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DENFest 2026: Media Enhanced Learning

DENFest is the University of Leeds’ festival of digital education, bringing together colleagues from across the institution to explore the practical ways that digital technology can support teaching and learning.

Attendees explored digital approaches to active learning, e-portfolios, assessment and feedback, accessibility and more!

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Wednesday 1– Thursday 2 July 2026

What is DENFest?

DENFest 2026 is a two-day conference held on campus. This year's inaugural event focused on Media Enhanced Learning, as the University prepares for the launch of Panopto, our new platform for creating, sharing and engaging with video and media in teaching.

DENFest offered attendees a choice of parallel sessions exploring a wide range of digital education practices.

Decorative imageExplore the DENfest programme

Who is DENFest for?

Academics and researchers with teaching responsibilities, plus professional service colleagues and external partners joined to find out how Panopto and other digital tools can support teaching.

Through the exchange ideas, networking and practical guidance, colleagues:

  • Learnt about digital education approaches that are enhancing teaching and assessment at Leeds (and how to get started)
  • Connected with colleagues who have similar needs and challenges, and accessed support from digital education experts
  • Shared lessons, stories and ideas in an open and explorative space - no technical expertise required, all questions welcomed!

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Brought to you by the Digital Education Network

This in-person event is hosted by the University of Leeds' Digital Education Network, established in 2023 as an open meeting and MS Teams community to share good practice in digital innovation for teaching and learning. Read more about the network. 

What to expect

Keynote speakers

  • Hear about the latest lecture capture research (and why live lectures with recording remain vital) with guest speaker Professor Emily Nordmann from the University of Glasgow
  • Explore what it really means to put students at the centre of learning design with Dr Nicholas Worsfold from Brunel University London

Interactive workshops

  • Choose from a range of hands‑on sessions, from getting started with Panopto to creating your own video‑based resources
  • Learn about common digital accessibility problems (and how to fix them)

Media Enhanced Learning showcase sessions

  • Watch demonstrations of Panopto's core functionality for creating and sharing multimedia resources
  • Meet the "Early Adopters" who have piloted Panopto in their teaching and professional practice
  • Hear direct student feedback and tips for educators

Networking

  • Connect with colleagues from across the institution during catered lunch and coffee breaks
  • Join the discussion during interactive sessions

One-to-one support in the DEN Zone

  • Meet the teams behind the Digital Education Network!
  • Explore and play with Panopto and other tools
  • Bring a question and ask the experts
This year, DENFest will also feature technology partners, including Blackboard, Explorance, Panopto and PebblePad. 
 

Explorance logo

 

Questions about this event? Email: [email protected]

Registered attendees can request a privacy notice via email. Please contact [email protected] for more information.