Study Smart 3: Student ambassadors explore how AI is changing university learning
10 September 2026
Centre For Active Digital Education (CADE)
Welcome to Centre For Active Digital Education (CADE)
Welcome to the Centre For Active Digital Education (CADE)
The Centre for Active Digital Education (CADE) is a multi-disciplinary research centre located in Library and Learning Services but sitting across multiple faculties and Professional Services teams within the University of Northampton (UON). We recognise that the use of digital technologies in higher education is poised to move into a new era and that UON has the capacity to lead in the field. Innovative digital technologies can pave the way for new pedagogical approaches that emphasise active participation, social inclusion and collaborative innovation.
Latest Research Updates
Exploring Multimodal AI to Improve Accessibility, Student Support and Immersive Learning
In this case study, Rob Howe writes about The Study Smart 3 project and how it explored how multimodal AI could improve the student learning experience while reducing barriers to…
9 September 2026
Multimodal AI in practice at UON
This blogpost advises on the Study Smart 3 project, which explores how AI can support students and tutors to work across different modes of communication.
9 September 2026
Digital Horizons case study: Putting pedagogy before technology
In this blogpost, Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith write about moving sixth-form learning beyond the desk through thoughtfully sequenced technology.
9 September 2026
Exploring beliefs and worldviews through immersive spaces
Gemma Zeeman writes about the Immersive Discoveries project, which turned locations captured using 360-degree cameras into educational immersive spaces.
9 September 2026
Case Study Report: Exploring the Use of AI Avatars at the University of Northampton
7 September 2026
Letting Go of the Script: What Operation Nexus+ taught us about simulation facilitation, authenticity and learning
With AI changing the landscape of higher education, the need for authentic learning experiences has never been greater. Simulation pedagogy is emerging as a powerful way to bridge the gap…
7 September 2026
Fast answers, slower judgement: Using Copilot to find evidence in university reports
Nicola Denning writes about how she used Microsoft Copilot to identify useful patterns across a large collection of reports and to suggest where to look next.
4 September 2026
Learning through uncertainty: What a live VR project taught us about student agency
In this blog, Kardi Somerfield write about the Digital Horizons Safer Streets project and explores how unfamiliar technology can create rich learning when it is connected to a meaningful purpose.
4 September 2026
When the pressure feels real: Digital technology at the heart of Operation Nexus+
In this blogpost, Claire Drakeley writes about the Operation Nexus+ project, which brings together students from different courses together at Silverstone Circuit for a large-scale simulation of a major event.
3 September 2026