Technology in Higher Education: Technology in Higher Education: Urgency and VisionUrgency and Vision

The Emergence of TechnologyThe Emergence of Technology

Online learning

Technology in the classroom

Tools for administrators

Online LearningOnline Learning

• Steady increase in percentage of students taking online courses.

• Entirely distance-based education is still primarily the sector of private, for-profit institutions.

• Graduate students more likely to study entirely online.

(U.S. News, 2014)

Growth in Online LearningGrowth in Online Learning

(Inside Higher Ed, 2013)

Rise of MOOCsRise of MOOCs

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) emerged in recent years and captured mainstream attention

Questions persist: value of education? Impact on traditional learning?

Technology in the ClassroomTechnology in the Classroom

Laptops

Whiteboards (interactive

blackboards)

Audience response tools

Virtual environments (e.g.

Blackboard)

Tools for AdministratorsTools for Administrators

Tracking, advisement for students

Paperless processes

Institutional research and assessment

The Big Picture ConsiderationsThe Big Picture Considerations

Better Integration of TechnologyBetter Integration of Technology Large technology

investment does not necessarily mean better outcomes (Christensen & Horn, 2008).

Technology must work with teachers, not against them.

Focus on Student SuccessFocus on Student Success

Technology can be used to help identify and support at-risk students (Darling-Hammond, et al., 2014)

Study found students were more engaged when they created content.

Right to AccessRight to Access

Technological advantages can be realized through access to computers and broadband Internet access (Darling-Hammond, et al., 2014).

Policies makers should address access to keep the playing field even.

Institutional ConsiderationsInstitutional Considerations

Identification of StakeholdersIdentification of Stakeholders

All stakeholders have an interest in technology

StudentsAdministratorsStaffFacultyAlumniParentsCommunity

Technological ToolsTechnological Tools

Successes:Laptop system provides students accessCampus-wide wireless internet

Areas for improvement:Many classrooms do not have any technological resources

Student AdvisementStudent Advisement

Utilization of centralized software to track students across departments and colleges

Computer-based testing to measure student progress

Online Course OfferingsOnline Course Offerings Most undergraduate

courses still lecture-based.

More online offerings could attract non-traditional learners (e.g. adult learners, veterans, etc. )

No physical space demands on already limited facilities

Paperless ProcessesPaperless Processes Many processes and

procedures are still paper based

Redundancy and waste costs money and time

Incremental steps toward paperless should be embraced

Technology BenchmarksTechnology Benchmarks

The institution should look to other schools to find inspiration for technological growth

Successful examples can be found across similar institutions and other sectors

Technology TrainingTechnology Training

Administrators should encourage continuing training for employees.

Resources for students should be promoted and included in orientation content and advisement.

Sources:Sources:Christensen, C. M., & Horn, M. B. (2008). How Do We Transform Our Schools?. Education Next, 8(3), 13-19.

Darling-Hammond, L., Zielezinski, M. B., & Goldman, S. (2014). Using Technology to Support At-Risk Students’ Learning.

Haynie, D. (2014, June 12). New Government Data Sheds Light on Online Learners. U.S. News and World Report. Retrived from www.usnews.com

Lederman, D. (2013, January 8). Growth for Online Learning. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved from www.insidehighered.com