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.
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 scoop prizes at the STAAR awards 2026
12 May 2026
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
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
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
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
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
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
The CADE Roadshow: research stories from the University of Northampton - Dr Kardi Somerfield talks about her research into and her passion for digital marketing and social media.
28 November 2025
Alice Wilby considers a simple task which allows students to reflect on why a simple reliance on the use of generative AI output could create misleading and overly simplistic outputs.
12 November 2025
This guest post from Robin Crockett, who's about to retire after 30 years at the University, reflects on the proliferation of AI and possible ways forward for the (higher) education…
28 August 2025