Higher Education Technology Trends
Technology is changing how people access, receive and share educational information. Cloud computing allows educational organizations to take advantage of shared resources and software that are delivered as a service that students, faculty, and administration can access on demand. Technology supports learning, social interaction, content creation and professional collaboration.
Benefits for Students
Forbes magazine says that online education has now become an essential part of both student and professional learning programs. Technology offers personalized learning with better alternatives and accommodations. Students can easily access a wide range of software tools, online platforms and educational resources that suit their specific styles and learning interests. 24/7 accessibility is a powerful marketing tool for colleges and universities that need to enhance their ROI and competitiveness. Working professionals who want to return to college to finish their degrees can easily fulfill their educational goals.
Benefits for Schools
CNBC estimates that the average cost of tuition at a private university is approximately $31,200 per year. Educational institutions are often criticized for being for-profit businesses, but the cost of operative massive facilities and complex programs is becoming more expensive and challenging. Technology helps colleges reduce administration costs and incorporate new solutions to meet evolving educational needs and employment demands. Educational institutions can reduce their labor, utility and administration costs through technology like cloud-computing. This is an excellent way to promote environmental sustainability.
Creating the Right Mindset
Educational executives may understand that their organization needs better technology, but convincing traditional staff to migrate between solutions may be challenging. Educational leaders and administrators can help staff understand the need to outsource non-core competencies, such as design and maintenance, to qualified service providers. This will help them to focus on value-added activities and core duties. Innovative services, such as interior environment assessments and redesigns, may enhance the college’s brand, culture, and even reputation.
Higher educational institutions that embrace technology will likely enjoy more advertising power, customer satisfaction, competitive performance and student-professor engagement.
