The co-creation of a digital escape room designed to develop students’ digital confidence

In this paper we set out the design and delivery of a digital, text-based escape room designed to provide a virtual induction and help to build students’ digital confidence. We begin by briefly explaining the reasoning behind our choice of game and platform and describing the staff-student partnership that delivered the project. We then describe the game itself, providing examples of some of the tasks, and showing how we embedded this in a large undergraduate class. We talk through our experiences of the process and present the results of the student evaluation and feedback. We end by reflecting on our experience and giving some practical suggestions for practitioners wishing to adapt this game for use in their own teaching.&nbsp

"Hello, you and I haven\u27t met in person before, but…" Social media for community building and self-development.

Social media has become a significant tool for professional development and community building. This paper reflects on the transformative impact of social media on the author’s career within Higher Education (HE). Navigating the challenges and opportunities in HE has been shaped by engaging with various social media forums. The author shares their personal account of how social media has played a pivotal role in overcoming challenges, building a professional community, and fostering growth

PsychUpYourLife: Sharing Psychology Beyond the Classroom on TikTok

In the digital age, social media platforms have transformed the landscape of education, offering a myriad of opportunities for teaching and learning (Jankauskaite, 2015; Seif, 2022). One of the most significant advantages of employing social media for educational purposes is its potential to make subject specific content accessible to all and to widen participation. This article reflects on my personal experience of sharing psychological knowledge, research findings and attempting to dispel the myths associated with the field of psychology. As an academic (Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology), using the social media platform TikTok (Handle @PsychUpYourLife) has allowed me to create and share a variety of content, including the dissemination of evidence-based research to a lay audience, offer support and tips for those studying psychology at university level and share my own academic journey and work experience within the sector. 

Supporting First Generation Students with Discord.

First-generation students account for almost half of all new student enrolments in some higher education institutions. However their non-continuation rates and final degree classifications are notably lower than that of their continuing generation peers. From a series of focus groups held with first-generation students at Sheffield Hallam University several issues were identified that were unique to this particular student group, notably a lack of process knowledge, lower than average participation, a limited sense of belonging and difficultly managing their multiple roles. Through a practitioner-led design research methodology the platform Discord was chosen in consultation with the students to investigate how the platform can be used to improve their sense of belonging and course community. These were measured against a series of defined metrics to provide both qualitative and quantitative data for analysis. Initial results have demonstrated a higher than anticipated student engagement with the technology platform and regular communication between peers without academic staff involvement

Materialism and the De-Influencing Trend: Classroom Applications

A new trend on social media coined “de-influencing” is reshaping the way Generation Z (Gen Z) views mass consumerism. Gen Z’s Shifting position on consumerism, moral values, and relationships with rising influencers is the dominant explanation for the trend\u27s popularity. Like the Hollywood celebrities of the past, micro-influencers are becoming recognizable icons whose endorsement and influence are valued by this generation. Using a meta-analysis of current publications, the article considers the magnitude of Gen Z’s shifting interests and the economic impact this may have on consumer goods. The article extends its findings to the academic world by providing concrete suggestions for teaching the subject in the classroom.&nbsp

Social Media Learning Under Constraint: A Conceptual Framework for Higher Education

Social media platforms are increasingly implicated in higher education learning, yet dominant models of technology-enhanced learning continue to privilege institutionally managed systems, stable infrastructures, and formally designed platforms. Such assumptions limit conceptual understanding of how learning is organised and sustained in contexts where institutional provision is fragmented and digital infrastructure is unreliable. This article addresses this gap through a conceptual analysis of social media-supported learning under conditions of constraint.   Drawing on sociocultural learning theory, networked learning perspectives, and scholarship on micro-learning, the article develops the Constraint-Responsive Social Media Learning Framework (CR-SMLF). The framework conceptualises learning as an emergent sociotechnical process shaped by contextual constraint, platform ecologies, networked peer practices, and temporally fragmented engagement. Constraint is positioned not as a temporary disruption or deficit, but as a structuring condition that shapes participation and the organisation of academic support.   The analysis is anchored in the Liberian higher education context as an analytically revealing setting rather than an empirical case or basis for generalisation. The article does not propose a new learning theory, but offers a configurational framework that advances a context-sensitive lens for understanding social media-supported learning in fragile higher education systems

The Influence of Social Meida on the Academic Success of Adult Learners: Evidence from Midlands State University

This study examines the impact of social media use on the academic performance of adult learners at Midlands State University (MSU). Adult learners regularly use social media sites, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and X (previously Twitter) for both academic and non-academic purposes due to the growing integration of digital technologies in education. The study used a qualitative research approach and semi-structured interviews with thirty adult learners who were purposively sampled and were at least 25years old. Social media has two effects, according to a thematic analysis of the data; on the other hand, it causes distractions, procrastination, and poor time management. The study found that learners who applied self-regulation, intentional digital engagement, and peer accountability strategies reported more positive academic outcomes. Grounded in Social Constructivist Theory, the findings emphasize the importance of collaborative and contextualized learning experiences. The study concludes that while social media holds substantial educational value, its effective use depends on learners\u27 digital discipline and institutional support. Recommendations are provided for learners, educators, and policymakers to leverage the benefits of social media while mitigating its potential adverse effects on academic performance

From Open-Book Exams to Group Podcasts: A Paradigm Shift in Assessing Pre-Registration Nursing Associate Students\u27 Knowledge of Long-Term Condition Care

The role of Nursing Associates in the English healthcare system has become increasingly significant amid a nursing shortage, necessitating a re-evaluation of traditional higher education assessment methods. This case study critiques high-stakes examinations and advocates for authentic assessment strategies that better reflect real-world scenarios. We explore group podcasting, which foster collaboration, critical thinking, and digital competencies while maintaining a human-centred focus. By integrating digital skills with interpersonal care, this case study highlights the importance of inclusive, effective educational frameworks that prepare pre-registration Nursing Associates for the complexities of modern healthcare delivery