Digital experience insights survey

The DEO annually collects and analyses data about the digital environment, and how digital technologies are used in learning, teaching and supporting activities. These surveys are separate to the Unit Evaluation surveys via Blue, and provide more in-depth understanding of student experiences, as well as their digital skills and capabilities.

Until 2026, this was primarily via the Jisc Digital Experience Insights surveys for students. In some years, we also surveyed academic and professional services staff using relevant Jisc Insights surveys. The Jisc surveys used question sets which were intensively trialled within higher education, and provided benchmarking data for the UK HE sector. Jisc announced in 2026 that their surveys will no longer be available.

The DEO have since created a University of Bristol version of this survey, which allows for more bespoke questions that can target activities, tools and strategic issues for us. The survey will allow us to continue to collect and analyse data about the digital environment, and how digital technologies are used in learning, teaching and support activities.

Results from previous student surveys have:

• Supported the move to Blackboard Ultra with data on student experiences and satisfaction.
• Enhanced work into Baseline Course Standards.
• Led to the development of a range of direct support offerings for students (including the Digitally Ready induction course, guides and contextual help).
• Prompted the development of student roles within the DEO to inform the development of the digital environment and improve our support for students; initially, this was via 12 Student Digital Champions, but has since developed into a new Student Partnership role.
• Informed decisions to introduce new tools to support teaching and learning.
• Instigated work to improve the consistency of Blackboard Original courses through the introduction of templates and core standards (now further updated and redesigned for Blackboard Ultra).