Design for Thinking: What AI-Ready Assessment Actually Looks Like in Practice

Mid century modern editorial illustration showing a shift from AI permission scales to assessment designed around thinking. On the left, a ladder labelled with increasing levels of AI use symbolises traditional AI assessment scales. A large arrow reading “Beyond the Scale” points towards two educators discussing assessment design, while a head silhouette contains icons representing problem-solving, analysis, creative thinking, interpretation, evaluation and reasoning. The image conveys the idea that authentic assessment should be designed to develop and evidence human judgement, rather than simply regulate AI use.

Over the past year I’ve been working with a number of UK universities to rethink assessment for an AI-enabled world. While much of the public conversation has focused on AI policies and guidance, my work has centred on the assessment frameworks that underpin them: the decisions about what students are asked to do, how learning … Continue reading Design for Thinking: What AI-Ready Assessment Actually Looks Like in Practice

What the Revised TEF Means for Fully Online Degree Courses

The Office for Students has announced significant changes to the Teaching Excellence Framework, and while most of the commentary has focused on headline ratings and recruitment caps, providers of fully online degree programmes face a specific set of challenges that deserve closer attention. Here's what the revised TEF means for the online sector — and … Continue reading What the Revised TEF Means for Fully Online Degree Courses

Online Education, Place, and the UK’s International Education Strategy

Published last week, the UK’s International Education Strategy 2026 places transnational education (TNE) at the heart of its global ambitions. With its emphasis on partnership, export growth, and flexible modes of delivery, TNE (via on-ground and online modalities) is positioned as a key mechanism for extending UK influence while widening access to high-quality education worldwide. … Continue reading Online Education, Place, and the UK’s International Education Strategy

Looking Beyond the Data: Reflections on the 2025 Voice of the Online Learner Report (UK Edition)

Risepoint's 2025 Voice of the Online Learner: UK Edition arrives at an important moment for the sector. For more than a decade, the US edition of this report has provided valuable longitudinal insight into the motivations and realities of online students, but this is the first time Risepoint has produced a dedicated UK version. It … Continue reading Looking Beyond the Data: Reflections on the 2025 Voice of the Online Learner Report (UK Edition)

What does Labour’s 2024 Autumn Budget mean for Online Learning in Higher Education?

As universities prepare for a potential overhaul of higher education funding, they will need to carefully strategise to make the most of available resources while advocating for further support. Fully online programs stand to benefit from the Budget’s focus on lifelong learning and innovation, but institutions must navigate the financial pressures ahead to ensure these programs meet the needs of a changing student demographic.

May Spotlight: Online Learning News in Higher Education

There have been several interesting developments in the world of online learning in higher ed this May. Here are some key highlights I've noted: ChatGPT 4o's release looks to demonstrate a shift in AI tutoring experience, with advanced capabilities including image recognition, multilingual support, and a voice mode: See ChatGPT 4o tutor maths. 🎓 The … Continue reading May Spotlight: Online Learning News in Higher Education