https://jessica.digital/articles https://jessica.digital/article/enhancing-study-skills/32 enhancing-study-skills Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000 A proactive study skills intervention for online postgraduate students at Hull Online enhanced academic confidence, engagement, and performance. Through early, tailored support, the pilot addressed challenges in academic writing, time management, and critical thinking. Positive feedback and improved outcomes suggest strong potential for wider adoption and long-term impact. https://jessica.digital/article/chequing-edge-cases-digital-automation/30 chequing-edge-cases-digital-automation Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Writing a cheque after six years highlighted how universities' digitalisation often overlooks edge cases. Technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction, ensuring flexibility for diverse needs. https://jessica.digital/article/flexibility-without-floundering/28 flexibility-without-floundering Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000 UK online master’s programs need to effectively balance flexibility and structure to foster student success. Flexible learning options should cater to diverse student needs, while structured elements ensure motivation and reduce dropout rates. This will aid institutions in attracting a global audience and maintaining financial sustainability by adapting to the evolving demands of higher education. https://jessica.digital/article/masters-degrees-whats-title/27 masters-degrees-whats-title Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:27:43 +0000 With postgraduate study in the UK still increasing, does the award title matter? This article explores the distinctions, learning strategies and career implications, and how these shape perceptions in the shifting academic landscape. https://jessica.digital/article/how-rising-undergraduate-tuition-fees-could-affect-international-postgraduate-recruitment-online-degrees/25 how-rising-undergraduate-tuition-fees-could-affect-international-postgraduate-recruitment-online-degrees Tue, 05 Nov 2024 14:07:01 +0000 The proposed rise in UK undergraduate tuition fees could have a significant impact on international recruitment for online postgraduate degrees. Higher costs may discourage students from choosing UK universities, shifting them to more affordable alternatives. UK institutions will need to adapt to remain competitive in the global education market. https://jessica.digital/article/ctrl-alt-success/29 ctrl-alt-success Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Development of effective study skills is crucial for the success of online postgraduate students, particularly in time management, self-motivation, effective learning strategies, and digital literacy. Practical tips and techniques are provided to support students in succeeding within an online learning environment, balancing academic demands with personal commitments. https://jessica.digital/article/upgrading-fellowship-cmi-personal-perspectives/23 upgrading-fellowship-cmi-personal-perspectives Tue, 27 Aug 2024 09:37:18 +0000 Being awarded Fellowship of the CMI recognises the importance of continual learning and strategic leadership in higher education. I share my experiences of my continual membership of the CMI, recognising my commitment to professional development, strategic thinking, and effective leadership in diverse academic settings. https://jessica.digital/article/applying-duolingo-learning-techniques-computer-science-education/17 applying-duolingo-learning-techniques-computer-science-education Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Celebrating my 200-day Duolingo streak, I realized gamification techniques from language learning can enhance computer science education. Streaks, levels, leaderboards, and challenges boost engagement and motivation. Gamification fosters continuous practice, achievement, and collaboration, making learning enjoyable and impactful. This article explores applying Duolingo's strategies to programming education. https://jessica.digital/article/evolution-web-content-accessibility-guidelines-wcag/20 evolution-web-content-accessibility-guidelines-wcag Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Tracing the evolution of WCAG guidelines from 1.0 to the upcoming 3.0, highlighting how each version expands accessibility standards and tackles emerging technologies. This article discusses the link between WCAG and user experience and how the UK's legislation has responded to the need to improve accessibility for public sector websites. https://jessica.digital/article/scooby-crewe-wins-best-krazy-designed-kart/15 scooby-crewe-wins-best-krazy-designed-kart Mon, 15 Jul 2024 11:51:53 +0000 I had an exciting weekend racing with Scooby Crewe at the Krazy Races Crewe Soapbox Derby. Despite not making the top 10, we consistently improved our times and won the Best Krazy Designed Kart trophy. https://jessica.digital/article/understanding-concept-information-information-systems/18 understanding-concept-information-information-systems Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Exploring the complex concept of information in information systems, distinguishing between data, capta, information, and knowledge. It highlights the ambiguity and subjectivity of information, especially in digital contexts, and emphasizes the importance of understanding how information is processed, interpreted, and used to generate knowledge. https://jessica.digital/article/navigating-future-web-accessibility-transition-wcag-22-wcag-30/10 navigating-future-web-accessibility-transition-wcag-22-wcag-30 Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000 The latest draft of the W3C Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 