John Sumpter
Head of Online and Digital Learning
John assumes responsibility for overseeing the academic leadership, operational management, and business performance of both new and existing online programs. Moreover, he leads and manages digital learning staff supporting technology-enhanced learning throughout the University.
Throughout his tenure in the education sector, John has spearheaded digital transformation initiatives on international, national, and governmental platforms. With a robust professional background spanning three universities and two prominent national sector entities, namely Jisc and Advance HE.
John's substantial contributions to national policy and framework reforms have left a profound impact on universities, personnel, and student experiences globally. Previously, he orchestrated a paradigm shift with the Digital Leaders Programme at Jisc, benefiting over 400 senior leaders in further and higher education, thereby enriching their comprehension of the challenges and opportunities in digital education. He has also played a pivotal role in advancing the implementation of the HEA Framework and UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) worldwide, alongside the reform of national policies and frameworks.
His proactive involvement in crafting and establishing a Digital Learning Design Framework and Toolkit has been widely disseminated throughout the higher and further education sector, impacting learning organisations in the UK, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.
Furthermore, John collaborated in the development and leadership of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Review Service, influencing over 600 academic/teaching staff, students, and professional services/support personnel. This initiative culminated in a national report that informed the practices and utilisation of 163 university VLE staff, ultimately enhancing the student experience for thousands of students.
Qualifications
Qualifications
| Year | Qualification | Awarding body |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Masters in Online and Distance Education MA ODE | Open University |
| 2013 | PGCert Online and Distance Education PGCert ODE | Open University |
| 2010 | Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education PGCHE | Falmouth University |
Honors and awards
| Year | Description |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Certified Online Learning Facilitator (COLF) |
| 2015 | Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) |
Research Interests
Research interests and expertise
My research interests and expertise are rooted in the development and implementation of digital leadership and learning strategies in higher education. I have a strong track record of influencing national and international educational frameworks, with a particular focus on enhancing online and blended learning environments across diverse geographic regions. My expertise extends to leading digital transformation initiatives aimed at improving the academic leadership and operational management of online programs. Additionally, I am committed to cultivating leadership and culture within the higher education sector, assessing and optimising the use of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs).
Policy engagement within Cornwall
Engagement with organisations which contribute to the development of educational, cultural or socio-economic policies in Cornwall
I have made a sustained and significant contribution in raising standards of excellence in higher education both nationally and internationally. I have acted as both support and a critical friend for a range of key frameworks and toolkits, including the Jisc Digital Capabilities Framework, Building Digital Capabilities Discovery Tool, Digital Leaders Role Profile, and the Framework for Digital Transformation in Higher Education. These nationally recognised frameworks have had an impact on universities, personnel, and the student experience throughout the UK and globally.
I have also contributed to shaping UK Government policy and have been featured in various national and international sector publications, including Jisc, ALT, AdvanceHE, and EDUCAUSE.
Professional Engagement
Independent professional practice
Academic contributions
Leading an effective digital organisation
Presentation at EDUCAUSE Annual Conference, Dever, USA.
October 2022 |
Putting your educational institution in the best possible position for the future.
Presentation at EdMedia, New York, USA
June 2022 |
Private Networks and Connectivity in the University Sector
Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE) Homeland Security UK government
Roundtable | March 2022|
Strategic Innovation for Skills: A Program for Senior Curriculum and Quality Leaders
Workshop delivered at residential | March 2022 |
Leading an effective digital organisation
Roundtable - Digifest | March 2022 |
Building the foundations of a digital culture
Jisc Blog | February 2022 |
Digital leadership equipping the workforce of the future.
Networkshop | Presentation April 2021
'Digital leaders are worth their weight in gold’
Jisc Blog | March 2021 |
The vital role of digital leadership in transforming education
Digifest 20121 Conference | Panel discussion | March 2021 |
VLE Review Report 2020. Analysing the VLE reviews we completed with our members. What can we learn from these interactions?
Jisc.ac.uk Report | October 2020 |
We’ve turned the pedagogy upside down’: the universities pioneering a new approach to learning The Guardian.com Article contribution | February, 2020 |
People not technology: the role of leadership in digital transformation
Education Technology.co.uk and Jisc.ac.uk Blog |February, 2020 |
International Education Summit 2020
News article | January, 2020