Digital education at Sheffield

Why is digital education important?

By mixing technology with a range of established teaching methods, we aim to improve the student experience. This makes learning more accessible and engaging through interactive learning opportunities, with the goal of improving student outcomes. 

We want to make learning inclusive and adaptable, and technology helps us achieve this.

How we embed digital education 

We use technology to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom, helping students take control of their own learning journeys. While the University of Sheffield is proud of its campus-based culture, digital technology is integrated into all aspects of teaching. 

Learning happens in various ways, both online and in person; at the same time (synchronously) and different times (asynchronously), and all driven and underpinned by sound pedagogic practice.

Our virtual learning environment (VLE)

At the heart of our online “eco-system” is a single virtual learning environment. We moved to Blackboard Ultra, our VLE, to have a user-friendly platform that allows us to evidence our institutional programme-level approach and show our teaching and assessment plans clearly. This ensures a consistent and inclusive learning experience for all students. 

The VLE is a central “learning hub” that seamlessly integrates with many centrally supported learning tools accessible to academic teams, students and professional services staff across the University. It’s an important link between our physical and online learning environments.

Digitally enabled adaptable teaching

The University has been re-evaluating teaching space and exploring the value of digitally enabled teaching (staff university login required). We are working with academic schools to understand the benefits of flexible spaces and how to best use technology in them. This also includes exploring a programme to loan devices to students to address the issue of digital poverty.

Digital skills for students

To help students get the most out of their time at the University and prepare for their careers, we have created My Digital Induction, a digital skills guide for all new and continuing students. This programme helps them develop their digital capability and achieve their Sheffield Graduate Attributes, which improves their future employability. The programme is so popular that a version for staff is now being developed.

Digital education is a key part of our daily operations, transforming the student-centred experience at Sheffield.