3.0) has been published, and demonstrates a large shift in the way accessibility is accommodated for in both web and mobile apps. Building on my doctoral research, this blog post summarises they key changes. https://jessica.digital/article/understanding-information-architecture-websites-organizing-information-optimal-user-experience/19 understanding-information-architecture-websites-organizing-information-optimal-user-experience Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000 The evolution and importance of information architecture (IA) in web design highlights how organizing content for ease of access enhances user experience. Techniques like card sorting and wireframes are discussed, emphasizing the need to cater to both seekers and browsers in the digital landscape. https://jessica.digital/article/fhea-fellowship-personal-reflection/12 fhea-fellowship-personal-reflection Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Reflecting on my current journey to achieve Senior Fellowship (SFHEA), I recall the valuable insights gained through the Fellowship (FHEA) process. This recognition supports excellence in teaching, aligning with the Professional Standards Framework, and fosters continuous improvement. My experiences highlight the transformative impact of structured professional development on academic practice. https://jessica.digital/article/uk-government-launches-consultation-updating-licensing-act/11 uk-government-launches-consultation-updating-licensing-act Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 The UK Government has launched a consultation to update the Licensing Act 2003to address digital age assurance for alcohol sales. This includes using digital proof of age and determining the point of age verification. The consultation aims to reduce ambiguity and enhance protection against underage sales and intoxicated purchases as identified in my earlier research. https://jessica.digital/article/phd-thesis-complete/3 phd-thesis-complete Sun, 31 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0000 I successfully passed my viva and submitted my PhD thesis on improving online informational content quality. My research led to the development of the Informative Web Content Guidelines (IWCG), enhancing web content accessibility and usability. https://jessica.digital/article/preventing-underage-alcohol-purchasing-online-using-payment-card-details/7 preventing-underage-alcohol-purchasing-online-using-payment-card-details Thu, 09 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000 My research, funded by the Institute of Alcohol Studies, proposes using Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) in payment card transactions to prevent underage online alcohol purchases. This system enhances age assurance with minimal customer friction and robust privacy protection, ensuring compliance with age-restriction laws while maintaining a seamless customer experience. https://jessica.digital/article/are-existing-online-age-checks-alcohol-purchases-effective/5 are-existing-online-age-checks-alcohol-purchases-effective Tue, 09 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000 The UK's lockdown in March 2020 led to increased alcohol consumption and sales. Research funded by Alcohol Change UK revealed that online age verification for alcohol purchases is inadequate, often relying on delivery checks. Clarifying guidelines from the Licensing Act 2003 and involving banks in age verification could better protect underage individuals from buying alcohol online. https://jessica.digital/article/effective-age-gating-online-alcohol-sales/4 effective-age-gating-online-alcohol-sales Thu, 30 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000 Evaluation of the effectiveness of age-gating processes for online alcohol sales. The study found current methods ineffective and proposed enhanced online age verification, leveraging bank authorisation processes, and continuous monitoring of emerging technologies to better prevent minors from purchasing alcohol online. https://jessica.digital/article/understanding-digital-events-process-philosophy-and-causal-autonomy/6 understanding-digital-events-process-philosophy-and-causal-autonomy Tue, 07 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000 Our paper "Understanding Digital Events: Process Philosophy and Causal Autonomy" explores how deepening immersion in digital networks impacts free will. We argue for IT mindfulness to counteract the overwhelming influence of digital technologies. Integrating Bergson's and Whitehead's philosophies, we analyze the continuum from human control to technological autonomy and emphasise ethical design. https://jessica.digital/article/improving-ehealth-education/9 improving-ehealth-education Mon, 02 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000 The eHealth Eurocampus project, funded by Erasmus+, aimed to bridge the gap between academic training and practical eHealth demands. As a tutor, I guided students in developing innovative healthcare solutions. This initiative fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced eHealth education, significantly impacting Europe's healthcare workforce. https://jessica.digital/article/understanding-digital-events-events-based-approach/8 understanding-digital-events-events-based-approach Tue, 28 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000 The publication, Understanding Digital Events: Bergson, Whitehead, and the Experience of the Digital, is now available. This scholarly collection examines the philosophical and practical implications of digital interactions, providing a comprehensive and integrated perspective on digital phenomena. As Research Associate for this study, I am pleased to see the Colloquium discourse distilled into a published work.