Strategic Alignment and Digital Capability, Intentional, Subject-Specific Learning Design, Student-Constructed AI and Flexible Learning, Targeted Accessibility and Open Education. * Show Notes & Transcript [https://create.usq.edu.au/distant-yarnings/2026/05/15/ep-8-weaving-the-future-of-digital-education-a-cross-stitch-with-the-university-of-leeds/]

Ep. 7: STEAM, Snow, and Schooling: A Chat with Kristof Fenyvesi

In this episode of Distant Yarnings, hosts Julie and Jim sit down with Kristof Fenyvesi, a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute for Educational Research, to explore the evolving role of modern schooling. The conversation broadly examines how educational institutions can move past rigid, siloed structures to foster better human connections, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and meaningful engagement with technology. Rather than focusing purely on academic outputs or control, the trio reflects on how adapting our educational values and maintaining informal, open networks can better prepare students to cooperatively tackle the complex, large-scale challenges of the 21st century. * Hosts: Julie (Australia) & Jim (UK) * Guest: Dr Kristóf Fenyvesi from the University of Jyväskylä * Date: 6 February 2026 * Length: Approx. 80 min * Themes: Planetary vs. Global Collaboration, Technology Bans in Schools, STEAM and Holistic Education, Contrasting Educational Cultures. * Show Notes and Transcript [https://create.usq.edu.au/distant-yarnings/2026/03/30/ep-7-steam-snow-and-schooling-a-chat-with-kristof-fenyvesi/]

Ep. 6: More Than Just Content: The Human Side of Digital Learning

Hosts Julie Lindsay and Jim Harris welcome Stephanie McDonald, an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology and the Digital Learning Director for the Faculty of Science at the University of Nottingham. Stephanie outlines the scope of the University, which serves over 40,000 students across three campuses in the UK, China, and Malaysia. While the university focuses primarily on face-to-face instruction, Stephanie's role involves driving digital strategy, supporting colleagues, and developing inclusive, evidence-based curricula. * Hosts: Julie (Australia) & Jim (UK) * Guest: Associate Professor Stephanie McDonald from the University of Nottingham * Date: and Length: 29 January 2026, Approx. 70 min * Themes: Holistic Learning Design, The Reality of Hybrid/HyFlex, Institutional Constraints, Student Partnership, Digital Equity and Infrastructure. * Show Notes and Transcript [https://create.usq.edu.au/distant-yarnings/2026/03/04/ep-6-more-than-just-content-the-human-side-of-digital-learning/]

Ep. 5: Curiosity and Curriculum: Innovation, Equity, and Autonomy in University Learning

In this episode, hosts Julie and Jim are joined by Mark Childs and Julie Usher from Durham University (UK) to discuss the complexities of learning design within a high-ranking, research-intensive institution. The guests describe the unique "Oxbridge" vibes and college system of Durham while addressing challenges such as classism, the need for widening participation, and the struggle to balance world-class research with pedagogical innovation. * Hosts: Julie (Australia) & Jim (UK) * Guests: Dr Mark Childs and Julie Usher from the Durham Centre for Academic Development * Date and Length: 20 January 2026. Approx. 73 min Themes: Hierarchies in Higher Education, Student Autonomy and Readiness, The Impact of AI on Assessment, Inclusive Pedagogy, Pedagogy via Pop Culture. * Show Notes and Transcript [https://create.usq.edu.au/distant-yarnings/2026/01/20/ep-5-curiosity-and-curriculum-innovation-equity-and-autonomy-in-university-learning/]

Ep. 4: Serving the Song: UDL, Community Building, and Agile Project Management in Higher Education

Hosts Julie Lindsay and Jim Harris welcome Stefanie Savage-Campbell, Senior Educational Projects Manager at Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, who is also part of the JISC Beyond Blended pilot group. Stefanie discusses her role in managing strategic projects across the university, noting that she often occupies the "weird third space" between professional services and academic staff. * Hosts: Julie (Australia) & Jim (UK) * Guests: Stefanie Savage-Campbell * Date and Length: 5 December 2025. Approx. 64 min. * Theme: Educational project management, strategic projects, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), building community and belonging, the human element in the age of AI. * Bonus Link: Recife Pernambuco Carnaval 2025 [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxaNdZDUhJMrL8O9StBvwNYabktuNtIJ4&si=7Uk7UMpKQz2XzU85] * ⁠Show Notes and Transcript⁠ [https://create.usq.edu.au/distant-yarnings/2025/12/15/ep-4-serving-the-song-udl-community-building-and-agile-project-management-in-higher-education/]