Industry perspective: What to expect in higher ed-tech this year

Dell Education gives insight into 2016’s higher ed-tech advancements.

2016 will be an incredible year for advancements in technology and we will see considerable implications and opportunities in education, from more personalized and meaningful learning to an evolving shift in learning environments. Based on our longtime work in higher education and ongoing conversations with our customers and stakeholders, we’ve identified a few areas where we expect technology to play a larger role for educators and students.

Preparing the next generation workforce.

We recognize there are a number of workforce shortages in certain fields and emerging industries, from healthcare to cybersecurity In 2016, we can expect more curriculum and resources in education that will better prepare students for the workforce needs of the future. A study from the McKinsey Global Institute found that analytical talent will outgrow supply in the United States by almost 200,000 people within three years, demonstrating a massive demand. The Global Cybersecurity Status Report found that 92 percent of companies hiring cybersecurity professionals in 2015 said it would be difficult to find skilled candidates. Technology companies and organizations continue to provide special or even free programs in specific areas, like data science or engineering, to help build the skills for a future-ready workforce.

Mobility-enhanced personalized learning.

Mobile technology and higher education often go hand in hand. Goizueta Business School students at Emory University found themselves spending too much time finding course, program and campus information. The business school equipped the busy MBA students with tablets, providing them with easy access to information. In turn, this enhanced overall student satisfaction and helped foster a culture of personalized learning. In fact, a survey of more than 75,000 students from EDUCAUSE found that mobile device use is continuing to grow at universities and 86 percent of students own a smartphone. Embracing mobility will ultimately lead to richer and more authentic learning opportunities for students.