ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role that student partners in the United Kingdom (UK) are playing as digital change agents and drivers for change in the development of individual and organisational digital capabilities. It draws on case studies and institutional examples from participants engaged in the Jisc change agents’ network (Change agents’ network, 2015–16) and other related initiatives across the UK. The change agents’ network was established to support staff working in partnership with students and to drive change in implementing technology enhanced learning. The change agents’ network has successfully transitioned from a Jisc funded project that evolved over several years to a community owned network with an annual conference. By offering insights into institutional practice from across UK higher education we aim to demonstrate the value of partnerships where students, staff and, in some cases, employers work together on initiatives to enhance practice and to make a positive change within their institutions in areas such curriculum design, the development of staff and students’ digital capabilities and employability skills. The examples cited in this chapter also highlight the wider benefits of student engagement and show the importance of students being active participants, leaders and designers of their educational experiences. They illustrate how students working as digital change agents contribute to institutional culture and practice as they develop not just their own digital environment, but the environment of fellow students and staff.
