A new UNSW framework is making it easier than ever for staff to shape the future of education through clear, supported and transparent innovation pathways.
Published on 11 December 2025
UNSW is introducing the Governance & Innovation for Digital Education (GUIDE) framework – a university-wide approach for staff to bring forward education technology ideas and progress them through structured and transparent development pathways.
Developed jointly by the PVCE Portfolio, UNSW IT and faculties, GUIDE supports education innovation and the development of impactful digital learning tools that enhance the learning and teaching experience.
A new, positive step for EdTech innovation
GUIDE offers staff a simple and supported way to develop, trial and refine ideas - big or small, early-stage or mature. It removes the guesswork by providing a single entry point through the Ideas Portal and consistent prioritisation criteria that will be used to assess their potential and impact. The Ideas Portal also promotes visibility and collaboration by allowing staff to browse all submitted ideas and track their progress through the GUIDE process.
Ideas are progressed through one of four available pathways:
- fast-track to implementation
- guided exploration and design through the Education Innovation Incubator,
- collaborative development between faculty and divisions, and
- locally-led development.
Staff can access expert guidance, prototyping support, design thinking workshops or coordinated project delivery depending on the pathway assigned. Idea owners play a key role in driving their ideas forward, supported by relevant central and faculty teams along the way.
Faculty voices at the centre
Faculty academic and professional staff serve as a key voice in GUIDE, bringing forward the priorities, contexts and challenges of their local environments. This ensures ideas are shaped with real teaching and learning needs in mind, resulting in stronger proposals and greater alignment across UNSW.
A message from UNSW leadership
Every great innovation begins with a single idea, often in the classroom. GUIDE supports educators to turn those ideas into reality. It is here to help our amazing innovators bring their visions to life, fostering a culture where creativity thrives and collective priorities and decision-making shape our future together. - Professor Christine (Tini) Mathies, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education
Advancing UNSW’s Progress for All strategy
GUIDE supports UNSW’s Progress for All Strategy – particularly Pillar 5, which focuses on creating simple, effective digital systems, and Pillar 3, which emphasises strengthening collaboration and innovation across the University. It also aligns with the Education Technology Roadmap 2024-2028 to build a more connected, innovative and future-ready digital ecosystem.
Get ready to share your ideas
Over the coming months, we’ll be engaging with faculties to introduce GUIDE and outline ways for staff to get involved. With the Ideas Portal opening in Q1 2026, this is the perfect time to explore the framework and begin thinking about opportunities for innovation.
Visit the GUIDE SharePoint site and discover how you can transform the learning and teaching experience at UNSW.
This article was written by Amanda Yeung
