The higher education industry has seen significant change in past years with emerging technology and increased demand for a modern digital experience. Institutions that adapt and modernize can achieve longevity and stability, and this becomes possible when quality data is easily accessible to those who need it. Eliminating data silos and creating a productive, enriching environment for students and faculty ensures long-term organizational success.
A key quality of becoming a modern institution that embraces change is staying aware and proactive of technology trends in higher education. A Gartner report found that 41% of CIOs at higher education institutions plan on increasing funding for application modernization in 2023, compared to 30% in 2022. In addition, 29% plan to increase funding for enterprise resource planning, and this number was only 17% in 2022. Institutions should be forward-thinking in terms of how simplifying and modernizing systems and processes, and digital transformation in the education industry can be a great foundation for future change.
Current Technology Trends in Higher Education
As systems progress and evolve, expectations heighten, and institutions must keep up with the pace of change. Here are some of the most current technological trends that universities should be aware of when planning for the future of education:
- Student Experience: The student experience is a critical factor in determining the success of any higher education institution. The modern student wants their user experience to be customer-like, with an easy-to-use interface and straightforward access to important information. As a result, institutions today are looking for the latest technology to support and engage students by providing a strong digital experience.
Platforms such as Workday Student provide a seamless mobile experience, engage students throughout their journey, support academic planning, and offer self-service options to users. The platform is designed to keep up with changes in education and provides critical insights in order to make informed decisions. Workday’s academic planner can also track the courses students plan to complete currently or in the future, offering information on course demand. Technology that prioritizes the student allows organizations to focus on their future success. - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence and machine learning have become extremely popular in higher education, and even those who have not yet tapped into their benefits plan to do so. In fact, the Gartner 2023 CIO Agenda found that artificial intelligence and machine learning are the top technologies likely to be implemented by 2025 by higher education institutions. Universities are looking toward AI and machine learning to improve systems and make processes more efficient.
AI has various applications in higher education, including management systems, student information systems, and support services. AI and machine learning can help provide unique experiences and insights for students based on their specific needs and behaviors. With better curriculum management and student analytics, AI and machine learning can create a better environment for both students and staff.
- Cloud Platforms: An integrated cloud platform can be an extremely valuable tool for higher education institutions. If institutions don’t have the right technology to communicate change and implement new solutions, synergy and full-scale cross-functional collaboration will never occur, threatening future success. Cloud-platforms help unify information across HR, Finance, and Student, offering one source of truth and streamlining access to important information.
Cloud technology can perform important tasks such as collecting and consolidating data on courses and completion rates, streamlining academic planning and registration, offering analysis on program effectiveness, and measuring student performance. This helps institutions build a foundation for success and prepare for what is to come. Cloud-based platforms can also be accessed from anywhere, at any time, empowering faculty and students to take initiative and access the information that matters to them.
Prepare for What Comes Next with Digital Transformation in the Education Industry
Competition in higher education intensifies the need for innovation, flexibility, and out-of-the-box thinking. Having the ability to manage student records all in one place and provide a consistent experience is critical to the success of other operations across the institution. Outdated legacy systems are no longer enough to manage the modern student or faculty member, and at a time when engagement is more important than ever, institutions must be looking for ways to innovate and progress.
Digital transformation in higher education helps consolidate student, financial, and HR information into a single system, supporting data consistency and security, and standardizing operational processes. The ability to be proactive of industry change and adapt to the future of education is an invaluable asset to any institution. As technology trends emerge and institutions are faced with evolving or staying the same, it helps to already have the right infrastructure in place to be flexible.
To learn more about how Collaborative Solutions can help your institution leverage the power of digital transformation in higher education, check out our Higher Education page.
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