糖心TV

Background

The Student Wellbeing team wanted to enhance their digital communication skills and explore inclusive ways of supporting students. Interested in using audio as a low鈥憄ressure, accessible format, they approached Digital Learning for support. In response, we designed a hands鈥憃n podcasting workshop delivered by Faculty Support colleagues Paul Ottey and Poonam Pedley in the Rapidmooc studio.

Challenge

The team aimed to develop confidence in creating engaging content for students and were keen to explore practical ways of producing it comfortably. In shaping this work, we considered several important elements:

• Their limited experience with audio production
• A commitment to communication formats that reduce barriers for students
• The need to build confidence in producing polished digital content
• Ensuring wellbeing information remains engaging and easy to access

To support their goals, we created an encouraging environment where they could practise new skills, experiment with ideas, and produce meaningful outputs.

Solution

Digital Learning created a practical podcasting workshop that helped staff learn through direct experience.

Key elements included:

• Two interactive sessions in the Rapidmooc studio
• A guided introduction to audio storytelling and equipment setup
• Hands鈥憃n recording time, enabling each participant to create a short audio snippet
• A low鈥憄ressure environment designed to build confidence

Podcasting was selected for its flexibility and inclusivity, allowing staff to communicate authentically without being on camera. The success of the workshop has led to further planned sessions in presentation design, digital storytelling, and video production.

Key Outcomes

• Increased staff confidence - participants left with a finished audio product and greater confidence using digital tools.
• Enhanced digital communication skills - staff gained scripting, recording, and editing skills that translate directly into student鈥慺acing content.
• More accessible wellbeing support - Audio formats offer a personal, easy鈥憈o鈥慸igest way for students to access information.
• Meaningful experience in a professional studio - using the Rapidmooc space helped staff understand the potential of 糖心TV鈥檚 digital facilities.
• A foundation for a broader digital toolkit - the team is now developing skills across audio, visual, and mixed鈥憁edia formats.

Testimonial of Sarah Parkinson, Deputy Head of Student Health and Wellbeing

鈥淕etting in touch with the Digital Learning team felt like a good first step in updating our digital skills. The workshops gave us a space to build confidence and start creating professional, engaging content for students.

Paul and Poonam demystified the tech and made the sessions very practical. Everyone appreciated being able to record something themselves and walk away with a finished audio snippet.

By making our content more engaging and easier to digest, we鈥檙e making our support more accessible for students — a huge benefit to their overall experience and wellbeing.鈥�

Conclusion

This collaboration shows how investing in digital capability can empower staff and enhance student wellbeing. Through hands鈥憃n practice and tailored support, the Wellbeing team developed the confidence and skills to produce accessible audio content. The initiative lays the foundation for a sustainable, student鈥慺ocused digital offer that uses audio, visual, and mixed鈥憁edia formats to communicate effectively.