Education is a key aspect of a country’s economic and social development. Higher education is even more important as it trains future leaders and professionals who will play a vital role in the progress of society.
Digital technology has revolutionized the way we live, work and interact with each other, and has also had a significant impact on education. Digital infrastructure is an essential aspect of higher education in the era in which we live and can improve the quality of learning, accessibility and efficiency.
Digital infrastructure includes information and communications technology, computer networks and software infrastructure. These technologies can be used to create an online learning environment, which allows students to access learning resources and materials anytime, anywhere. The digital infrastructure also enables real-time interaction between students and teachers, which means that students can ask questions and receive immediate feedback.
Personalization of learning is another important aspect of the digital infrastructure. Students can access online learning resources and materials that are tailored to their individual needs, which means they can learn at their own pace and according to their interests. Personalization of learning can also improve students’ motivation and performance, as they are more engaged in their learning when they are offered material that is relevant and engaging to them.
Digital infrastructure is also driving collaboration and teamwork among students. Online platforms and mobile apps allow students to work together on projects and collaborate in real time, enabling them to learn in a more effective and enriching way. Collaboration can also enhance socialization and relationship building among students, which is important for their personal and professional development.
This area, sometimes overlooked by institutions, can improve efficiency in higher education. Therefore, it should cease to be seen as an antagonistic factor to what is known, such as the traditional classroom, the physical infrastructure and the conventional act of teaching, which will continue to exist. However, they must be enhanced by the new digital infrastructure that not only serves teaching and learning, but also student attraction, retention and success.
I have personally seen this firsthand at universities that I have helped to leverage their technology infrastructure, incorporating artificial intelligence and predictive psychology, from HPI. And there is a huge gap that needs to be addressed, not only to incorporate more and better technological processes, but essentially to transform the culture that leaders have within educational institutions.
We need new mentalities that can drive change, innovation and the transformation that is so necessary in the education sector at all levels. This change will not come from outside, neither governments nor ministries will be the ones to come down from Olympus with magic solutions and new paradigms. It is those of us in the education system, teachers, researchers, managers and students, who must change the way we do things.
Not only do we need more and better technological infrastructure, we also need a new mental software to make the required change and build the education that will accompany us in an effective and relevant way during the following decades. Will you join us in this change?