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Pilots of Software/Tools for Digital Education

Throughout the year, the Digital Education are involved in a number of software/tool pilots. These pilots help us to explore a new approach or idea, to delivering learning and teaching. Pilots also help us to understand and manage any risks and dependencies before a decision is taken on whether the software should be implemented for institutional-wide use or discontinued.

An example of this is PebblePad, this was piloted for two years before it became our institutional e-portfolio tool.

During a pilot, users are asked for feedback to help guide us in the right direction. Sometimes this is because we are working with the supplier to iteratively develop the software in response to user feedback.

This page lists all the current software/tool pilots and how users can get involved. We've categorised these to help you understand the key functionality they offer.

Content Builders

Podcasting

Podcasting is available through two systems to accommodate different approaches to using the content style: Soundtrap for Education which can be used to support module activities and audio assessment, and PodBean, available to both staff and students for podcasts intended for distribution (either globally or private streams to a narrow audience).

  • Pilot details: Two years, expected to run throughout 2024/25 & 2025/26.
  • How to get involved: Access to both systems is available on a limited basis through an initial two-year pilot period, and can be requested by completing the PodBean Account Request form or Soundtrap Access Request via the IT Service Desk.

ThingLink

DES colleagues have been given access to ThingLink to help support teaching staff in the creation of interactive learning and teaching content. This allows them to turn digital assets into interactive materials by adding icons or tags to embed video, text, audio, infographics and more. Users will be able to hover over a tag or icon to interact with additional content.

How to submit a request via the IT website

If you're not sure how to submit a request via the IT website, please watch the following video for guidance: