17 October 2023 - DIG23 reflections - Gilly Jones
UCISA DIG23 Conference, Birmingham October 12th and 13th 2023
Well, what a great two days I had at this Conference and I really appreciated the opportunity which came out totally blue from a thumbs up. Birmingham is close enough for me to travel by rail in each day, would have been nice to take the offer of the overnight stay but with a husband and a family of Cats it is essential I get back in an evening - I know my family life they stay at the Cat Hotel with the TV screen with mice and fish on plus the fuss but that is expensive.
I have been lucky as I have been to a UCISA Conference before but not as an attendee. I did the AV support role back in 2012 at St Andrews Scotland, it was very wet as well when that one took place, really good event and location but when you are working an event you do not get to absorb the topics.
Got myself to Birmingham very easy, and with the help of several friendly Brummies' which involved the Police/ Bus driver/ Parking Ticket Warden who thought he was ticketing my car and the lovely lady on the reception desk in Aston University, I arrived well in time at the Hotel. I was met with a warm and friendly Welcome followed by and a good cup of Tea and biscuits to start the day. As well as meeting up with my good colleagues from the University of Wolverhampton.
The Open Session "How is AI, Generative AI and Digital Transforming Higher Education" really kicked off the event followed by a stream of sessions on both days that were so relevant and informative. Technology in Higher Education is being transformed by our developing technology and the data it can produce to enable better management of our facilities and environment. I must say I was a little over whelmed at times but it was really good to see what it can do in Higher Education and very exciting.
I picked out two main sessions as well as the "Transformation" theme I was keen to learn about.
One of the main attractions for me at the DIG23 was to attend the session being delivered by our good colleague Tim Gredien on "Autopkg and CI Keeping your Mac Software Portfolio updated".
I work with Tim on our managed Mac Estate which is relatively new compared to our Windows Estate. It was a really good session where I learned a lot more about what we are doing at the backend of the Mac Management. The real bonus for me was to hear the questions from the others attendees and what they are doing with their Mac estate development along with the exchange of contact details afterwards.
My second session was networking and its usefulness as a tool for management apart from internet access. I was not disappointed it was totally "WOW" and unbelievable what Edinburgh University were doing with their systems by utilising their Wifi AP's to collect data for building management such as heating/staffing required/understanding the number of PC's that would be required in the building by the data the AP's were collecting. Their system extends out into the local bio-diversity and captures data to identify what species of bats are present by identification the species and also counting numbers. This would be a wonderful site to visit to see in action and how this has all been pulled together and is on my wish list if there is a chance to visit them.
The whole event took on and incorporated the theme of Transformation or is it a dirty word as reference throughout the event.
The CIO from Lancaster shared how they tackled Transformation and taken their staff on that journey Change is a difficult subject for many and the pace in all areas of life is now at a great speed. A key point in trying to achieve this does entail ensuring your staff are with you full-hearted all the way along with setting a focus point that is realistic. Constant review is also required and if need be, adjustment made to strategy as process is made. Setting targets that are achievable move you forward positively. For me in one of the best slides said it all with transformation.
Thank you for a really memorable two days I took so much away with me and how I wished I had been given the opportunity to attend an UCISA event like this as it really does inspire you. For me working in education is a great privilege. Thank YOU
Just to add the finish was absolutely "Purrfect" for me take a look at the YouTube Movie
Best Cat Commercials EDS Cat Herders
This is this Transformation.
By the way I just use a plate of fish to herd mine, it works just the same!
