Welcome to the SIM SIG
22 June 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
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway: Pitching Live. Experiential Learning and Industry Partnership in Advertising
What does it really take to prepare students for the professional world? Dr Kardi Somerfield and Billy Little take final-year advertising students from a Channel 4 brief to a pitch…
9 June 2026
Digital Horizons: Operation Nexus Plus
Type of Technology used: Professional event management software (Halo), two-way radio communications, Padlet, Microsoft Teams, AI-driven simulation (Fail Safe, in development) Impact: Operation Nexus Plus is a large-scale, cross-disciplinary live…
18 May 2026
CADE team are winners at the STAAR awards 2026
CADE team scoop prizes at the STAAR awards 2026
12 May 2026
When AI Meets Lived Experience: Reflections on a Prison–University Debate
In this blogpost, Rob Howe writes about a recent event held at HMP Five Wells, which brought together university staff, students, prison staff and residents to explore the opportunities, risks…
20 April 2026
It’s as easy as a walk in the park: Mapping green spaces with 360 cameras
Access to greenspace has improved over the decades—but too many people are still missing out. As the focus shifts toward prevention and healthier lifestyles, making these spaces truly accessible is…
30 March 2026
From Learners to Leaders: Student-Authored Simulation in Midwifery Education
What happens when midwifery students design their own simulation scenarios? This case study explores a supported, student-led pilot that boosted confidence, enhanced engagement, and brought obstetric emergency learning to life.
26 March 2026
Digital Horizons: Safer Streets
In this blog, Dr Kardi Somerfield writes about the importance of student involvement in the Safer Streets Virtual Reality project, an innovative collaboration between the University of Northampton and the…
20 March 2026
CADE Roadshow: Podcast with Dr Patrick Jolomba
As part of the CADE Roadshow this year TJ, Helen and Emma chatted to Dr Patrick Jolomba about his Doctoral research - Innovation in clinical training: Virtual Reality's role in…
3 March 2026
The CADE Roadshow visits the 2025 Learning and Teaching Conference
As part of the CADE Roadshow this year, TJ, Helen and Emma went out and about to chat to the organisers and presenters of the UON Learning and Teaching conference.
4 December 2025