Sep 24, 2025 * 4 min read
Embedding Adobe Express to transform creative learning and digital fluency
The ambition
In its 2025-2030 strategy 'Creative Education for a Changing World,' Arts University Plymouth outlines an ambitious vision to align its curriculum with emerging technologies and evolving industry needs. While creative arts students often use advanced Adobe tools, the demand for remote access and equitable use has grown since COVID-19. Adam Levi, senior learning technologist at Arts University Plymouth explains:
"Many students commute long distances or juggle personal commitments, so remote access was essential, especially for our growing cohort of mature students. Even in courses using advanced software, Adobe Express provides a simple, effective option for creating presentations, social media content and displaying work digitally."
Adam Levi
Senior Learning Technologist, Arts University Plymouth
The solution
While the university was keen to utilise the full Adobe Creative Cloud, the complexity of the programmes and budget constraints made it infeasible. The full student coverage option for Adobe Express, which was introduced through the Jisc Adobe enterprise term licence agreement (ETLA), offered an interesting solution. Adam explains:
"The Adobe Express option available via the Jisc Adobe ETLA offered an affordable, flexible tool to boost our digital infrastructure. Accessible both on or off campus, it supports digital literacy among all students and staff. Crucially, it also expands assessment possibilities across all courses and supports our broader digital capability goals."
Adam Levi
Senior Learning Technologist, Arts University Plymouth
Making it work
Simply having Adobe Express wasn't enough: Arts University Plymouth needed to tailor its use to fit its unique context to drive digital transformation and maximise impact.
The university's unique Common Unit Framework spans all subjects with shared learning outcomes across all disciplines, so assessment points are also naturally aligned.
"Authentic assessment for our students means designing assessment tasks that reflect real-world creative industry scenarios. For example, asking students to pitch an idea or design helps them to practise industry-relevant skills. Adobe Express provides easy-to-use, flexible tools to support this kind of work."
Adam Levi
Senior Learning Technologist, Arts University Plymouth
"Adobe Express sparked wider conversations around digital pedagogy, curriculum innovation and employability. Students often start with fixed career goals, but their paths are rarely linear. Strengthening digital literacy builds transferable skills and boosts adaptability in a competitive jobs market."
Adam Levi
Senior Learning Technologist, Arts University Plymouth
Learning from collaboration
Joining the Jisc Adobe 'transforming together' programme - available exclusively to members who purchase their Adobe licensing via the Jisc ETLA - was pivotal for Arts University Plymouth:
"As a small institution still developing digitally, it was invaluable to connect with Jisc, Adobe, and other universities - to share ideas, gain support, and raise Arts University Plymouth's digital profile in a digital education space."
Adam Levi
Senior Learning Technologist, Arts University Plymouth
"Involving senior staff earlier would have helped secure buy-in. In hindsight, rolling out Adobe Express required more institutional commitment than we anticipated and had capacity for. Other 'transforming together' institutions took a staff-first approach whereas we decided to focus directly on students and strengthening their engagement."
Adam Levi
Senior Learning Technologist, Arts University Plymouth
Reflections and next steps
If he had his time again, what would Adam have done differently?
"I would have liked to have time to plan before the roll out. Once the ball was rolling it was hard to pause and adjust. Initially, we focused mainly on students, but engaging academics early is vital to show how the tool enhances teaching, learning, and assessment."
Adam Levi
Senior Learning Technologist, Arts University Plymouth
"Small pockets of students are now engaging with Adobe Express more creatively. Previously, many over-relied on Google Docs and Slides. Express has unlocked new creative ways for students to make video reports and digitally showcase their physical work."
Adam Levi
Senior Learning Technologist, Arts University Plymouth
"Plan before you buy. Involve a multi-disciplinary team with clear time commitments bringing people in as needed. Regular meetings help – but only if stakeholders see the tool's value."
Adam Levi
Senior Learning Technologist, Arts University Plymouth
"With a new LMS, evolving assessments and Jisc's digital capability discovery tool, our next phase brings exciting opportunities - I'm eager to see where our digital transformation leads."
Adam Levi
Senior Learning Technologist, Arts University Plymouth
About Arts University Plymouth
Arts University Plymouth is the UK's newest specialist arts university and a national leader in creative education. It was named South West England University of the Year 2024 and 2025 at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards, and ranked second in the UK for student satisfaction by Times Higher Education in 2024. Arts University Plymouth also secured top rankings for student experience and is placed fifth nationally for student satisfaction. It is run by artists and designers for artists and designers, and thrives on creativity.