5 Digital Transformation Trends for 2023
2) Online Learning: affordability, access and skills-based learning
College students increasingly expect their schools to offer some online and/or hybrid learning courses, in addition to having access to online counseling and other social activities. With the popularity of more affordable and less time-intensive microcredentials available online, four-year institutions will have to consider a mixed offering that also demonstrates value to employers for skills-based learning. Over 90% of HR professionals value alternative credentials that teach job-related skills, as more employers are stripping away the college degree requirement for job applicants.
3) Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR): modernizing credentials
In line with the above, institutions are transitioning to digitized and expanded transcripts to better demonstrate the ROI of degrees. The next stage is going beyond the traditional course and grade transcript to provide a more useful form of digital credentials that centers around skills-based learning and achievements. Forward-looking institutions are experimenting with comprehensive learner records to highlight the breadth and depth of a student's experience in curricular and cocurricular activities.
4) Assessment Automation: improving student learning outcomes
More rigorous approaches to assessment are needed for compliance, but can also be used more strategically for continuous improvement. Automation of outcomes assessment collection shortens cycles between assessment and improvement. For example, instead of pulling data once per year or once per term, it allows for real-time access so faculty and administrators can react more quickly and more frequently to make improvements in the classroom and intervene before students experience more severe complications. It's a win-win for students and staff accountability and operations.
5) Financial Intelligence: innovation upgrades are needed in the finance department too
Delivering reliable, relevant financial data that decisions can be made from is the CFO's obligation to the board and other key stakeholders. Accreditors are also watching more closely, making accreditation standards for financial accountability more stringent. Having automated financial data readily available and tools in place for planning across the department contributes to the overall financial sustainability of the institution. Therefore, CFOs and business officers must have access to the appropriate digital tools and processes that show evidence of their sustainable budgeting and ROI practices.
Many colleges and universities are well on their way to embracing and implementing digital tools and processes that signify the second wave of Dx. The days when keeping pace with tech was "nice to have" have officially ended. Today's higher ed leaders understand that keeping pace with technology is a matter of staying in business. They also understand that custom higher ed tech capabilities offer the fastest, most reliable way to make campuswide improvements, give students and parents what they're asking for, and show their worth.
While campuses will still go at their own pace (as they should), and budgets will vary greatly (as they do), much of the pre-pandemic resistance to change is lifting quickly. Understanding what's available now, and what's around the corner in terms of Dx is important - even if implementation is a long way out. Keeping pace with Dx innovations, and developing a short list of high-impact areas of improvement on your campus, is a great step in the right direction.