Distant Yarnings

Dr Julie Lindsay and Mr Jim Harris

Distant Yarnings is an educational podcast exploring the rapidly evolving landscape of global higher education in the digital age. Join us as we unravel the complex threads of how universities worldwide are adapting to technological transformation, examine the growing influence of AI on teaching and learning, and weave together insights from educators, students, and innovators across continents. Visit the Distant Yarnings Website at: https://create.usq.edu.au/distant-yarnings/ for show notes and transcripts.

Episodes

  1. 20 JAN

    Ep. 5: Curiosity and Curriculum: Innovation, Equity, and Autonomy in University Learning

    In this episode, hosts Julie and Jim are joined by Mark Childs and Julie Usher from Durham University (UK) to discuss the complexities of learning design within a high-ranking, research-intensive institution. The guests describe the unique "Oxbridge" vibes and college system of Durham while addressing challenges such as classism, the need for widening participation, and the struggle to balance world-class research with pedagogical innovation. Hosts: Julie (Australia) & Jim (UK)Guests: Dr Mark Childs and Julie Usher from the Durham Centre for Academic DevelopmentDate and Length: 20 January 2026. Approx. 73 minThemes: Hierarchies in Higher Education, Student Autonomy and Readiness, The Impact of AI on Assessment, Inclusive Pedagogy, Pedagogy via Pop Culture.Show Notes and Transcript

    1h 13m

  2. 16/12/2025

    Ep. 4: Serving the Song: UDL, Community Building, and Agile Project Management in Higher Education

    Hosts Julie Lindsay and Jim Harris welcome Stefanie Savage-Campbell, Senior Educational Projects Manager at Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, who is also part of the JISC Beyond Blended pilot group. Stefanie discusses her role in managing strategic projects across the university, noting that she often occupies the "weird third space" between professional services and academic staff. Hosts: Julie (Australia) & Jim (UK)Guests: Stefanie Savage-CampbellDate and Length: 5 December 2025. Approx. 64 min.Theme: Educational project management, strategic projects, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), building community and belonging, the human element in the age of AI.Bonus Link: Recife Pernambuco Carnaval 2025⁠Show Notes and Transcript⁠

    1h 15m

  3. 02/12/2025

    Ep. 3: Jisc: Future-Proofing Education Through Inclusive Digital Design (Beyond Blended)

    Julie Lindsay and Jim Harris welcome special guests Sarah Knight, Director of Digital Transformation at Jisc, and Sheila McNeill, Independent Consultant working on the Beyond Blended program. The discussion centers on Jisc's three decades of work supporting UK universities and colleges with technology, internet connectivity, and digital strategy. They trace the organization’s foundational work in learning design back to 2004, noting that issues like ensuring technical systems interoperability remain perennial challenges. Hosts: Julie (Australia) & Jim (UK)Guests: Sarah Knight and Sheila McNeill Date and Length: 25 November, 2025. Approx. 51 min.Theme: Digital transformation, curriculum design, digital capabilities, and the future of higher education.Show Notes and Transcript: https://create.usq.edu.au/distant-yarnings/2025/12/02/ep-3-jisc-future-proofing-education-through-inclusive-digital-design-beyond-blended/

    51 min

  4. 30/11/2025

    Ep. 2: Beyond Blended - Negotiating Terminology and Embracing Active Asynchronous Learning

    Julie Lindsay and Jim Harris begin Episode 2 by discussing the JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) organization and its role in UK higher education, including providing a nationwide internet service and negotiating for resources like e-books. They introduce their guest, Lisa Jacka from UNISQ (University of Southern Queensland), who was involved in the JISC Beyond Blended pilot. Hosts: Julie (Australia) & Jim (UK)Guest: Dr Lisa Jacka (Australia)Date and Length: October, 2025. Approx. 48 min.Theme: Learning and Teaching, Higher Education, Blended Learning, HyFlex, Async, the Beyond Blended Project. Show Notes and Transcript: https://create.usq.edu.au/distant-yarnings/2025/09/30/ep-2-beyond-blended/

    48 min

  5. 28/11/2025

    Ep. 1: Where Stories Begin

    Welcome to the very first episode of Distant Yarnings! In this debut, Julie and Jim introduce the heart of their podcast — built around “yarning” (the art of meaningful, narrative-rich conversation) and the many meanings of “distance” in modern education. Hosts: Julie (Australia) & Jim (UK)Date and Length: September, 2025. Approx. 50 min.Theme: Distance, learning, storytelling, and a dash of archaeologyShow Notes and Transcript: https://create.usq.edu.au/distant-yarnings/2025/11/28/ep1-where-stories-begin/

    51 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Distant Yarnings is an educational podcast exploring the rapidly evolving landscape of global higher education in the digital age. Join us as we unravel the complex threads of how universities worldwide are adapting to technological transformation, examine the growing influence of AI on teaching and learning, and weave together insights from educators, students, and innovators across continents. Visit the Distant Yarnings Website at: https://create.usq.edu.au/distant-yarnings/ for show notes and transcripts.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Julie Lindsay and Mr Jim Harris
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr Julie Lindsay and Mr Jim Harris
  • Show Website
    Distant Yarnings