Higher Education and Technology: better together

Miloš Topić, Ph.D.Vice President for IT and Chief Digital Officer, Grand Valley State University

Miloš Topić, Ph.D.Vice President for IT and Chief Digital Officer, Grand Valley State University

Education has been known as the great equalizer for countless people from different backgrounds and it has improved their lives and outcomes for centuries. In many respects, education, in its many forms, is essential for our growth, development, and advancement. It also influences our cultures, societies, our individual lives, and collective future.

Ongoing advancements in technology have influenced and ignited a transformation that is changing the ways we learn, teach, collaborate, and acquire information. Technology has become an integral part of education, a golden thread in the very fabric of higher education and as such, it is essential to acknowledge and recognize why they are better together.

Enhancing and scaling learning experience

Technology has transformed the learning experience by offering flexible, various, and interactive learning modalities. Students can access learning materials online, use virtual or augmented reality to explore different ideas and concepts, and participate in collaborative online learning activities. This has not only made learning more engaging but also more effective as students can learn at their own pace (asynchronously) and in a way that is better aligned with their individual learning styles. Furthermore, technology partnered with contemporary space design can introduce active learning environments designed to promote flexibility and collaboration across college campuses.

Improving accessibility and removing barriers

Technology has also made education more accessible to students regardless of their location, financial means, disabilities, or other challenges. Students can access online courses from anywhere in the world, which enables people to pursue education even in areas where it has not been available or attainable. Additionally, technology has made educational opportunities more affordable by reducing the cost of textbooks, reducing travel expenses, and providing quicker access to information and knowledge. Now, it is important to point out that access to technology itself can be an issue, whether it is network connectivity and speed or availability of devices such as laptops, tablets, or phones. This concern should not be overlooked.

" No matter what career, industry, or organization one chooses to pursue, those who are proficient in using modern technologies will be better equipped to succeed in the future "

Facilitating communication, collaboration, and teamwork

Technologies have enabled, supported, and even transformed communication, collaboration, and teamwork across industries and professions. Online discussion forums, chat rooms, and video conferencing platforms allow students to connect and collaborate with their peers and professors in real-time. This has not only enhanced the learning experience but has also created a sense of community and belonging among learners.

Enhancing productivity for all

While challenging at first, especially during transitions between environments and necessary accompanying training, if done well, technologies are meant to simplify lives and improve productivity. These new solutions are designed to help faculty by providing tools and resources to create engaging and interactive lessons which can then be distributed in a variety of ways to reach learners where they are. Faculty can use online resources to find teaching materials, create multimedia presentations, and track student progress. This has reduced the time and effort required to create and grade assignments, allowing faculty to focus on providing personalized instruction, guidance, and support to their students.

Preparing learners for the future

Technology is an essential tool in the modern world, and it is becoming increasingly important in the workplace and our personal lives. No matter what career, industry, or organization one chooses to pursue, those who are proficient in using modern technologies will be better equipped to succeed in the future. Therefore, it is essential that students are taught how to use technology to their advantage, and how to leverage it to solve problems, collaborate with others, and think critically. Digital literacy is essential in today’s world, and it goes right next to communication, negotiation and leadership abilities and skills. There is no way around it.

Finally, higher education needs to partner with technology and embrace its possibilities and benefits which enhance the learning experience, improve accessibility, facilitate communication and collaboration, prepare students for the future, and enhance faculty productivity. With technology, higher education has become more inclusive, engaging, and effective, and it is essential that we continue to embrace technology to provide high-quality education to all.