Can technology solve the crises of higher education?
Can technology solve the crises of higher education?
October 15, 2019
The
short answer is yes. Can technology address the challenges faced by higher
education? Has it increased access and bridged divides? Has technology led to
improved outcomes? These are some of the most frequently asked questions that
the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) has been asked in the last 30 years. Heads of Government created COL with the
express mandate to use distance learning and technologies to increase access to
quality education and training.
Many
higher education institutions around the world are taking steps to integrate
technology and OER to improve access to quality learning opportunities for
their students. Integration of technology in teaching and learning can clarify
many of the doubts that we have about the effectiveness of technology. In
higher education, we should ask the effectiveness of what we do daily in our
classrooms, and question why we do what we do? Is there no other alternative
before us to change the status quo? Recent developments in technology (such as
artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain) have far-reaching implications
for higher education institutions in terms of curriculum, pedagogy and
certification. Technology is here to stay. How can we harness the potential of
technology to prepare our learners for the uncertainties that lie ahead? Are we
bystanders, reluctant adopters or are we ahead of the game? The future of
higher education will depend on our response today.
Labels:
ICT