Digital transformation is a journey, and with most journeys it helps to have a guide with you along the way. Since Jisc launched the Digital Elevation Tool (DET) in 2022, over 200 colleges have signed up to use the tool to guide their self-assessment and plan their future digital pathway.
Now, we are working on the launch of an even more up-to-date guide in October. This includes a major update to the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) that powers the DET, bringing even more relevance, depth, and clarity to your digital transformation journey.
What is changing and what you need to consider
The updated DEM reflects the rapidly evolving digital landscape colleges operate in today.
Developed by a working group of Jisc subject matter experts, the new model covers the same five key themes:
- Leadership,
- Learner Experience,
- Staff Experience,
- Curriculum Development,
- Underpinning Technologies.
However, across these themes, we have added over 300 new validation statements. This includes significant updates in AI, sustainability, digital accessibility, cyber security, and data governance.
For example:
- Leadership, Governance & Culture: updates include AI, sustainability, and digital accessibility
- Learner Experience: updated with a focus on AI, digital capability, and learner digital wellbeing.
- Staff Experience: now including more on staff digital confidence and accessibility.
- Curriculum Development: with an increased focus on micro-credentials and AI.
- Underpinning Technologies: with major updates in cyber security, data analytics, and cloud.
The assessment is now more robust and aligned with current best practice, but these changes means your DET levels (foundation, transform and elevate) may initially drop.
However, don’t be disappointed, as this is a positive step, giving you a clearer, more accurate picture of your digital maturity and where to focus next. The update will provide you with a wider digital landscape to travel in.
We also recommend re-taking the assessment as we have updated the majority of statements to improve clarity and guidance.
For Scottish colleges, DET engagement is embedded in the Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review (TQER). This makes it even more essential to show improvement plans based on the updated tool.
Take Action Now
Don’t get left behind. Encourage your teams to re-engage with the tool, review your digital strategies, and ensure your college is ready for the future.
Remember also that you can book a one-to-one consultancy session to further tailor your approach.
If your college hasn’t signed up to use it yet then this is the perfect time to do so: speak with your relationship manager today!
Read our senior leaders guide to DET to turn strategy into action.